Southwest Airlines recently announced an industry-leading policy to remove any lithium-ion batteries from the aircraft without proper protective measures. This decision continues a much more disturbing trend of 19 such reported incidents this year. These occurrences, where extreme heat, fire or smoke associated with lithium-ion batteries have overloaded or compromised the aircraft, have impacted cargo and passenger airline operators alike, per the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
An disturbing event spurred this decision, coming from E.A. An Air Busan flight in South Korea had to be evacuated after smoke filled the cabin, reportedly caused by a fire from an insulated power bank with deteriorated insulation. With a potential fire hazard for close to 180 passengers and crew members onboard, the dangers of these easily transportable electronic devices are highlighted again.
As the FAA has rightly engaged in monitoring and reporting these incidents, they have set up a webpage solely to track lithium-ion battery-related incidents. In anticipation of the growing danger, Southwest Airlines will roll out its new lithium battery policy on May 28. The policy would mandate that passengers not store portable charging devices under seat cushions while using them in-flight.
“Southwest will introduce a first-in-industry Safety policy on May 28 requiring Customers to keep portable charging devices visible while in use during flight,” – Southwest Airlines
The implication being that the airline had no intention of letting you use these devices while stored in a bag or overhead bin. This policy is currently being rigidly enforced. In fact, according to its own mission statement, “Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of its Customers and Employees.”
Through this initiative, Southwest becomes the first U.S. carrier to implement a safety policy as thorough as this one related to lithium ion batteries. Many international carriers, especially those based in Asia, have already implemented comparable policies like all carriers operating in South Korea. Taken collectively, these measures signal a greater awareness and proactivity toward ensuring passengers arrive safely wherever they fly.
Under current FAA regulations, portable batteries and battery-operated devices that meet certain criteria are allowed in passenger baggage. The surge in crash-related deaths has forced a reconsideration of these recommendations. With Southwest’s policy reversal, travelers should now see stricter enforcement to help reduce potential hazards posed by lithium-ion batteries.
