Southwest Airlines Announces New Rule Change for All Passengers

Southwest Airlines has announced a rule change for all passengers that places limits on a very popular item that travelers often carry aboard their flights.

Over the past several months, portable chargers and power banks have become a focal point of airport security as the TSA has begun cracking down on the devices, and airlines have begun making special safety rules for how they are stored.

Now, Southwest Airlines is limiting the number of portable chargers and power banks that passengers can bring on their planes.

Safety Risk of Portable Chargers

Portable chargers and power banks have become a focal point for TSA and airlines in recent months.

Earlier this year, the TSA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that all lithium and lithium-ion batteries must be kept in carry-on luggage and can no longer be put in checked luggage.

This decision was because “all lithium-ion batteries are capable of overheating” and undergoing a process called thermal runaway, the agencies said in their announcement earlier this year.

“Thermal runaway can occur without warning as a result of various factors, including if the battery is damaged, overheated, exposed to water, overcharged, or improperly packed. Thermal runaway can also occur on its own due to manufacturing defects,” the FAA wrote in its announcement banning lithium batteries in checked luggage.

Southwest announced its own safety rules regarding these devices, requiring all passengers to keep portable chargers and power banks in plain sight during the flight.

“Southwest will introduce a first-in-industry Safety policy on May 28 requiring Customers to keep portable charging devices visible while in use during flight,” the airline said in a statement last May. “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.”

This policy was designed to make it easier for flight attendants to handle critical situations.

“In the rare event a lithium battery overheats or catches fire, quick access is critical and keeping power banks in plain sight allow for faster intervention and helps protect everyone onboard,” Southwest Airlines said.

Limit of 1 Portable Charger

Amid these concerns about lithium batteries, Southwest Airlines has enacted a new rule for all customers, limiting passengers to one portable charger per person, according to a message sent to employees that was viewed by Fox News Business.

"To ensure a smooth and informed customer journey, Southwest will notify customers about this updated policy at key moments leading up to their trip — including pre-trip and check-in, so they have time to plan and prepare," Dave Hunt, vice president of safety and security at Southwest, said in a message to customers, via Fox News Business.

The new policy also states that portable chargers must be kept on the passenger or stored in a carry-on bag under the seat. They will no longer be permitted in overhead bins.

While this is a significant change, Southwest has committed to bringing in-seat power to its fleet to allow customers to charge their devices.

"By mid-year 2027, our entire fleet will feature in-seat power, reducing reliance on portable chargers and supporting a more consistent, convenient inflight experience," Hunt said.