Southwest Airlines will limit passengers to one portable charger per flight starting April 20 to mitigate the rising risk of lithium battery fires occurring on commercial aircraft.

Key Points

• Southwest Airlines passengers are restricted to one portable charger, which must remain in the cabin rather than checked luggage.
• The Federal Aviation Administration reported 97 lithium battery incidents in 2025, marking a significant increase in aviation safety concerns.
• Portable charger incidents rose by 42% in 2025, prompting the airline to implement stricter safety guidelines than international recommendations.
• Southwest plans to install in-seat power on all aircraft by mid-2026 to reduce passenger reliance on external battery packs.
• Flight crews are equipped with fire-resistant bags and insulated gloves to contain potential battery fires during transit.

Why it Matters

This policy shift reflects a growing industry-wide effort to address the increasing frequency of lithium battery fires caused by the proliferation of personal electronic devices. By prioritizing safety through passenger education and infrastructure upgrades, airlines aim to prevent catastrophic mid-flight emergencies while balancing the modern traveler's need for mobile power.