Airline passengers will soon need to limit the number of chargers they can bring with them.

      Southwest Airlines is enforcing a new safety policy, and it’s important for you to know about it before your upcoming flight. As of April 20, passengers on Southwest will be allowed to bring only one portable charger or power bank aboard.

      Moreover, the charger cannot be stored in the overhead bin or checked luggage; it must remain visible at all times when in use. This policy is stricter than the recent recommendation from the International Civil Aviation Organization, which allowed up to two portable chargers per passenger.

      What has prompted this heightened concern?

      According to an Associated Press report, incidents of lithium battery fires on aircraft are on the rise. The Federal Aviation Administration recorded 97 such cases in 2025 alone. UL Standards and Engagement, the body responsible for portable charger guidelines, reports two battery-related incidents each week.

      The danger is significant, and the January 2025 Air Busan fire serves as a stark reminder of how quickly situations can escalate. A fire erupted on the aircraft while it was still on the ground at a South Korean airport, necessitating the evacuation of all 176 passengers before flames breached the cabin.

      The only fortunate aspect of that occurrence was that it happened on the ground. It's hard to imagine what could have transpired had the fire ignited during a flight.

      Should you be concerned for your upcoming voyage?

      Currently, there’s no need for alarm, but it's advisable to stay informed. Southwest has stated that it will not be inspecting bags or seizing chargers; however, passengers will be informed of the policy during booking and at the airport.

      The airline will also provide flight attendants with fire-resistant bags and insulated gloves for managing overheating devices. Southwest’s Vice President of Safety, Dave Hunt, indicated that this new rule will enhance the airline's capacity to address battery incidents before they worsen.

      To facilitate this transition, Southwest plans to implement in-seat power throughout its entire fleet by mid-next year. This means you'll be required to carry one less power bank, but at least you'll have a place to recharge your devices.