The rules around flying with portable batteries are becoming more confusing as some airlines and governments change their policies, citing the risk of fires.
Southwest Airlines is the first of the four biggest U.S. carriers to tighten its rules, citing incidents involving batteries on flights across airlines. Starting Wednesday, it will require passengers to keep portable chargers visible while using them.
Airlines in South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong have also either changed their rules in a similar way or banned the use of portable chargers in-flight since a fire destroyed an Air Busan plane on the tarmac in South Korea in January. It was one of several recent aviation episodes that made travelers anxious.
There is no definitive link between portable batteries and the Air Busan fire, and an investigation is underway.
Because rules vary across airlines, you might find yourself having to repack or turn off batteries when boarding a plane. Here’s what you need to know.
Which airlines have changed their rules and why?
Southwest passengers will not be allowed to charge devices while they are stowed in overhead bins. The rule will help flight attendants act more quickly if a battery overheats or catches fire, Southwest said in a statement.
Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components
