Travelers on Southwest face a new rule as airlines try to reduce the fire risk on flights

Airlines are implementing new restrictions on portable chargers to mitigate the risk of lithium battery fires. Southwest Airlines will permit only one portable charger per passenger starting April 20, restricting them from overhead bins or checked luggage. This new rule surpasses the International Civil Aviation Organization's recommendation of two chargers per passenger. Southwest will prioritize educating travelers about the dangers rather than aggressive enforcement. Most people are unaware of the risks associated with these devices, according to industry experts. The number of lithium battery incidents on planes is rising, correlating with the increased number of personal electronic devices. The Federal Aviation Administration reported 97 incidents in 2025, and a 42% increase in portable charger incidents. A severe incident in January 2025 on an Air Busan plane highlights the potential for devastating fires. Flight attendants are equipped with fire-resistant bags to manage overheating devices. To support the new rule, Southwest plans to install in-seat power on all planes by mid-next year. Aviation safety experts view Southwest's policy as a positive step, recognizing the potentially disastrous consequences of even a small number of battery fires.