Why Southwest Airlines bans portable chargers in carry-on bags

Southwest Airlines has become the first US carrier to enforce a new rule prohibiting passengers from using portable chargers (power banks) inside carry-on bags during flights. Effective 28 May, the policy is a response to rising safety concerns about lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat or catch fire mid-air. While power banks will still be allowed in carry-ons, they must remain powered off and in plain sight, such as in seat pockets or on tray tables, when in use. The goal, Southwest says, is to ensure quick access and fast intervention in emergencies to protect passengers and crew alike. The airline says the move exceeds current FAA guidelines, aiming to prevent in-flight lithium battery fires. Similar bans have been introduced internationally following recent aircraft incidents.

Southwest Airlines’ argument for banning portable chargers
Southwest Airlines’ decision to restrict the use of portable chargers inside carry-on bags is rooted in growing safety concerns over lithium-ion batteries. These batteries, found in everyday devices like smartphones, laptops and portable power banks, pose a well-documented risk of overheating. When a lithium battery overheats, it can enter a hazardous state known as thermal runaway, in which the battery experiences a rapid, uncontrollable increase in temperature and pressure. This process can release flammable gases, potentially leading to smoke, fire or even explosions within the confined environment of an aircraft cabin.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has tracked 620 lithium-related fire incidents on US flights since 2006, with 240 of those involving portable battery packs specifically. These alarming statistics support Southwest’s position that passengers should not charge devices from inside carry-on luggage, where overheating could go unnoticed until it becomes a serious threat. By requiring that power banks be visible, placed in a seat pocket or on a tray table, Southwest believes flight crews can respond more quickly in emergencies, helping to prevent injuries and minimise damage. The airline maintains that this visibility is key to fast intervention, and ultimately, to the safety of everyone onboard.

FAA and TSA rules vs. Southwest’s new policy
Current FAA and TSA regulations already ban power banks from checked baggage but allow them in carry-ons. However, Southwest is taking a stricter stance by requiring power banks to be visible and not actively charging devices while inside bags. This visibility allows for quicker response in the event of overheating or fire. It is a proactive step beyond existing federal guidance, similar to measures taken by Air Busan after a devastating fire incident earlier this year.

A growing safety concern in the skies
The frequency of these incidents is rising. In 2024, the FAA recorded 81 lithium-battery-related events, an average of 1.6 per week. In one instance, a fire on an American Airlines flight in April 2025 forced an emergency landing after a power bank ignited. In January, a phone caught fire aboard a United Airlines flight, prompting the use of a thermal containment bag to prevent further damage.

What passengers need to know
Passengers flying Southwest after 28 May should:

• Keep power banks in a seat pocket or on the tray table when charging.
• Ensure the device is powered off when stored in bags.
• Never place active charging devices inside carry-ons or overhead bins.

As personal electronic devices become more common, the risks associated with their lithium-ion batteries increase. Southwest Airlines’ new policy is designed to reduce onboard hazards by requiring portable chargers to be visible and powered off during flights. Though this may inconvenience some travellers, the rule reflects a broader shift in aviation towards prioritising safety over convenience. With incidents of battery overheating on the rise, the airline’s proactive stance underscores the need for vigilance in managing emerging tech-related threats in the cabin. Ultimately, the policy aims to protect passengers and crew from the growing dangers posed by modern portable electronics.