Southwest Airlines is implementing a new policy requiring passengers to keep their portable chargers in plain sight during use due to concerns about lithium-ion battery fires.
This new rule will be effective starting May 28.
Driving the news: Lithium-ion battery fires on planes have been a growing concern, with an increasing number of incidents reported annually. In 2022, there were 89 such incidents, and in 2023, there have been 19 incidents recorded so far.
- Research suggests that portable chargers are the second-leading cause of battery fires on planes, following electronic cigarettes. This has prompted airlines to take precautions and reevaluate the risks associated with rechargeable batteries.
- Following a fire aboard an Air Busan plane in South Korea in January, several Asian airlines implemented restrictions on the use of portable chargers. Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways, for example, prohibit the use or charging of portable power banks during flights.
The big picture: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends passengers keep cell phones and other devices nearby on planes for quick access in case of emergencies. Flight crews are trained to recognize and respond to lithium battery fires.
- Southwest Airlines stated that keeping chargers in plain sight will allow for faster intervention in case of overheating or fires. The airline encourages passengers to comply with the new policy for the safety of everyone on board.
- Existing rules by the Transportation Security Administration prohibit e-cigarettes and chargers with lithium-ion batteries in checked bags but allow them in carry-on bags. This is to prevent fires in cargo holds, which would be harder to detect and extinguish.
