But the new Southwest Airlines battery policy changes how you can use your portable charger during flights. To avoid surprises at the gate or in the air, here’s what you need to know about Southwest’s updated battery policy.

Airlines in the US, China, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea and Singapore have introduced new power bank regulations following fire safety concerns

Passengers first started becoming aware of the new rule about two weeks ago when a message appeared in the Southwest app. "If you use a power bank during your flight," it read, "keep it out of your bag and in plain sight. Do not charge devices in the overhead bin."

You’ll need to keep your portable charger visible anytime you're using it, which means no leaving your phone to charge in your baggage or the overhead storage compartment.

The Best Way to Pack Your Carry-On Bag to Breeze Through TSA Lines. While the FAA and the Transportation Security Administration currently allow lithium-powered devices

Portable chargers and power banks might be useful additions to your carry-on luggage, but they’re also a potential fire risk. Now Southwest Airlines is tightening rules around their use on board aircraft.

Summer vacations are here. But if you're flying with Southwest, you need to be aware of a new rule for portable chargers.

Beware, Southwest Airlines travelers: You’re going to have to keep your portable charging devices visible during flights. Southwest announced the changes in a statement earlier in the week. The new safety measure should allow for flight attendants to address any fires that break out mid-flight quickly.

You might have to repack or turn off batteries before boarding flights with certain carriers. Southwest is becoming the first major U.S. airlines to tighten restrictions.

"When a portable charger/power bank is used during a flight, it must be out of any baggage and remain in plain sight. Do not charge devices in the overhead bin."