Southwest now makes you show your power bank while charging on flights

New policy took effect May 28

Southwest Airlines now requires passengers to keep portable chargers in plain sight while using them on flights. The rule took effect May 28, 2025, and applies to all Southwest flights.

Passengers can no longer charge devices inside bags or overhead bins. Southwest called this a “first-in-industry” safety policy.

The airline wants flight crews to spot any problems with overheating batteries before they become dangerous.

Lithium batteries can catch fire quickly

Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and burst into flames without warning.

When a charger sits inside a bag or overhead bin, crew members may not notice smoke or heat until the situation turns serious.

Southwest designed the new rule so flight attendants can watch charging devices and respond quickly if something goes wrong. Keeping power banks visible gives crews precious extra seconds to act.

FAA recorded 89 battery incidents in 2024

The Federal Aviation Administration verified 89 lithium battery incidents on aircraft in 2024, which set a new annual record. These incidents involve smoke, fire, or extreme heat from batteries.

The FAA has tracked more than 600 such events since 2006. Battery packs and power banks cause nearly 40% of all incidents.

The rising numbers pushed airlines to look for new safety measures.

Air Busan plane destroyed by fire

An Air Busan plane caught fire on January 28, 2025, at an airport in South Korea. The Airbus A321 was preparing to taxi when flames broke out in an overhead bin.

All 176 people on board escaped the aircraft, but 27 passengers suffered injuries during the evacuation. The fire completely destroyed the plane.

This dramatic event grabbed attention from airlines around the world.

Power bank caused the blaze

South Korean authorities investigated the Air Busan fire and found that a power bank with broken insulation likely started the blaze. Investigators discovered burn marks on battery remains in the overhead bin area.

The power bank had been stored inside a carry-on bag.

This was not the first time Korean officials suspected a power bank caused a fire on one of the country’s airlines.

Asian carriers imposed strict bans

Several Asian airlines responded with tough new rules after the Air Busan fire. South Korea banned power banks in overhead bins starting in March 2025.

Singapore Airlines banned all power bank use on flights in April 2025, and Thai Airways followed with its own ban on March 15, 2025.

Passengers on these carriers must keep power banks within arm’s reach or in seat pockets. Many also banned charging power banks from seat USB ports.

Emirates banned all in-flight use

Emirates went even further and banned all in-flight power bank use starting October 1, 2025. Passengers may carry one power bank under 100 watt-hours, but it must stay switched off during the entire flight.

The device must be stored in the seat pocket or under the seat in front.

Emirates does not allow passengers to store power banks in overhead bins at any time during the flight.

Delta United and American have no rule

Delta, United, and American Airlines have not adopted visibility requirements like Southwest’s policy. These carriers follow standard FAA rules that require power banks in carry-on bags rather than checked luggage.

None of the three airlines requires passengers to remove chargers from bags while using them. Southwest remains the only major U.

S. airline with this specific safety rule in place.

What Southwest passengers should know

Passengers can still bring power banks on Southwest flights.

The airline allows up to 20 spare batteries per passenger, and chargers must be under 100 watt-hours without special approval.

When using a charger during a flight, passengers must keep it on their lap or tray table where crew members can see it. Charging devices inside a backpack, purse, or overhead bin is no longer permitted.

Why lithium batteries pose risks

Lithium-ion batteries contain highly reactive materials that can become dangerous. Damage, manufacturing defects, or overcharging can cause batteries to overheat rapidly.

A process called thermal runaway creates uncontrollable heat that can exceed 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit. Once a lithium battery fire starts, it spreads quickly and proves very difficult to put out with standard methods.

How to travel safely with chargers

Passengers should never pack power banks in checked luggage because fires in the cargo hold are harder to fight.

Travelers should inspect chargers for swelling or damage before flying and buy devices from trusted brands with safety certifications. Covering battery terminals with tape helps prevent short circuits.

Anyone who notices smoke, heat, or swelling from a device should alert the flight crew right away.

More airlines may adopt similar rules

Battery incidents continue to rise in 2025, and the FAA issued a safety alert in September 2025. Australian airlines adopted new power bank rules in December 2025.

Industry experts expect more U. S.

carriers to tighten their policies as incidents climb.

Passengers should check their airline’s specific rules before each flight because requirements vary and continue to change.

This article was created with AI assistance and human editing.

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