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Southwest Has a Strict New Safety Rule About Chargers
After dozens of recalls and safety incidents involving exploding portable charging devices, one airline is making a major change.
Southwest Airlines now require passengers to keep portable battery chargers in their sight and out of any bags or storage areas while being used. Popular among travelers for keeping a phone battery or other electronics fully charged, battery packs have grown in popularity, however some of the devices have been recalled or led to hazardous outcomes.
The updated policy took effect on May 28, a Southwest Airlines spokesperson confirmed to Travel + Leisure.
'When a portable charger/power bank is used during a flight, it must be out of any baggage and remain in plain sight,' Southwest Airlines shares about the policy.
The airline said that keeping power banks visible and away from contact with items in a bag can help keep the entire aircraft safe. 'Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of its Customers and Employees,' a Southwest Airlines spokesperson shared with T+L.
The good news for Southwest passengers is that the airline introduced USB ports on its aircraft in 2023, and the ports include both USB-A and USB-C, which means a battery charging device isn't always necessary. The policy change comes as other airlines have also placed restrictions on portable chargers and lithium batteries. For example, Malaysia-based AirAsia announced a ban on the portable chargers which took effect on April 1, and Thailand-based Thai Airways also started a similar policy on March 15.
Wireless portable power chargers have also been subject to recall. For example, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission recently published a "replace" advisory for 429,000 Casely Wireless Portable Power Banks due to overheating, igniting, and burn hazards.
In 2019, the agency published another alert for other power bank chargers that were small enough to fit on a key ring.
In addition to portable battery chargers, airlines also have restrictions for batteries themselves. For example, American Airlines restricts passengers to only have four spare batteries in a carry-on bag when they are less than 100Wh. The airline currently prohibits any damaged batteries or automobile batteries from being checked or carried on aircraft due to potential danger.
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