American Airlines says passengers can bring only two portable power banks on board, kept visible or within reach while charging.
Flying soon and planning to charge your devices mid-flight? American Airlines has tightened its portable battery rules, effective May 1, and the changes are simple to miss until you are already at the gate.
Under the updated policy, passengers are limited to bringing two portable chargers (power banks) for in-flight use. While you are charging, those power banks must be visible to airline staff or positioned within reach, rather than being tucked away out of sight.
If you are not actively using the power bank for charging, it cannot be stored in overhead bins. Instead, American’s guidance requires it to remain within a passenger’s reach on the aircraft, which is a more restrictive approach than many travelers expect.
This matters because airlines are treating in-cabin charging as a safety-sensitive activity, where quick visibility can help staff spot problems earlier.
American also restricts the type of power bank you can bring: the rule applies to external battery packs that plug into electronic devices.. It can also extend to certain suitcases that include built-in lithium-ion charging features. so travelers relying on “charger-in-luggage” setups should double-check whether their gear falls under the same limits.
There is also a notable operational restriction: passengers are not allowed to recharge portable batteries while aboard the aircraft. In practice, that means you will want to top up before boarding, not assume you can use one power bank to refill another during the flight.
Why this matters is that the policy aligns with a broader aviation concern around lithium-ion batteries and in-flight charging. Even though serious incidents are rare, requiring chargers to stay visible or accessible is intended to reduce the chances of delayed detection.
For travelers. the safest move is to verify your airline’s portable power requirements ahead of departure. especially if your trip includes connecting flights.. If you have used a particular power bank on previous trips. give it a quick inspection for visible damage and confirm its charging wattage matches what the airline permits.
And if you are currently traveling with a suitcase that includes a built-in lithium-ion charger. consider researching alternative packing options if the restrictions could disrupt your routine.. American’s update is part of a wider trend in the airline industry toward tighter controls on how portable power is used on board—so a few minutes of prep can save a lot of in-flight hassle.