Overview

• Southwest Airlines' new policy prohibits using portable chargers stored in bags or overhead bins during flights, aiming to mitigate fire risks linked to lithium-ion batteries.
• The airline's decision follows a rise in battery-related incidents, with the FAA reporting 22 cases in 2025 so far, compared to 89 in 2024.
• Passengers are being notified of the rule via the airline's app ahead of its implementation on May 28, 2025.
• Southwest is the first U.S.-based airline to enforce such a measure, aligning with similar international policies by carriers like Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways.
• The policy is designed to allow flight crews quicker access to overheating devices, enabling faster intervention to protect passengers and crew.