Southwest Airlines is implementing a strict safety change, and you should be aware of it before your next flight. Starting April 20, passengers flying Southwest will only be allowed to bring one portable charger or power bank with them.
Not only that, but you also cannot place the charger in the overhead bin or checked luggage, and it must stay within sight at all times when in use. The rule is stricter than what the International Civil Aviation Organization recommended last month, which capped portable chargers at two per passenger.
Why is this suddenly a big deal?
According to an AP report, lithium battery fires on planes are becoming more common. The Federal Aviation Administration recorded 97 incidents in 2025 alone. UL Standards and Engagement, the organization that sets guidelines for portable chargers, said that it hears about two battery incidents every week.
The risk is real, and anyone who remembers the January 2025 Air Busan fire knows how fast things can go wrong. A fire broke out on the plane while it was still on the ground at a South Korean airport, forcing all 176 passengers to evacuate before the flames burned through the roof.
The only silver lining of the incident was that it occurred on the ground. We can’t even imagine what would have happened if the fire had started mid-flight.
Should you be worried about your next flight?
Not right now, but it’s worth paying attention. Southwest says it won’t be searching bags or confiscating chargers, but it will ensure passengers are told the policy at the time of booking and at the airport.
The company will also equip flight attendants with fire-resistant bags and insulated gloves to handle overheating devices. Southwest’s Vice President of Safety, Dave Hunt, says the new rule will strengthen the airline’s ability to contain battery incidents before they escalate.
To make the transition easier, Southwest plans to install in-seat power across its entire fleet by mid-next year. So you’ll have one fewer power bank, but at least you’ll have somewhere to plug in.