Photo: Milko / iStock / Getty Images
Southwest Airlines has announced a new policy prohibiting passengers from using portable charging devices stored inside carry-on bags. Starting May 28, passengers must keep power banks and chargers visible while in use during flights, such as in a seat pocket or on a tray table, to prevent potential fire hazards.
The airline's decision is driven by safety concerns over lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat and catch fire. Southwest is the first U.S. airline to implement this policy, which aligns with similar rules adopted by several Asian carriers, including those in South Korea.
While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows portable batteries in carry-on luggage, Southwest's new rule aims to enhance safety by ensuring chargers are not used in overhead bins or stored in bags during flights.
“This policy by Southwest is trying to minimize and address that risk by having them visible and accessible,” Hassan Shahidi, president and CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation, a nonprofit that advocates for aviation safety, told The Washington Post. “If it is not accessible, it is a problem.”
The FAA has documented over 600 incidents involving lithium batteries since 2006, with 22 incidents already reported in 2025.