Southwest Airlines Limits Portable Chargers on Flights

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

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:23pm

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the grand, sweeping architecture of an airport terminal or airplane, rendered in smooth, airbrushed gradients of blues, grays, and silvers to capture the scale and power of modern air travel.New airline policies aim to mitigate the growing safety risks posed by portable electronics on flights.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, and they will be prohibited from charging devices using in-seat power outlets. The airline says this policy change is part of its efforts to proactively manage safety risks and care for customers.

Why it matters

The new Southwest policy comes in response to a rise in incidents involving smoke, fire, or extreme heat from portable batteries on planes. Airlines and regulators worldwide have been implementing tighter restrictions on power banks to mitigate this growing safety concern, which can pose a serious risk if not properly handled.

The details

Southwest's updated rules limit each passenger to one portable lithium charger in a carry-on bag, prohibiting them from storing the power banks in the cabin and requiring they be kept on the person or under the seat. Passengers will also be barred from charging devices using in-seat power outlets. The airline says it 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 on all its aircraft by mid-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 outlining the new policy.

FAA

The U.S. 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 flights and at the airport, but will not aggressively enforce it by searching bags and confiscating chargers.

The takeaway

This policy change by Southwest Airlines is part of a broader industry-wide effort to address the growing safety risks posed by portable lithium-ion batteries on flights. While inconvenient for some passengers, the new restrictions aim to proactively mitigate the potential for in-flight fires and other battery-related incidents.