American Airlines is joining other major air carriers by updating its rules on portable chargers, according to ABC News. Starting May 1, the airline is restricting passengers to a maximum of two portable chargers with a maximum rating of 100 watt-hours each.
The airline's new rules also state that the devices must be visible when in use, cannot be placed in overhead compartments, and cannot be charged during flights. Its current rules allow passengers to bring up to two portable chargers on flights in carry-on bags.
Safety Concerns Drive Changes
“We know our customers rely on portable chargers to keep devices powered throughout their journey,” American Airlines said in a statement to ABC News. “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.”
The air carrier joins other major airlines in tightening restrictions on portable chargers as reports of safety incidents involving lithium batteries have risen in recent years, according to data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
FAA Data on Lithium Battery Incidents
Last year, the regulator reported 97 incidents involving lithium batteries, with 82 of them occurring on passenger planes, and 34 involving battery packs or batteries. In fall 2025, the FAA issued a safety alert to airlines about the risks of lithium batteries following several fires sparked by power banks and portable chargers on passenger flights.
Among its recommendations was that airlines could “instruct passengers and crewmembers to carry lithium batteries in locations where a potential thermal runaway is visible and accessible by passengers or crewmembers.” The FAA had already banned lithium-ion batteries from checked luggage.
Industry-Wide Standard Emerging
Following the FAA alert, Southwest Airlines was the first U.S. air carrier to introduce portable charger restrictions last year, requiring the devices be used “in plain sight” during flights. Earlier this month, the airline updated its restrictions, limiting passengers to one lithium portable charger or power bank per person, effective April 20.
Currently, Air Canada limits passengers to two lithium batteries with a rating of 100 watt-hours, but not exceeding 160 watt-hours, in carry-on luggage. WestJet’s policy limits passengers to one power bank per person, requiring that the devices be kept on them or in the seat pocket of the plane. It also states that power banks cannot be charged on board and cannot be used to charge other devices on planes.
These changes reflect a broader industry response to the growing number of safety incidents involving lithium-ion batteries. Officials urge proper lithium-ion battery use after a concerning rise in fires, including incidents captured on camera aboard planes and trains.
