A Major NEW Rule Change Is Coming to Southwest Airlines

Heads up, travellers! Southwest has made ANOTHER policy change, and this could really impact your upcoming trip.

If you plan on packing this popular travel item, you might have to use it differently on your flight.

Southwest is now requiring power banks to be in plain sight when in use. That means if you’re charging your phone, computer, or any electronic device, they need to be out, not in a backpack or in the overhead bins.

This new policy will go into effect on May 28th and is a way to combat the lithium-ion battery fires. Lithium batteries are currently allowed in carry-on bags but are prohibited in checked luggage.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there were 22 battery-related incidents on flights in 2025 and 89 in 2024.

Southwest has announced other policy changes recently, including the end of their free checked bags, which starts May 26th, and no more open seating, which will roll out in 2026.

If you’re heading to the airport soon, no matter what airline you’re using, keep in mind you will need a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative to pass through security. This went into effect May 7th, and you need to look for the star in the corner of your license.

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you! They know all the policies and changes you need to be aware of.

It feels like traveling has been changing a lot lately, and we’re going to be here reporting it all so you can have a flawless trip. Keep following AllEars for more travel news!

I’VE TAKEN MY FAMILY TO DISNEY WORLD 16 TIMES. HERE’S HOW I START PLANNING.