Southwest Airlines Imposes New Limits on Portable Chargers to Mitigate Fire Risks
Southwest Airlines has announced new restrictions on portable chargers, limiting passengers to one device per flight starting April 20. This measure aims to reduce the risk of lithium battery fires aboard aircraft. Passengers will not be allowed to store chargers in overhead bins or checked luggage, and must keep them visible during use to allow flight attendants to respond quickly to overheating incidents. The airline's decision follows a recommendation from the International Civil Aviation Organization, which suggested a limit of two chargers per passenger. Southwest plans to equip all planes with in-seat power by mid-next year to accommodate the new rule. The Federal Aviation Administration reported 97 lithium battery incidents in 2025, highlighting the growing concern as more rechargeable devices are carried on flights. 
