Air travel evolves. Sometimes it’s good things, like faster planes, more safety, and lower prices. Other times it’s bad, such as something being taken away from passengers, like comfort and food quality.
And if you’re old enough to remember, you know that in the wake of 9/11, all sorts of changes happened in quick succession.
But besides those larger-scale changes that have occurred over the decades, smaller ones happen too. They come up because of a variety of reasons, but 2025 was no different in that several changes took effect. Here are three of them that happened in the U.S.:
Lithium batteries
There’s been a slew of reports of items using lithium batteries catching fire, which is partially why airlines made a distinct change to their safety spiel in 2024. However, power banks are no longer allowed in checked luggage. Nor are cordless hair tools and power tools that use lithium batteries.
TSA has also suggested that any personal item (think electric toothbrushes, razors, etc.) that charges should also be kept in carry-on bags or personal items (just hope this never happens to you).
Southwest Airlines updated its rules to say that portable battery packs and chargers must be visible to cabin crew while in use during flight.
Southwest Airlines also updated their rules for passengers who use lithium-powered scooters or wheelchairs. As of September 25, 2025, travelers must remove the removable lithium battery from their mobility device and bring it into the cabin with them (it doesn’t count toward their carry-on or personal item allowance). Gee, thanks, Southwest.
Butane-powered products
TSA is concerned about butane catching fire in checked luggage, so besides cordless hair tools that use lithium batteries, ones that use butane for heating must also be carried in carry-on bags, so if they catch on fire, someone will see it and the fire can be put out.
Spare butane cartridge refills are also no longer allowed in carry-on OR checked bags due to fire concerns.
CBD gummies and hemp-derived products
Under federal law, products classified as “hemp” are only legal if they contain no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis. If it has more than 0.3%, it’s technically considered marijuana, which, although legal in some states, is still illegal under federal law.
According to the US government, your products should be clearly labeled as hemp-derived, with lab testing or a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming the amount of THC is under the 0.3% threshold.
Also keep in mind that although that’s the rule in the US, rules vary in other countries – just ask Brittney Griner.
And speaking of other countries…
The United States isn’t the only country to make changes to the rules of air travel; those sorts of updates happen all over the world. Here are a couple of examples:
Multiple countries, particularly in Asia, have updated rules about lithium batteries.
Ryanair banned duty-free alcohol over 70% ABV (140 proof).
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