Southwest Airlines is implementing new restrictions on portable chargers, limiting passengers to one device and requiring it to be carried on their person, effective April 20. This decision comes in response to a growing number of incidents involving overheating lithium batteries and potential fires on flights.

Rising Concerns About Lithium Battery Fires

Airlines are increasingly focused on mitigating the risk of fires caused by lithium batteries found in portable chargers, phones, tablets, and laptops. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommends a two-charger limit, but Southwest is adopting a more stringent policy.

FAA Incident Reports and Industry Data

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported 97 lithium battery incidents in 2025. UL Standards & Engagement, which sets charger manufacturing guidelines, receives approximately two incident reports per week, representing a 42% increase in incidents involving portable chargers in 2025. Jeff Marootian, CEO of UL Standards & Engagement, emphasized the growing concern as the number of devices brought on planes increases.

Southwest's New Policy and Safety Measures

Southwest’s Vice President of Safety and Security, Dave Hunt, stated the new rule is designed to improve the airline’s ability to contain and mitigate battery incidents. Passengers will no longer be allowed to store portable chargers in overhead bins or checked luggage.

To further enhance safety and convenience, Southwest plans to equip all aircraft with in-seat power by mid-next year, allowing passengers to charge devices without needing portable chargers. Flight attendants are already equipped with fire-resistant bags and insulated gloves to handle overheating devices.

Expert Support for Increased Regulations

Aviation safety expert Steve Arroyo, a veteran of United Airlines with 37 years of experience, supports the new Southwest policy as a positive step towards reducing risks. While battery fires are rare compared to the total number of flights, the potential consequences are severe, as demonstrated by an incident on an Air Busan flight in South Korea that required an evacuation.

The increasing restrictions on portable chargers are part of a broader focus on safety within the aviation industry, alongside concerns about operational costs like jet fuel and rising checked bag fees.