The rules on carrying portable batteries on some of the world’s biggest airlines have changed rapidly this year because of ...

From 28 May, Southwest Airlines passengers must use their portable chargers and batteries in plain sight. The airline brought in the rule citing safety concerns after multiple overheating incidents.

Southwest Airlines has changed its rules around portable chargers and power banks. Moving forward if you want to charge your phone during a flight, your power bank will need to be visible when in use.

Southwest says the first checked bag will cost $35 and the second will cost $45. Here's what you need to know about the end to free bags.

In March, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines announced a major change to its longstanding bags-fly-free policy: checked bags, for the most part, would no longer fly free.

Southwest Airlines will no longer allow all passengers to check bags for free. For flights booked from Wednesday, a first checked bag will cost $35.

The Dallas-based airline announced, with pushback from Southwest loyalists, that it would end one of its most beloved perks: free checked bags.

Southwest’s brand has long been rooted in customer-centric practices: free bags, no change fees, and flexible boarding. But fierce competition and revenue pressure are forcing a rethink.

Updated: May 25, 2025 / 11:14 AM CDT (NEXSTAR) – Southwest Airlines this week announced a new policy prohibiting the use of portable charging devices in overhead bins or closed carry-on bags.

Southwest Airlines’ decision to restrict the use of portable chargers inside carry-on bags is rooted in growing safety concerns over lithium-ion batteries.

Southwest Airlines will introduce a new policy requiring portable chargers to be visible when they're in use onboard.