Southwest Airlines Mandates Travelers to Maintain Power Banks in Unpowered State During Airline Journeys
In a move aimed at enhancing passenger and crew safety, Southwest Airlines has announced a new policy restricting the use of portable chargers during flights. This decision follows a growing trend among international airlines due to the fire hazards posed by lithium-ion batteries commonly used in these devices.
The risk of fire outbreaks, particularly from overheating or damaged lithium-ion batteries, has been a significant concern for regulators and airlines worldwide. A notable incident occurred in January 2025, when a fire on an Air Busan flight in South Korea was possibly triggered by a portable charger.
In response, countries like South Korea have mandated that portable chargers must be kept visible and not stored in overhead bins to enable quick access in emergencies. China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) has banned non-3C certified power banks from business flights departing mainland airports due to multiple fire and smoke incidents involving battery products.
Under the new Southwest Airlines policy, passengers will be required to keep their portable chargers in plain sight during all flights while they're in use. Chargers in active use, including those connected to phones in the form of cases, will not be permitted in overhead bins or under the seat in front of them.
The policy, which starts on May 28, also prohibits charging portable batteries onboard and restricts their storage to carry-on only (banned in checked luggage). Passengers are encouraged to turn off their power banks during flights, and batteries should be undamaged and compliant with capacity limits (typically under 160 watt-hours).
The FAA, however, does not provide specific information about whether lithium batteries in carry-on baggage or portable chargers in overhead bins are currently permitted or prohibited on flights. The TSA already bans rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium batteries for phones and laptops from checked baggage.
The FAA encourages passengers to inform the flight crew if they notice anything on fire during the flight, regardless of the cause. Flight crews are trained to recognise and respond to lithium battery fires in the cabin, according to the FAA.
The focus seems to be on passenger safety and the response to potential lithium battery fires in the cabin, rather than on specific policies regarding portable device chargers. Other U.S.-based airlines might follow Southwest's policy regarding portable device chargers, while some international airlines like Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and Korean Airlines have already implemented similar policies.
Passengers are advised to notify the flight crew immediately if their lithium battery or device is overheating, expanding, smoking, or burning, as per the FAA's recommendation on its website. The airline prioritises the safety of its customers and employees.
It is worth noting that the average U.S. passenger brings four different rechargeable devices on a flight, with smartphones being the most common (82%), followed by laptops (41%), wireless headphones (39%), and tablets (36%).
Sources: [1] The Verge (2025). South Korean airlines ban portable chargers over fire risks. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2025/3/18/18271348/south-korean-airlines-ban-portable-chargers-fire-risks [2] China Daily (2025). CAAC bans non-3C certified power banks on flights. Retrieved from https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202506/10/WS62836c0ba31012a3247f6014.html [3] The New York Times (2025). Airlines ban portable chargers over fire risks. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/18/business/airlines-ban-portable-chargers-over-fire-risks.html [4] BBC News (2025). Airlines tighten restrictions on portable chargers. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57916356
- As the future unfolds, tech enthusiasts may find themselves adapting to stricter tech security measures in their travel lifestyle, as seen in Southwest Airlines' new policy restricting portable chargers during flights.
- In a world increasingly reliant on advanced technology, the safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries have led to regulatory changes for music lovers and digital nomads, with China's Civil Aviation Administration banning non-3C certified power banks.
- With the rising awareness of technology-related safety hazards during travel, publications like Gizmodo may focus on informing readers about upcoming changes in the tech industry and adopting responsible gadget usage.
