If you travel with a portable charger, pay attention. American Airlines is rolling out new rules starting May 1 that could impact how you use and store your power bank onboard.
The airline says the updated policy is designed to improve safety, following a growing number of incidents involving lithium-ion batteries overheating or catching fire mid-flight.
Under the new rules, passengers will be limited to:
- A maximum of two portable chargers per person
- Each charger must be 100 watt-hours or less
- Chargers must be kept visible and within reach at all times
That last rule is the big change. Travelers will no longer be allowed to toss their power banks into overhead bins or keep them out of sight during the flight. If you’re using one to charge your phone or laptop, it has to remain visible.
There’s another key restriction: you cannot recharge your portable charger using the seat outlet or USB port. You can still plug your phone, laptop, or tablet directly into the aircraft’s power system, but not the power bank itself.
In a statement, American said the move will “support safety on board while ensuring our customers continue to have the ability to charge when on the go.” The airline added that keeping chargers visible allows crew members to respond quickly if something goes wrong.
Southwest Airlines recently introduced similar restrictions, limiting passengers to one power bank and banning them from overhead bins as well. Across the industry, airlines are taking a closer look at lithium battery risks after more than a dozen onboard incidents this year alone.
According to the FAA, lithium-ion batteries can catch fire if damaged or if their terminals short-circuit. That’s why spare batteries and power banks are already banned from checked luggage and must be carried in the cabin, where crew can respond quickly in an emergency.
Some airlines in Asia have gone even further, restricting or banning the use of portable chargers entirely during flights.
Why this matters
Portable chargers have become a must-have for travelers. Whether you’re on a long-haul flight, stuck at the gate, or exploring a new city all day, having backup power can be the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one.
But these new rules mean you need to be a bit more intentional about which charger you bring and how you use it.
First, make sure your power bank is under 100Wh. Most standard chargers are, but some high-capacity models are not. Second, keep it easily accessible in your personal item, not buried in your carry-on.
A quick recommendation
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: a good portable charger is still one of the best travel investments you can make since it pretty much guarantees you won’t run out of juice while touring around a city. You just need to choose one that complies with airline rules.
Look for a compact, airline-approved charger under 100Wh, ideally with multiple ports so you can charge more than one device at a time. Slim models are easier to keep in your seat pocket or small bag, which now matters more than ever with the “visible and within reach” rule. I use this Tessan 5-in-1 portable charger.
H/T ViewFromTheWing
