Southwest Limits Passengers to One Portable Charger Due to Fire Risks

New policy aims to reduce midair incidents involving overheating lithium-ion batteries.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:03am

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the grand scale and streamlined forms of air travel, with sweeping gradients and towering perspectives, conceptually representing the aviation industry's efforts to address the risks of portable electronic devices.As airlines grapple with the growing threat of lithium-ion battery fires, new policies aim to enhance in-flight safety and reduce reliance on portable chargers.Wichita Falls Today

Southwest Airlines is implementing a strict new policy that limits passengers to bringing only one portable charger per person, with a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours. The airline is also prohibiting passengers from storing the chargers in overhead bins due to concerns over the risk of midair fires caused by overheating lithium-ion batteries.

Why it matters

The new restrictions from Southwest reflect growing industry-wide alarm over the potential fire hazards posed by portable electronic devices with lithium-ion batteries. Recent incidents on US airlines have demonstrated how quickly these situations can escalate, with smoke, flames, and even uncontrollable fires breaking out on board aircraft.

The details

Under the new policy, which takes effect on April 20, Southwest passengers will only be allowed to bring one lithium-powered charger per person, with a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours. The devices must be kept either on the passenger's person or in a bag under the seat, and cannot be stored in the overhead bins. Southwest says the changes are aimed at strengthening the airline's ability to 'contain and mitigate lithium battery incidents, including reducing the risk of battery fires.'

  • The new policy from Southwest Airlines takes effect on April 20, 2026.
  • In 2023, a United Airlines flight was diverted when a passenger's battery began smoking.

The players

Southwest Airlines

A major U.S. airline based in Dallas, Texas.

Dave Hunt

The vice president of safety and security at Southwest Airlines.

Steven Arroyo

An air safety expert and retired United Airlines captain.

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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 and Retired United Airlines Captain

What’s next

Southwest plans to equip its entire fleet with in-seat power by mid-2027, which the airline says will reduce passengers' reliance on portable chargers and further enhance safety.

The takeaway

Southwest's new policy on portable chargers highlights the aviation industry's growing concerns over the fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, and the need for proactive safety measures to protect passengers and crew from potentially catastrophic incidents.