Southwest Airlines Will Longer Allow These Items To Be Hidden While in Use Due to Potential Fires

Many of us have done it while flying the friendly skies. You get on board your flight and look down at either your phone or tablet and the power is low. So what do you do? Bring out the portable charger to charge your device.

Portable chargers are great and they are a must when traveling. But some portable chargers have had issues with over heating and even catching fire. And now Southwest Airlines is implementing a new rule for portable chargers in hopes of preventing fires.

Southwest Airlines Will Require Chargers to be Kept Out While in Use

Starting May 28, Southwest Airlines will require flyers keep portable chargers in plain sight while using them according to the Dallas Morning News due to concerns about the growing number of lithium battery fires.

According to the Dallas Morning News, last year there were 89 "incidents" with lithium battery chargers and so far this year there have been 19. While incidents remain rare, Southwest Airlines claims that chargers being left out will be easier to monitor and get to if something happens.

Chargers Can Be Stored When Not In Use

Southwest Airlines did say that when chargers are not being used, they can be put into carry-on luggage.

The FAA also recommends that passengers keep cell phones and other devices near on planes so they can be accessed quickly.