What caused Southwest to limit chargers?

Southwest limits portable chargers starting April 20

Southwest Airlines announced that, starting April 20, passengers will be allowed one lithium-battery charger per person aboard flights. The change is focused on portable power devices used by travelers in-flight.

The practical impact is that travelers who typically bring multiple chargers—such as separate devices for phone, camera, and tablet—may need to reduce what they carry to comply with the new limit. Because airlines apply cabin rules at boarding and during checks, carrying extra chargers could lead to having items confiscated or left behind, depending on how enforcement is handled.

What you should plan for

• Count chargers per person before you leave for the airport.
• If you normally carry several small battery-powered accessories, consider consolidating so you have only one charger that fits the airline’s definition.
• If you’re traveling with companions, ensure the “per person” approach doesn’t leave someone over the limit.

Why it matters

Southwest’s change arrives amid broader airline attention to lithium batteries and portable electronics rules. Even when personal devices are allowed, limits on charger quantities can affect travelers—especially those traveling for work or with multiple gadgets.

For planning, treat this as a last-minute “packing compliance” item: review what’s in your carry-on, align with the one-charger-per-person approach, and avoid assuming that the previous “unlimited” practice will still apply.