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Southwest Airways has been making some unpopular selections currently, together with eliminating the “Wanna Get Away” fare possibility, ditching its free checked bag coverage that set it other than different carriers, and eliminating skycaps in favor of digital kiosks.
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One new rule, nevertheless, isn’t probably to attract a lot anger and, the truth is, is nearly definitely going to be adopted by different airways as nicely. The brand new rule goes into impact Could 28, 2025, and whereas it could trigger minor inconvenience to passengers, it’s additionally an vital change that may make flying a bit of bit safer.
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Southwest’s new rule will have an effect on one-third of passengers
Southwest’s new coverage offers with a typical know-how. The airline has established a brand new requirement that every one transportable battery chargers and energy banks should now be saved in plain view whereas in use.
“Southwest will introduce a first-in-industry security coverage on Could 28 requiring prospects to maintain transportable charging units seen whereas in use throughout flight,” an announcement from Southwest stated. “Utilizing transportable charging units whereas saved in a bag or overhead bin will not be permitted. Nothing is extra vital to Southwest than the protection of its prospects and workers.”
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Whereas some worldwide carriers have already got an analogous coverage in place, no U.S. airline has but imposed such a restriction on transportable prices. The FAA additionally doesn’t but have a coverage in place addressing the usage of these units in-cabin, though neither lithium metallic nor lithium-ion batteries are allowed in checked baggage.
“When a carry-on bag is checked on the gate or at planeside, all spare lithium batteries and energy banks have to be faraway from the bag and saved with the passenger within the plane cabin,” the FAA coverage states. “The battery terminals have to be protected against quick circuits.”
Analysis suggests practically a 3rd of all passengers took transportable chargers on flights previously yr, so this new rule will have an effect on a major share of Southwest flyers. Shoppers are already being notified of the up to date coverage, with a viral Reddit publish indicating that that they had obtained a warning from the airline’s app alerting them to the truth that they now should hold their chargers seen.
Related: American Airlines makes move to end unpopular ticket policy
So far as units not in use, these can nonetheless stay inside carry-on baggage saved each beneath the seat and in overhead compartments – a minimum of for now.
Southwest places security first; different airways will probably comply with
Southwest carried out the brand new coverage for an vital cause. The lithium-ion batteries that energy these transportable energy banks can ignite in the event that they overheat.
This has turn out to be a rising drawback as extra folks deliver these units on flights. Actually, there have already been 19 incidents this yr, in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration, and a document 89 points with chargers occurred in 2024.
Analysis additionally suggests these transportable energy banks are the second most typical cause for fires that get away on plane, with solely digital cigarettes presenting an even bigger hearth threat.
Extra on journey:
- U.S. government issues serious warning for cruise passengers
- Delta Air Lines makes a baggage change that travelers will like
- United Airlines passenger incident triggers quick response
Southwest has made clear that by retaining these units seen, skilled employees can reply shortly if the battery begins to ignite, decreasing the hazard to fellow passengers and retaining everybody aboard safer. The minor problem of constructing certain to take these units out of baggage is nicely price it to assist hold fellow flyers secure.