Southwest Limits Passengers to One Portable Charger Amid Fire Risks

Airline bans overhead storage of power banks to address growing safety concerns over lithium battery incidents on flights.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, featuring a sweeping, airbrushed gradient backdrop and a towering, streamlined airport terminal or aircraft in the foreground, capturing the grand scale and romance of air travel without any literal depictions of people or text.Southwest's new restrictions on portable chargers aim to reduce the growing risk of onboard battery fires, a safety concern that has escalated across the aviation industry.Wichita Falls Today

Southwest Airlines is implementing a new policy that restricts passengers to bringing only one portable power bank or charger per person, with a 100 watt-hour limit. The devices must also be kept on the person or under the seat, rather than stored in overhead bins, due to concerns over midair fires and smoke incidents linked to overheating lithium batteries.

Why it matters

Lithium-powered devices like portable chargers have been increasingly linked to onboard smoke and fire incidents on flights, prompting airlines to take stronger safety measures. Southwest's new restrictions aim to mitigate the risk of uncontrollable battery fires at high altitudes.

The details

Under the new policy, which takes effect on April 20, Southwest passengers will only be allowed to bring one lithium-powered portable charger per person, with a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours. The devices must be kept either on the person or in a bag under the seat, and cannot be stored in overhead bins. Southwest says the changes are part of its broader effort to strengthen safety and reduce in-flight incidents related to overheating batteries.

  • The new policy will go into effect on April 20, 2026.
  • Southwest plans to equip its entire fleet with in-seat power by mid-2027 to reduce reliance on portable chargers.

The players

Southwest Airlines

A major U.S. airline headquartered in Dallas, Texas, known for its low-cost, no-frills service.

Dave Hunt

The vice president of safety and security at Southwest Airlines, who announced the new portable charger policy.

Steven Arroyo

An air safety expert and retired United Airlines captain who commented on the necessity of the new restrictions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 and Retired United Airlines Captain

What’s next

Southwest plans to notify customers of the new portable charger policy at multiple points before travel, including during booking, check-in, and through airport signage and onboard announcements.

The takeaway

Southwest's new restrictions on portable chargers highlight the growing aviation industry concerns over the fire risks posed by lithium-powered devices, and the need for proactive safety measures to protect passengers and crew from potential midair emergencies.