Southwest Airlines Announces Changes To Carry-On Portable Charger Policy

Axel S�rensen

4 min read

Post on May 24, 2025

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What are the New Southwest Airlines Portable Charger Regulations?

Southwest Airlines has updated its regulations concerning portable chargers carried onboard. These changes aim to enhance safety and comply with evolving aviation standards. The new policy outlines specific restrictions on size, power, and type of portable chargers allowed in carry-on baggage. Failure to comply could result in your charger being confiscated at the gate.

• Maximum Battery Capacity: The maximum allowed battery capacity is generally capped at 100 Watt-hours (Wh). While some chargers may list their capacity in milliampere-hours (mAh), you’ll need to convert this to Wh using the voltage (V) rating found on the charger: Wh = mAh x V / 1000. Chargers exceeding this limit are generally prohibited.
• Permitted Charger Types: Currently, only lithium-ion portable chargers are permitted. Other types of batteries may be prohibited for safety reasons. Always check your charger's specifications to confirm its type.
• Spare Batteries: Regulations regarding spare batteries vary. It's generally recommended to keep spare batteries in their original packaging and in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage. Check Southwest's official website for the most up-to-date information on spare batteries.
• Packaging Requirements: Portable chargers should be protected from damage during transport. Keeping them in their original packaging or a protective case is a good practice. Avoid placing them loosely in your bag where they could be damaged or accidentally activated.

Why Did Southwest Airlines Change its Carry-On Portable Charger Policy?

The Southwest Airlines carry-on portable charger policy change is largely driven by safety concerns and a need to align with industry best practices.

• Enhanced Safety Measures: Lithium-ion batteries, while convenient, pose a fire risk if damaged or improperly handled. The updated policy aims to minimize this risk by limiting the number and capacity of batteries allowed on board.
• Alignment with TSA and FAA Regulations: Southwest Airlines likely updated its policy to comply with the evolving Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations regarding lithium-ion batteries in air travel.
• Addressing Incidents: Past incidents involving malfunctioning portable chargers on flights may have influenced the decision to tighten regulations.

How to Prepare for Travel with Portable Chargers on Southwest Airlines?

To avoid issues at the gate, prepare your portable charger for travel in advance.

• Check Your Charger's Specifications: Before your trip, carefully check your portable charger's mAh and voltage ratings and calculate the Wh. Ensure it complies with the Southwest Airlines limits.
• Proper Packing: Always pack your portable charger in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage. Keep it separate from other items to prevent accidental damage or short circuits.
• Handling Confiscation: If your portable charger is confiscated, remain calm and cooperate with airport security. It’s unlikely you'll face penalties beyond the loss of your charger.
• Contact Customer Service: If you have any doubts or questions regarding the new policy, contact Southwest Airlines customer service for clarification before your flight.

Consequences of Non-Compliance with the New Southwest Airlines Portable Charger Policy.

Ignoring the updated Southwest Airlines portable charger policy can lead to several inconveniences.

• Confiscation: The most likely consequence is that your portable charger will be confiscated at the security checkpoint or gate.
• Airport Delays: Having your charger inspected could cause delays in your boarding process.
• Potential Fines (rare): While uncommon, severe violations could potentially lead to fines, though this is a very unlikely scenario.

Staying Updated on Southwest Airlines Carry-On Policies

This article highlighted the key changes to Southwest Airlines' portable charger carry-on policy, emphasizing the importance of understanding and complying with these regulations to avoid delays and ensure a smooth travel experience. The main takeaway is that exceeding the 100 Wh limit for your portable charger will result in its confiscation. Remember to check your charger’s specifications and pack appropriately. To ensure your travel with Southwest complies with their latest carry-on regulations, check the latest Southwest Airlines carry-on rules and review the updated Southwest Airlines portable charger policy on their official website. Safe travels!