The airline is taking a major step to boost safety on board by forbidding passengers from storing power banks in carry-on luggage, especially those kept in the overhead compartments. Beginning on May 28, 2025, no passengers on Southwest flights may charge devices from portable battery packs wrapped inside their luggage. Instead, they should be placed out in the open, such as on tray tables or in pockets of the seatbacks, where crew members can see them easily. As a result, Southwest is now the only American airline to include such a policy, and many people consider it a smart reaction to more frequent lithium-ion battery fires on planes.
The Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries on Aircraft
Even though lithium-ion batteries power most personal electronic devices, these pose a well-known risk of catching fire, especially when inside an aircraft cabin. As a result, these batteries may have problems called “thermal runaway,” in which a malfunction causes them to overheat and the temperature gets out of control. There is a risk that flammable gas will be released and this could start fires or cause explosions. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports that on more than 600 U.S. flights since 2006, there were fires related to lithium batteries. 240 of the incidents concerned power banks that people could carry with them.
A Step Beyond Existing FAA and TSA Guidelines
Under current FAA and TSA regulations, lithium battery-powered devices and power banks are banned from checked luggage but are permitted in carry-on bags. However, there are no specific mandates requiring the visibility of these items during use. Southwest’s new policy fills that gap by ensuring that any charging devices are clearly visible to the cabin crew. According to a company statement, the key goal is quick access. In the event of overheating or fire, visibility enables faster response times and minimizes the risk of injury or damage. Passengers are still allowed to bring power banks on board, but when not in use, these devices must remain powered off and stored safely, not buried in bags or hidden in overhead compartments.
Not an Isolated Move: Industry Trends Show Growing Caution
Southwest’s policy is not occurring in isolation. Similar actions have already been taken by international airlines. For example, earlier this year, South Korea’s budget airline Air Busan banned any carry-on luggage containing power banks from being stored in overhead bins after a fire incident led to the destruction of an aircraft. The increasing number of such incidents across airlines globally signals a growing need for aviation policies to adapt to modern travel habits, particularly the ubiquitous use of battery-powered devices.
What Travelers Need to Know
Passengers flying with Southwest after May 28 should be aware of the following important guidelines. First, any power banks intended for use during the flight must be kept out in the open, not tucked away inside luggage. Acceptable locations include seatback pockets or tray tables. Second, when not in use, these devices must be powered off. Under no circumstances should travelers attempt to charge devices using power banks stored in bags, especially those placed in overhead compartments. Adhering to these instructions not only ensures compliance with airline policy but also contributes to a safer flying environment for everyone on board.
