### Southwest Airlines Implements New Policy Amid Rising Lithium Battery Fire Incidents

In response to the increasing number of lithium battery-related fires, Southwest Airlines will soon mandate that passengers keep their portable chargers clearly visible while in use. This new rule, set to take effect on May 28, reflects broader industry concerns and may soon be adopted by other airlines as well.

Southwest Airlines has begun notifying passengers through their mobile app about this forward-thinking policy. The rising trend in lithium-ion battery fires in recent years has prompted this action. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there have been 19 incidents involving these batteries so far this year, compared to a record 89 incidents in 2022. Incidents have more than doubled from 39 cases in 2020 and have continued to climb annually.

While the number of incidents remains relatively small compared to the approximately 180,000 weekly flights operated by U.S. airlines, the potential danger looms large. The effort to mitigate these risks saw a significant incident last summer when a smoking laptop forced an evacuation of a plane ready for takeoff at San Francisco International Airport. More recently, a Dallas-to-Orlando flight made an emergency landing in Jacksonville after a lithium battery caught fire in the overhead compartment.

Southwest Airlines explained that their new policy aims to ensure quick access to portable chargers in the event of an emergency. By keeping these devices in plain sight, airline staff can respond more swiftly to any overheating or fire incidents, thereby enhancing onboard safety. Passengers will still be allowed to store chargers inside their carry-on bags when not in active use.

Current Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations already prohibit the storage of e-cigarettes and devices with lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage to avoid hard-to-detect fires in cargo holds. Instead, these items are allowed in carry-on luggage, where they can be quickly accessed. Consistent with FAA guidelines, passengers are urged to keep devices like cell phones within reach during flights and to alert crew members immediately if any overheating, expansion, smoke, or fire occurs.

A study from UL Standards & Engagement last year underscored the risk e-cigarettes pose, highlighting that they overheated more than any other device. Nevertheless, over a quarter of surveyed passengers admitted to placing vaping devices and portable chargers in checked bags, contravening federal regulations.

Southwest Airlines’ proactive stance could set a precedent that other carriers may follow as the industry seeks to bolster in-flight safety against the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries.