American Airlines Limits Portable Chargers on Flights: New Policy Explained

American Airlines Cracks Down on Portable Chargers

American Airlines, the largest airline in the United States, is implementing a new policy that limits the number of portable chargers passengers can bring on board. The change, effective May 1, 2024, addresses safety concerns related to lithium batteries.

New Rules for Portable Chargers

The airline now requires passengers to:

• Bring no more than two portable chargers per passenger;
• Keep chargers visible at all times, even when not in use;
• Store batteries in cabin areas only—overhead compartments are prohibited;
• Ensure each charger does not exceed 100 watt-hours of power capacity.

“We know our customers rely on portable chargers to keep devices powered throughout their journey,” an American Airlines spokesperson told CBS. “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.”

Safety Concerns Drive Policy Change

Lithium batteries pose fire and thermal runaway risks, which can lead to smoke, extreme heat, or even fire. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there have been at least 717 lithium battery incidents in the past two decades, with 548 occurring on passenger aircraft.

The new policy applies to all lithium-powered portable chargers, including those integrated into backpacks, luggage, or other devices used to power phones, laptops, or tablets.

Industry Trend Gains Momentum

American Airlines is not the first carrier to restrict portable chargers. Southwest Airlines implemented a similar rule in April 2024, limiting passengers to one portable charger per person.

While the new rules may inconvenience some travelers, public reaction has been largely supportive. One user on X (formerly Twitter) shared a personal account of witnessing a lithium battery fire in an overhead bin, stating: “As someone who witnessed with their own eyes a lithium battery in the overhead bin being on fire less than a month ago…as a flight attendant for the sake of my safety others I beg everyone to follow these rules.”

What Travelers Need to Know

Passengers flying with American Airlines after May 1 should review their portable charger inventory and ensure compliance with the new policy to avoid delays or confiscation at security or boarding.