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Starting April 20, 2026, Southwest Airlines is implementing new safety rules for portable chargers to reduce the risk of lithium battery fires. Here is what you need to know before your next flight:
📍 The One-Device Limit: Passengers are now limited to one lithium portable charger/power bank per person. 📍 No Overhead Bins: Your charger must stay on your person or in a bag tucked under the seat in front of you. Stowing them in overhead bins is now prohibited. 📍 Visible Use Only: If you’re using your power bank, it must remain visible (not buried in a bag) so crew members can act quickly if it overheats. 📍 Charging Ban: You can no longer use the aircraft's in-seat power to recharge the power bank itself.
Southwest is leading the way with these stricter safety measures—even going beyond the international recommendation of two devices. The good news? They are working to equip the entire fleet with in-seat power by mid-2027 to make staying charged even easier.
Tag your favorite travel buddy so they don’t get caught with too many spares! 📲✈️
#SouthwestAirlines #TravelTips #FlightSafety #TechTravel #TravelHacks #awardtrail #LUV #AviationNews #awardtrail
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