Southwest Limits Passengers to One Portable Charger Due to Fire Risks

The airline is cracking down on lithium-powered devices to address growing concerns over onboard battery fires.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:23pm

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Southwest Airlines is implementing a new policy that restricts passengers to bringing only one portable charger per person on flights, with a cap of 100 watt-hours. The devices must be kept on the person or in a bag under the seat, and cannot be stored in overhead bins. This move is aimed at mitigating the risk of lithium battery fires onboard, which have become an increasing concern for airlines.

Why it matters

Portable chargers and power banks have been linked to a rising number of onboard smoke and fire incidents, prompting airlines to take stronger safety measures. Lithium-ion battery fires can quickly escalate into uncontrollable situations at 35,000 feet, posing a serious threat to passenger safety. Southwest's new restrictions are part of a broader industry effort to proactively manage this growing risk.

The details

Southwest's new policy, which takes effect on April 20, 2026, will require passengers to keep their portable chargers either on their person or in a bag under the seat. The devices will be banned from overhead storage. Southwest is also capping the wattage of allowed chargers at 100 watt-hours. The airline plans to notify customers of the changes during booking, check-in, at the airport, and onboard. Southwest says it is working to expand in-seat power options across its fleet by mid-2027 to reduce reliance on portable chargers.

  • The new policy takes effect on April 20, 2026.
  • Southwest plans to equip its entire fleet with in-seat power by mid-2027.

The players

Southwest Airlines

A major U.S. airline headquartered in Dallas, Texas that is implementing new restrictions on portable chargers due to fire safety concerns.

Dave Hunt

The vice president of safety and security at Southwest Airlines, who announced the new policy in an internal message to employees.

Steven Arroyo

An air safety expert and retired United Airlines captain who says the new restrictions are a necessary response to the potential hazard of lithium battery fires on aircraft.

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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

“I think it's a step in the right direction … to address the potential for these lithium batteries when they overheat leading to a thermal runaway. That's the worst thing you could have happening on board an airliner at 35,000 feet. It's basically an uncontrollable fire.”

— Steven Arroyo, Air Safety Expert, Retired United Airlines Captain

What’s next

Southwest plans to equip its entire fleet with in-seat power by mid-2027 in an effort to reduce reliance on portable chargers and further mitigate the risk of lithium battery fires onboard.

The takeaway

Southwest's new restrictions on portable chargers highlight the growing industry-wide concern over the fire hazards posed by lithium-ion batteries at high altitudes. As these incidents continue to rise, airlines are taking proactive steps to enhance safety and protect passengers, even if it means limiting the personal devices allowed onboard.