Elizabeth Harris Portable chargers have become one of the most essential travel items people pack and most flyers never think twice about throwing a couple in the bag before a flight. Southwest Airlines is about to change that and anyone flying after April 20 needs to know what is coming before they get to the gate.
Only One Power Bank Allowed
Starting April 20 each passenger will be limited to carrying just one lithium powered portable charger on board. Bringing multiple power banks the way many travelers currently do will no longer be permitted on Southwest flights.
The Capacity Limit
The single power bank allowed must have a hard capped capacity of no more than 100 watt hours. Anything above that limit will not be permitted regardless of how many devices a passenger needs to keep charged during the flight.
Where It Has to Be Stored
The portable charger must be kept in a carry on bag or stored under the seat in front. It cannot go into an overhead bin which is actually a rule Southwest already introduced back in May 2025.
No Charging the Power Bank Onboard
Passengers who were hoping to top up their portable charger using the in seat power outlets during the flight are out of luck. The new rule specifically prohibits charging a power bank through the plane’s outlets.
You Can Still Use It
The power bank can still be used to charge phones, tablets, and other devices during the flight. The one condition is that it must remain visible at all times while in use rather than being tucked away in a bag.
Why Southwest Is Doing This
The reason behind the change is straightforward. Lithium battery safety concerns have been growing across the aviation industry and limiting the number and capacity of power banks on board reduces the risk associated with these devices in an enclosed space at altitude.
This Was an Internal Announcement First
The rule was outlined in an internal memo sent to Southwest employees on April 7 and reviewed by news outlets including FOX Business. It has not yet been formally announced to the public which means many passengers will board after April 20 unaware of the change.
The Outlet Problem Is Being Addressed
Southwest has historically had fewer in seat power outlets than other major carriers which is part of why passengers relied so heavily on portable chargers in the first place. The airline’s vice president of safety and security confirmed that by mid 2027 the entire Southwest fleet will have in seat power available on every flight.
What Passengers Should Do Now
Anyone with upcoming Southwest flights should check their power bank capacity before packing. If it exceeds 100 watt hours it will not be allowed on board. Bringing multiple power banks will also mean one gets left behind at the gate.
The Bigger Picture
Southwest was actually the first US carrier to introduce restrictions on portable chargers back in 2025. This latest change tightens those rules further and signals that airline policies around lithium batteries are only going to become more strict across the industry as time goes on.
