Southwest Airlines is introducing a policy requiring passengers to keep battery packs and portable charging devices visible during flights, starting May 28. This 'first-in-industry' initiative aims to improve safety by allowing crew members to respond swiftly to potential fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries. The move comes amid increasing incidents related to overheating batteries during air travel, with the FAA recording at least 22 incidents this year. Other countries have similarly restricted portable power bank usage, highlighting global concerns over their safety on flights.
According to data collected by the Federal Aviation Administration, there have been at least 22 incidents related to air travel this year involving lithium batteries, some of which have resulted in fires.
Southwest's new policy goes even further by requiring passengers to remove these items from their carry-on bags and keep them visible to the crew during flight if they are in use.
#southwest-airlines #safety-regulations #lithium-ion-batteries #air-travel-policies #portable-charging-devices
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