Why Southwest Airlines Now Requires Portable Chargers to Be Visible

Southwest Airlines has introduced a new safety measure. Starting May 28, 2025, the carrier changed its policy. This new rule targets portable chargers and power banks. It is the first such rule among major U.S. airlines.

New Rules for Portable Chargers

The new Southwest Airlines policy requires all portable chargers to be visible and not stored in bags. This rule applies when the device is actively in use. Passengers cannot charge devices in overhead bins. The goal is to quickly spot any overheating issues. This allows crew to respond fast to a fire hazard.

The airline also warns against packing recalled or damaged batteries. Such items can easily pose a fire hazard.

Why the Policy Change?

The change follows a rise in in-cabin fire incidents. These events are often caused by lithium-ion batteries. The batteries can enter a dangerous "thermal runaway". This is a rapid, self-sustaining overheating reaction.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has tracked these dangers for years. From 2006 to April 2025, the FAA verified 620 lithium battery incidents. Battery packs caused 240 of these events. More than 50 incidents were logged in 2025 alone.

A recent event involved a Virgin Australia flight. In July 2025, a power bank caught fire in an overhead locker. Crew extinguished the fire before landing. This incident prompted new safety guidelines in Australia.

Comparison to Other U.S. Carriers

This new Southwest Airlines rule sets a new standard. The U.S. airline power bank policy is generally less strict. The "big three" U.S. carriers, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines, have no similar cabin restriction.

Their policies focus on traveling with lithium batteries in checked bags. Spare lithium batteries must be in carry-on bags only. The FAA mandates that power banks remain accessible. However, it does not specify they must be visible while in use.

Global Aviation Response

International airlines have also reacted to this risk. Carriers like AirAsia and Lufthansa have stricter rules. Some have banned charging power banks in-flight. South Korea and Hong Kong regulators passed new rules. They require power banks to be kept near the passenger.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) stresses safe practices. Passengers must keep lithium batteries in cabin baggage. They should also protect terminals from short circuits. This proactive step is crucial for commercial aviation news and safety. The new Southwest Airlines rule improves passenger safety. It allows flight crews to act quickly.