Southwest Airlines' New Charger Rule Sparks Safety Push for Flyers

Southwest Airlines is rolling out a new safety rule that’s got travelers buzzing—and it’s all about those trusty portable chargers. Starting May 28, passengers must keep their power banks visible while in use during flights. No more stashing them in bags or overhead bins to juice up devices, the Texas-based airline announced.

This move comes after a fiery wake-up call: a passenger’s charger sparked flames on a recent JetBlue flight, proving these gadgets can pack a punch beyond their wattage. The Federal Aviation Administration warns that lithium-ion batteries, found in most power banks, can overheat and trigger 'thermal runaway'—a chain reaction that sounds like it belongs in a sci-fi flick but is very real. Factors like damage, overcharging, or even a splash of water can set them off.

Southwest’s new policy aligns with TSA rules, which already ban power banks from checked luggage but allow them in carry-ons. Notifications are popping up on the Southwest app, catching some passengers off guard. One Reddit user, posting in the 'r/SouthwestAirlines' forum, shared their surprise: 'I had no idea this was an issue.' Well, when smoke and flames crash a flight, it’s a problem nobody ignores.

Safety first, Southwest insists, and it’s hard to argue when a tiny charger can turn a cabin into a campfire. So, next time you’re flying, keep that power bank in plain sight—or risk a mid-flight roasting.