Overview

• Southwest Airlines will require passengers to keep power banks visible during use, prohibiting charging them inside bags or overhead bins.
• The policy, effective May 28, 2025, is the first of its kind among U.S. airlines and aims to enhance in-flight safety measures.
• This change follows a January 2025 Air Busan fire caused by an overheating power bank, which injured seven passengers.
• FAA data shows 19 lithium battery fire incidents so far in 2025, following a record-high 89 incidents in 2024.
• Passengers using the Southwest app are being notified of the new rule through pop-up alerts during check-in.