Southwest Airways has modified its guidelines round transportable chargers and energy banks. Transferring ahead if you wish to cost your cellphone throughout a flight, your energy financial institution will must be seen when in use. This implies you will not be capable of cost your cellphone inside your carry-on bag or the overhead bins. The brand new security coverage is meant to decrease the chance of lithium-ion battery fires.
This alteration is available in response to a collection of incidents involving overheating lithium-ion batteries. In accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration, there have been 22 battery-related incidents on flights in 2025 alone, following a file 89 such occasions in 2024. Notably, a fireplace aboard an Air Busan flight in South Korea in January — suspected to have been brought on by an influence financial institution with deteriorated insulation — led to the evacuation of 176 individuals, together with passengers and crew.
Learn extra: The Finest Solution to Pack Your Carry-On Bag to Breeze By means of TSA Strains
Whereas the FAA and the Transportation Safety Administration at present permit lithium-powered gadgets like e-cigarettes and energy banks in carry-on baggage however prohibit them in checked baggage, they don’t mandate that transportable chargers be stored in plain sight. Southwest’s new coverage goes a step additional, aligning with practices already adopted by some Asia-based carriers, together with Singapore Airways, AirAsia and all South Korean airways, in accordance with Reuters.
This transfer by Southwest Airways displays a rising concern within the aviation {industry} relating to the protected transport and use of lithium-ion batteries on plane. Passengers are inspired to remain knowledgeable about airline insurance policies and to deal with digital gadgets with care to make sure a protected journey expertise.
“Southwest will introduce a first-in-industry security coverage on Could 28 requiring clients to maintain transportable charging gadgets seen whereas in use throughout flight,” Southwest Airways confirmed in an announcement to CNET through e mail. “Utilizing transportable charging gadgets whereas saved in a bag or overhead bin will not be permitted. Nothing is extra vital to Southwest than the security of its clients and workers.”
For extra travel-related articles, discover these journey necessities you want for each trip after which check out this journey guidelines. You must also learn concerning the new Actual ID requirement for getting by way of airport safety.
