Southwest to require passengers to remove lithium batteries from mobility devices

Southwest Airlines is following the Federal Aviation Administration's warning about the dangers of lithium-powered batteries with a new policy.

Starting September 25, Southwest passengers will have to remove the batteries from mobility devices due to fire hazards.

Air travelers will have to carry them into the cabin before their wheelchair is checked.

The airline said it will not count against a passenger's carry-on bags.

The policy will also restrict the size of lithium-powered batteries that are eligible for transportation on Southwest flights.

The alert comes after the FAA revealed how lithium batteries can act as ignition sources and start fires on board planes.