Starting May 28, Southwest Airlines will implement a new safety policy requiring passengers to keep battery packs and portable charging devices visible when in use during flights. The airline says this “first-in-industry” rule is designed to enhance inflight safety by helping crew members quickly identify and address potential hazards.
“Using portable charging devices while stored in a bag or overhead bin will no longer be permitted,” the airline said in a statement. “Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of its Customers and Employees.”
The move comes amid rising concern over lithium-ion battery-related incidents onboard aircraft. These batteries, found in common devices like smartphones, laptops, and medical gear, can overheat and ignite under certain conditions. According to FAA data, at least 22 incidents involving lithium batteries have occurred in air travel so far in 2025, some involving fires.
What passengers need to know:
Battery packs and portable chargers must be in plain view when in use
Use while inside bags or stored overhead is prohibited
Policy takes effect May 28 across all Southwest flights
Southwest’s decision may influence similar policies across the airline industry as safety concerns about battery-powered devices continue to mount.
Related topics:
- LANG Electronics Inc. Launches P.LANE Type 436 All Tube Varimu Compressor
- Dyson Launches Ultra-Slim PencilVac, Calling It “The Broom of the Future”
- Eco-Friendly, High-Tech Lawn Mowers Fuel Steady Market Growth Through 2035
