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Southwest Airlines Limits Portable Chargers Amid Battery Incidents

4/12/2026

24 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Southwest Airlines will limit passengers to one portable charger stored under their seat or on their person, effective April 20, 2026.
The restriction follows a 42% increase in battery-related incidents, with 97 cases reported last year.
Passengers cannot recharge these chargers using in-seat power outlets.
Southwest Airlines plans to retrofit its fleet with power outlets by mid-2027 to reduce reliance on portable chargers.

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Story summary

Southwest Airlines will limit passengers to one portable charger stored under their seat or on their person, effective April 20, 2026.
The restriction follows a 42% increase in battery-related incidents, with 97 cases reported last year.
Passengers cannot recharge these chargers using in-seat power outlets.
Southwest Airlines plans to retrofit its fleet with power outlets by mid-2027 to reduce reliance on portable chargers.