Southwest Airlines Limits Passengers to One Portable Charger

New policy aims to reduce risks of in-flight battery fires

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the sleek silhouette of an airplane against a backdrop of sweeping, abstract clouds and sky, conveying the grand scale and modern aesthetic of air travel.New airline policies aim to balance passenger convenience with the safety risks posed by ubiquitous portable chargers.Washington Today

Southwest Airlines has announced a new policy effective April 20 that will limit passengers to carrying only one lithium portable charger on flights. The airline is also banning these chargers from being stored in overhead bins and prohibiting them from being recharged using in-seat power. This move comes after the United Nations aviation agency issued new rules last month restricting the use of power banks to two per passenger.

Why it matters

Portable chargers have become ubiquitous for air travelers, but their lithium-ion batteries pose a fire risk if they malfunction or are damaged. Airlines are increasingly concerned about the potential for in-flight battery fires, which can be difficult to extinguish and pose a serious safety hazard. Southwest's new policy aims to mitigate this risk by further restricting the number and use of portable chargers on their flights.

The details

Southwest's new policy, effective April 20, will limit passengers to carrying only one lithium portable charger on flights. These chargers will also be banned from being stored in overhead bins and cannot be recharged using the in-seat power available on planes. This aligns with new rules issued last month by the United Nations aviation agency, which restricted the use of power banks to a maximum of two per passenger.

  • The new Southwest Airlines policy goes into effect on April 20, 2026.
  • Last month, the United Nations aviation agency issued new rules limiting power bank usage to two per passenger.

The players

Southwest Airlines

A major U.S. airline that operates flights across the country.

United Nations aviation agency

The international organization that sets standards and regulations for the global aviation industry.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

As portable electronics become more ubiquitous, airlines are taking proactive steps to address the fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries. Southwest's new policy aligns with broader industry efforts to enhance in-flight safety and mitigate the potential for dangerous battery-related incidents.