Trending Now - Southwest Airlines Implements New Safety Rule to Lower Fire Risks

WHO:

Inc - Southwest Airlines is implementing new safety rules regarding portable chargers.

Fast Company - Dave Hunt is the vice president of safety and security at Southwest Airlines.

Fast Company - Jeff Marootian is the CEO of UL Standards & Engagement.

Fast Company - Steve Arroyo is an aviation safety expert and a former United Airlines pilot.

WHAT:

Inc - Southwest Airlines is limiting passengers to one portable charger per flight.

Fast Company - Passengers will not be allowed to place portable chargers in overhead bins or checked luggage.

Fast Company - The Federal Aviation Administration reported 97 lithium battery incidents in 2025.

Fast Company - There was a 42% increase in incidents involving portable chargers in 2025.

Fast Company - A fire aboard an Air Busan plane in January 2025 forced the evacuation of 176 people.

WHERE:

Fast Company - The Air Busan incident occurred at an airport in South Korea.

WHEN:

Fast Company - The new rule will take effect on April 20th, 2026.

Fast Company - The Air Busan fire incident occurred in January 2025.

Fast Company - Southwest Airlines plans to equip all of its planes with in-seat power by the middle of 2027.

WHY:

Fast Company - The new rule aims to reduce the risk of lithium battery fires on flights.

Fast Company - The increase in incidents correlates with the rise in the number of rechargeable devices brought on planes.

HOW:

Fast Company - Southwest Airlines will inform travelers about the new rule during the booking process and at the airport.

Fast Company - Flight attendants are equipped with fire-resistant bags and insulated gloves to manage overheating devices.

(UPDATED April 8, 2026 17:26 UTC)

Southwest Airlines is implementing new safety rules regarding portable chargers, limiting passengers to one charger per flight and prohibiting their placement in overhead bins or checked luggage, effective April 20th. This decision comes in response to a significant rise in incidents involving lithium batteries, including a fire on an Air Busan plane in January 20th25 that led to the evacuation of 176 people. To help manage the risk, Southwest will inform travelers about the new regulations during the booking process and at the airport, while flight attendants will be equipped with fire-resistant bags and insulated gloves to handle any overheating devices.