A Bold Move for Passenger Safety

In a groundbreaking decision aimed at enhancing safety aboard its flights, Southwest Airlines has announced that starting May 28, all passengers must keep their portable chargers in plain sight while in use. This crucial policy change comes in response to a series of alarming incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires on planes around the globe.

What You Need to Know

Under the new regulation, all portable chargers—including power banks and battery cases for cell phones—must not be stowed away in overhead bins or tucked inside bags. Instead, they need to remain visible for the entire duration of the flight. According to a statement from Southwest to Gizmodo, 'Using portable charging devices while stored in a bag or overhead bin will no longer be permitted. Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of its customers and employees.'

Carry-On Rules Still Apply

It is important to note that while passengers can keep their chargers in carry-on bags when not in use, once they are powered on and in operation, they must be kept out where they can be monitored.

A Growing Concern Globally

While it remains to be seen if other U.S. airlines will adopt similar measures, the trend of regulating lithium-ion batteries is gaining momentum across the aviation industry. Notably, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways have already banned the use of portable chargers entirely during flights, while Korean Airlines restricts them from overhead bins.

Understanding the Risks

Research from UL Standards & Engagement indicates that the typical U.S. airline passenger travels with an average of four rechargeable devices, with smartphones leading the pack at 82%. The risks are evident, as vaping devices accounted for 35% of all incident reports in 2023, with power banks trailing close behind at 16%. As the FAA advises, 'Passengers should notify flight crew immediately if their lithium battery or device is overheating, expanding, smoking, or burning.'