Take a look at what’s clicking on FoxBusiness.com.
Southwest Airways is rolling out stricter guidelines on transportable chargers as considerations over lithium battery fires proceed to rise on industrial flights.
In an inner message despatched to staff Tuesday and reviewed by FOX Enterprise, the Dallas-based provider introduced that starting April 20, passengers will probably be restricted to at least one lithium-powered transportable charger per individual.
Every gadget will need to have a capability of 100 watt-hours or much less.
Underneath the brand new coverage, transportable chargers should even be saved on the passenger or saved in a carry-on bag beneath the seat. They’ll not be permitted in overhead bins.
SOUTHWEST CEO CALLS AIRPORT LOUNGES ‘HUGE’ BENEFIT FOR CUSTOMERS AS CARRIER EXPLORES EXPANSION: REPORT
A Southwest industrial airliner takes off from Las Vegas Worldwide Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Feb. 8, 2024. (REUTERS/Mike Blake)
Southwest can be banning using in-seat energy shops to recharge transportable battery packs throughout flights. Nevertheless, passengers should use their chargers, so long as the units stay seen always.
The airline mentioned the modifications are designed to enhance its capacity to “comprise and mitigate lithium battery incidents,” together with decreasing the chance of onboard fires.
“To make sure a easy and knowledgeable buyer journey, Southwest will notify prospects about this up to date coverage at key moments main as much as their journey — together with pre-trip and check-in, so that they have time to plan and put together,” Dave Hunt, vp of security and safety at Southwest, mentioned within the message.
WHERE GAS PRICES ARE RISING FASTEST AS TRUMP ISSUES FRESH WARNING TO IRAN
An individual holds a smartphone related to a transportable energy financial institution charger. (iStock)
The airline famous that onboard energy entry will proceed to develop going ahead.
“By mid-year 2027, our complete fleet will characteristic in-seat energy, decreasing reliance on transportable chargers and supporting a extra constant, handy inflight expertise,” Hunt mentioned.
The airline equally launched modifications final yr requiring passengers to maintain transportable charging units seen whereas in use throughout flights, a spokesperson informed Fox Information Digital on the time.
“Utilizing transportable charging units whereas saved in a bag or overhead bin will not be permitted,” the spokesperson mentioned.
DELTA, SOUTHWEST HIKE CHECKED BAG FEES AS AIRLINES FACE SURGING FUEL COSTS
Southwest Airways passengers settle in for an early nonstop flight to Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport in Sea-Tac, Washington from Dallas Love Subject on March 5, 2026. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning Information by way of Getty Pictures)
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
The modifications come as airways and regulators intensify efforts to deal with the rising threat of onboard fires linked to lithium batteries.
Final yr, there have been 97 reported incidents involving smoke, hearth, or excessive warmth linked to batteries on flights, up from 89 the yr earlier than, Reuters reported, citing knowledge from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Fox Information Digital’s Ashley J. DiMella contributed to this report.
