For those of you flying to Hamcation in February and planning of bringing batteries to or from event, here is Southwest’s policy on batteries. And whether you are flying Southwest or another carrier, contact a representative or check your airline’s website before you fly for the latest information.
**Southwest Airlines — Approval and Requirements for 2026:**
Effective January 11, 2026, Southwest has updated its safety standards for high-capacity batteries:
**Approval Process: You must contact a Southwest Customer Representative at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) or speak with uniformed personnel at the airport to obtain permission.**
Quantity Limit: You are permitted a maximum of two spare batteries between 101 and 160 Wh.
Carry-On Only: These batteries are strictly prohibited in checked luggage; they must be in your carry-on or on your person.
Visibility Rule: If you use a portable charger or power bank during the flight, it must remain visible to the crew (not stowed in a bag or overhead bin) to ensure immediate access in case of overheating.
Terminal Protection: You must protect the battery terminals from short circuits by using their original packaging, taping over the terminals, or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag.
Special thanks to Bobby, KP4CI for bringing this to my attention.
