What to know about American Airlines' new portable charger, batteries policy

American Airlines is implementing a new policy on portable chargers to address potential in-flight safety issues.

Starting May 1, travelers on all American Airlines flights will be required to keep any portable charges visible and within reach while in use.

"We know our customers rely on portable chargers to keep devices powered throughout their journey," the carrier stated. "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."

It added that "new limits" will "also apply to the number of portable chargers customers can bring onboard and their watt-hour capacity."

Under the new policy, the airline said it will limit passengers to two portable chargers that do not exceed 100 watt-hours each. Portable chargers -- which contain lithium-ion batteries intended to charge personal electronic devices -- may not be stored in overhead bins and cannot be recharged during the flight, the airline said.

The Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier said the policy is being updated to allow crew members to respond quickly in case of any issues, such as a battery fire.

Current American Airlines policy allows up to two spare portable batteries or chargers in carry-on bags.

While it's not currently required by the Federal Aviation Administration, stricter portable charger policies are becoming industry standard among major carriers, following a string of fires sparked by lithium-ion batteries onboard flights operated by several different airlines last year.

In 2025 alone, there were 97 lithium battery incidents on aircraft, with 82 involving passenger planes and 34 involving batteries or battery packs, according to FAA data.

Southwest Airlines implemented new portable charger restrictions last year. The airline currently limits travelers to one lithium portable charger or power bank per person on its flights.

United Airlines allows passengers to store personal devices that have lithium batteries under 100 watt-hours in their checked and carry-on bags, however, power banks are not allowed in checked luggage.

According to Delta Air Lines guidelines, passengers can bring lithium battery-powered devices "as carry-on items or in checked baggage," but the airline prohibits them from being stored in overhead bins. Beginning May 1, Delta customers will be limited to two portable chargers, not to exceed 100 watt-hours each.