Beginning on May 28, Southwest Airlines will start requiring people to keep their lightweight phone chargers and power banks visible while traveling. In an effort to reduce the risk of lithium-ion power fires, the airline may prohibit the use of these items while they are kept in carry-on luggage or overhead bins.

This policy change was made in response to a number of incidents involving lithium-ion chargers overheating. There were 22 battery-related instances on planes in 2025 only, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, compared to a report 89 in 2024. Notable: 176 people, including passengers and the crew, were forced to leave an Air Busan journey in South Korea in January after a power banks suspected of having deteriorated coating was caught in a blaze.

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While the FAA and TSA now permit lithium-powered items like e-cigarettes and power businesses in checked luggage but forbid them in checked luggage, they do not require that lightweight chargers been kept in plain view. According to Reuters, Southwest’s new scheme goes one step further, reversing methods that some Asian-based companies have now adopted, including those of Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, and all South Asian flights.

This action by Southwest Airlines reflects a growing problem in the aviation sector regarding the secure storage and use of lithium-ion capacitors on board. To maintain a safe journey experience, passengers are advised to stay informed about flight policies and to use caution when handling electronic devices.

Southwest Airlines confirmed in a speech to Wired via email that” Southwest will create a first-in-industry security policy in place on May 28 requiring customers to keep lightweight getting devices visible while in use during journey.” It is against the law to store compact charging equipment in bags or overhead bins. Nothing is more critical to Southwest than the security of its employees and customers.

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