New Portable Charger Regulations by American Airlines Effective from May 1
American Airlines has announced stricter safety regulations for portable chargers, effective from May 1, 2026. This decision follows nearly two dozen lithium battery incidents on commercial flights this year. The new policy mandates passengers to keep power banks visible and within reach during flights. It also limits the number of devices per person to two, each not exceeding 100 watt-hours.
As per the updated rules, portable chargers are not allowed to be stored in overhead bins. They must remain in seatback pockets or personal items under the seat. Furthermore, passengers are prohibited from recharging the power banks themselves during flights. The Fort Worth-based carrier stated that the policy enables crew members to respond quickly to potential battery fires.
With this move, American joins the ranks of Delta Air Lines and United Airlines in implementing enhanced safety measures. United introduced similar restrictions on March 1, 2026, while Delta’s policy also takes effect on May 1. In 2025, nearly 100 lithium battery incidents occurred on commercial flights, mostly involving battery packs and vape devices, according to FAA data. While not currently mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration, stricter portable charger policies are becoming an industry standard among major carriers.
Source: Good Morning America