Southwest Airlines has announced a new policy restricting the use of portable lithium batteries on its flights, requiring passengers to keep the devices visible while in use, the New York Times reports.
The change, which will take effect next Wednesday, is intended to enhance onboard safety and allow flight crews to respond more quickly in case a battery overheats or catches fire.
The updated rule prohibits passengers from using portable batteries—such as power banks—while they are stored inside bags. Instead, passengers must use these devices only when they are out in the open and clearly visible to crew members.
Southwest is the first among the four largest US airlines to implement this specific restriction. The move comes in response to multiple battery-related incidents reported across the airline industry. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there have been 22 incidents so far this year involving lithium batteries overheating, catching fire, or emitting smoke on aircraft.
One such incident occurred in March, when a Southwest crew reported a battery fire after landing at Reno-Tahoe International Airport. The FAA is currently investigating the cause.
The airline emphasized that the rule is a precautionary measure to support onboard safety and reduce response time during emergencies involving battery-powered devices.
“The new visibility requirement is aimed at helping our flight attendants identify and react swiftly if a battery-related event occurs,” Southwest stated.
Globally, concerns about lithium battery safety have led to similar policy shifts. In January, a fire aboard a South Korean Air Busan flight prompted South Korea’s transportation ministry to tighten restrictions. Passengers are now barred from placing power banks or electronic cigarettes in overhead bins. Other Asian carriers, including Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, and several Chinese airlines, have implemented partial or full bans on the use of portable chargers during flights.
The FAA already prohibits lithium batteries from being packed in checked luggage, a rule that has been in effect since 2016 under guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Passengers are required to carry lithium-powered devices in carry-on bags and remove them during security checks. The devices must remain with the passenger throughout the flight.
