Southwest Airlines Limits Portable Chargers on Flights

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

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:51pm

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A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, depicting the sweeping, monumental architecture of an airport terminal with sleek, streamlined forms and smooth gradients, conceptually representing the scale and grandeur of air travel.Southwest's new restrictions on portable chargers aim to mitigate the growing risk of in-flight battery fires, reflecting the airline's focus on passenger safety.Imperial Today

Southwest Airlines has announced new restrictions on the number of portable lithium chargers and power banks that passengers can bring on flights. Starting April 20, each passenger will be limited to one portable charger, which must be kept in an under-seat bag or on their person. The airline is also prohibiting passengers from charging their devices using in-seat power outlets. This policy change comes after the FAA reported nearly 100 incidents involving smoke, fire, or extreme heat from portable batteries on planes last year.

Why it matters

The new Southwest policy is part of a broader industry effort to address the growing safety concerns around lithium-ion battery fires on aircraft. Several other airlines and countries have already introduced similar restrictions, following incidents like a fire on an Air Busan plane in 2025. Southwest's proactive approach aims to get ahead of the issue and protect both passengers and crew.

The details

Under the new Southwest policy, each passenger will be limited to carrying one portable lithium charger or power bank in their carry-on luggage. These devices cannot be stored in the overhead bins and must instead be kept in an under-seat bag or on the passenger's person. Passengers will also be prohibited from charging their devices using the in-seat power outlets. Southwest says this change is intended to 'contain and mitigate' the risk of in-flight battery fires. The airline plans to have power outlets installed across its entire fleet by mid-2027, reducing the need for passengers to bring their own chargers.

  • The new Southwest policy takes effect on April 20, 2026.
  • Southwest plans to have power outlets installed in all of its aircraft by the middle of 2027.

The players

Southwest Airlines

A major U.S. airline that has announced new restrictions on the number of portable chargers and power banks passengers can bring on flights.

Dave Hunt

The vice president of safety and security at Southwest Airlines, who sent an internal memo to employees about the new policy.

FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration, which reported nearly 100 incidents involving smoke, fire, or extreme heat from portable batteries on planes last year.

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What they’re saying

“Our approach reflects our Culture of Safety and Security in action: Proactively managing risk and caring for our Customers and People at every step.”

— Dave Hunt, Vice President of Safety and Security, Southwest Airlines

What’s next

Southwest says it will inform travelers of the new policy when they book their flights and at the airport, but will not aggressively enforce the policy by searching bags and confiscating chargers.

The takeaway

This new policy from Southwest Airlines is part of a broader industry effort to address the growing safety risks associated with lithium-ion battery fires on aircraft. By limiting the number of portable chargers passengers can bring, Southwest aims to proactively manage this risk and prioritize the safety of its customers and crew.