- Southwest Airlines passengers will need to keep portable chargers visible at all times on flights when they’re in use.
- The new policy goes into effect on May 28.
- This is the first US airline to update its rules, but several Asian airlines have already done so after growing concerns about lithium-ion battery fires on planes.
As Memorial Day fast approaches, that means everyone’s getting ready for their summer vacations. But if you’re flying with Southwest soon, then you need to be aware of a big policy change on its flights in regards to a daily necessity: portable chargers.
Beginning May 28, Southwest Airlines will require passengers using any kind of portable chargers with batteries in them, including power banks and phone battery cases, to keep them in plain sight while in use. This means that one cannot keep an active portable charger in overhead bins or even bags under the seat — they must be visible at all times during the flight when using them.