The First Major US Airline Has Changed the Rules Around Portable Chargers and Batteries — What You Need to Know

Charge Your Phone: Southwest Airlines Cracks Down on Portable Chargers

Southwest is the first major US airline to introduce such rules, but airlines all over the planet are tightening restrictions in the interest of fire safety.

China flight turns back after smoke found coming from camera battery, power bank

Hong Kong regulator and Asian airlines crack down on lithium batteries and in-flight charging after string of safety incidents.

Lithium batteries must be carried in hand luggage, as they present a risk of overheating or fire

Airlines are cracking down on portable chargers over fire risk concerns

Southwest Airlines now requires passengers to keep portable chargers visible during flights to reduce fire risks from overheating batteries.

Southwest to require battery packs, charging devices remain visible during flights

Southwest Airlines will soon require all battery packs and charging devices remain visible throughout flights, saying it's a safety measure so crew members can more easily respond to possible fires.

The first major US airline has changed the rules around portable chargers and batteries — what you need to know

Southwest has become the first U.S. airline to introduce portable charger restrictions out of fire anxiety.