Article Summary:
Travelers will soon face new limits on portable chargers as airlines aim to reduce the risk of lithium battery fires. Starting April 20, Southwest Airlines will allow passengers to bring only one charger onboard, prohibiting them in overhead bins or checked baggage. While this goes beyond the International Civil Aviation Organization’s recommendation of two chargers, Southwest will not actively enforce it through baggage searches.
The Federal Aviation Administration has noted an increase in incidents related to lithium batteries, with reports showing 97 accidents in 2025 alone. Experts emphasize the importance of awareness regarding these risks. A significant incident occurred in January 2025 when a fire on an Air Busan flight forced an evacuation.
To enhance safety, Southwest plans to equip its planes with in-seat power by next year, helping to mitigate potential battery fire risks. Aviation safety expert Steve Arroyo views Southwest’s new policy as a crucial step toward improving passenger safety, despite the low frequency of such incidents compared to the vast number of daily flights.
