Southwest Airlines mandates visible chargers to prevent fires

In the United States, Southwest Airlines announced a significant new policy aimed at enhancing flight safety. The airline will require passengers to keep their portable charging devices visible and accessible during flights starting May 28, 2023. This decision comes in response to growing concerns about lithium-ion battery fires, which have shown a troubling increase in frequency. With 19 reported incidents already in 2023 and a record high of 89 occurrences noted the previous year, the need for effective safety measures has become apparent. The rising number of passengers using devices powered by these batteries has further elevated this concern, prompting Southwest to take proactive measures. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been monitoring the situation closely, revealing that incidents of battery fires have more than doubled since the pandemic-era low in 2020. The FAA's data indicates that among the roughly 180,000 flights operated weekly by U.S. airlines, the number of battery-related incidents remains small but alarming. For instance, a significant incident occurred last summer involving a smoking laptop that forced the evacuation of a flight in San Francisco. Every year, these events highlight the potential hazards presented by lithium-ion batteries aboard aircraft, leading airlines to scrutinize their policies. Southwest Airlines has positioned itself as an industry leader with this new policy. By requiring passengers to store their chargers and power banks in plain sight while in use, the airline aims to facilitate rapid access in case of an emergency, thereby allowing crew members to act quickly if a battery overheating or combustion occurs. Passengers are encouraged to immediately report any signs of an overheating device, reinforcing the airline's commitment to safety. The new policy also aligns with existing FAA regulations, which already prohibit lithium battery devices in checked luggage due to the challenges of detecting and extinguishing fires within the cargo hold. This policy shift is particularly relevant to travelers who regularly rely on portable charging devices. Additionally, other carriers in the industry might look to adopt similar measures in the near future given the growing awareness surrounding these safety issues. As of now, while Southwest puts its enhanced safety plan into place on May 28, the airline has communicated that chargers can be stored in carry-on bags when not in use. This future-forward approach demonstrates Southwest Airlines' dedication to the safety of its customers and emphasizes the pressing need to address the increasing risk of lithium battery fires in air travel.