Southwest Airlines has enforced stricter battery safety rules, and now other carriers may soon follow. As lithium-ion battery incidents rise sharply, airlines must act swiftly to reduce in-flight risks. Therefore, passengers flying with portable chargers must now follow tighter rules, especially on Southwest Airlines.

In particular, travelers must keep power banks visible at all times and avoid using them in overhead bins. Moreover, this rule enables flight crews to detect and manage overheating batteries more easily. As a result, the policy reduces fire hazards and enhances onboard safety.

Globally, countries in Asia responded quickly after a battery fire destroyed a South Korean plane. Consequently, airlines in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and others banned the use of power banks during flights. Furthermore, they require passengers to keep these devices close rather than store them out of sight. Clearly, the trend shows a global push for tighter control over battery-powered devices.

Although lithium-ion batteries power most electronics today, they can be dangerous if damaged or overheated. Thus, airlines now worry about cheaper devices like e-cigarettes and uncertified power banks, which lack proper safety standards. Additionally, these devices have triggered most recent in-flight fire incidents, prompting stronger regulations.

Southwest Airlines stands out in the U.S. because it acted ahead of its competitors. Even so, rules in Europe still vary. While some airlines require battery removal, others permit storage without restrictions. Therefore, international travelers must understand airline-specific policies before packing their bags.

Meanwhile, cabin crews remain ready to act fast in case of battery fires. Typically, they isolate overheating devices in thermal bags or water containers. Still, airlines prefer preventing such emergencies altogether. For that reason, carriers now enforce tighter protocols to keep flights safe.

Eventually, these varied rules could push the industry toward a unified global policy. Until then, travelers must stay informed and adjust their habits for every airline.

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