Key Elements of the Updated Policy (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Portable chargers have become essential for keeping phones and laptops alive during long flights, tucked away in bags or overhead bins without a second thought. American Airlines now plans to change that routine. Starting May 1, passengers must adhere to new limits and visibility requirements for these devices to enhance onboard safety.[1][2]
Key Elements of the Updated Policy
The airline announced restrictions that cap passengers at two portable chargers each. These power banks cannot exceed 100 watt-hours in capacity. Travelers previously could carry up to four spare lithium-ion batteries under 100 watt-hours in their carry-on bags.[3][2]
During use, the devices must remain visible and within reach. This means placing them on a tray table, in a seatback pocket, or on the passenger’s lap rather than buried in a bag or stored overhead. Crew members can then monitor for issues like overheating more effectively. The policy also prohibits recharging the power banks themselves from seat outlets or USB ports onboard.[1]
Safety Drives the Policy Shift
Lithium-ion batteries in portable chargers pose fire risks if they experience thermal runaway, a process where overheating leads to uncontrollable fires. The Federal Aviation Administration documented 97 such incidents on aircraft in 2025 alone, with 82 on passenger flights and 34 involving battery packs. Halon extinguishers, standard on planes, suppress flames but fail to halt the underlying chemical reaction; water cooling proves more effective but requires quick access.[2]
American Airlines emphasized this rationale in its statement. “We know our customers rely on portable chargers to keep devices powered throughout their journey,” the carrier explained. “To support safety on board while ensuring our customers continue to have the ability to charge when on the go, American is requiring customers to keep these devices easily accessible during flight.”[1] Hidden chargers in inaccessible spots delay response times, heightening dangers in the confined cabin environment. The changes align with International Air Transport Association guidance, which recommends no more than two power banks per person and bans onboard recharging.[2]
Incidents have prompted similar measures across the industry. Crew training now stresses immediate identification of problematic batteries, and these rules facilitate that process without banning the devices outright.
Practical Impacts for Passengers and Crew
Frequent flyers will need to check their power banks’ specifications before boarding. Most consumer models fall under 100 watt-hours – equivalent to about 27,000 mAh – but larger ones for laptops often exceed this and require verification. Passengers can still charge phones or tablets from the banks or directly via aircraft outlets, provided the bank stays in sight.[1]
For families or groups, the two-per-person limit adds up quickly, potentially leaving some devices unpowered on extended trips. Overhead storage remains off-limits during use, so tray tables will see more activity. Enforcement likely falls to flight attendants during boarding and service, with non-compliance risking device confiscation under broader TSA and FAA baggage rules.[3]
- Maximum two power banks per passenger.
- Each limited to 100 watt-hours or less.
- Visible and reachable when charging other devices.
- No recharging the power banks onboard.
- Carry-on only; large models (e.g., Jackery, EcoFlow) prohibited entirely.[4]
Industry Trends and Broader Context
American Airlines joins peers in tightening controls. Southwest Airlines restricts passengers to one power bank per person. Delta Air Lines matches the two-device, 100 watt-hour cap starting the same day. United Airlines permits devices under 100 watt-hours in both carry-on and checked bags but bars power banks from checked luggage.[1]
These steps follow FAA alerts and global standards from ICAO, which cap spares at two per passenger. While not federally mandated, carriers adopt them voluntarily amid rising incidents. Travelers benefit from continued access to charging but must adapt to greater scrutiny.
What Matters Now: Verify your power bank’s watt-hours rating (printed on the device or in specs). Pack spares accordingly and plan visibility during use to avoid disruptions.
Airlines balance convenience with caution as battery technology evolves. Passengers who comply ensure smoother flights for everyone, underscoring how small policy tweaks address real hazards aloft.
