Airlines across the globe are getting stricter about portable chargers. If you travel often, this is something you’ll want to keep an eye on.

The latest update comes from American Airlines, which has introduced new rules on carrying and using power banks during flights. The change is part of a wider shift across the aviation industry as safety concerns grow.

What’s Changing on American Airlines Flights?

From May 1, passengers flying with American Airlines need to follow a few clear rules:

• You can carry up to 2 power banks in your cabin bag
• Each must be under 100 watt-hours (Wh)
• Power banks must stay visible and within reach when in use
• You cannot store them in overhead bins
• Charging the power bank itself during the flight is not allowed

Here’s the key idea: airlines want these devices to be easy to access in case something goes wrong.

Why Airlines Are Restricting Power Banks

Power banks use lithium-ion batteries. These are safe most of the time, but when they fail, they can overheat or even catch fire. That’s not just a theory. Data from the Federal Aviation Administration shows:

• 39 battery-related aviation incidents in 2025 alone
• Over 200 incidents reported between 2006 and 2026

Even a small device can cause serious problems inside an aircraft cabin. That’s why airlines are acting now.

Real Incidents That Triggered These Changes

Recent events show why airlines are taking this seriously:

• A KLM flight had a mid-air scare when a power bank overheated and filled the cabin with smoke
• An Air China flight made an emergency landing after a battery caught fire in a passenger’s bag

These situations are rare, but when they happen, they escalate quickly.

Not Just American Airlines

This isn’t a one-off rule. Airlines around the world are moving in the same direction. For example:

• Southwest Airlines now allows only one power bank per passenger
• Charging power banks onboard is also restricted on several carriers

Many major airlines have already banned or limited their use. Here’s the full list of airlines that have banned or restricted the use of power banks onboard as of 2026:

• Singapore Airlines
• Lufthansa (part of the Lufthansa Group)
• Emirates
• Cathay Pacific
• Qantas
• Thai Airways
• Tigerair
• Air Busan
• South Korean Airlines
• Hong Kong Airlines
• Starlux Airlines

The pattern is clear. Stricter rules are becoming standard.

What This Means for Travellers

If you carry a power bank, nothing dramatic changes. But you do need to be more careful. Keep these basics in mind:

• Always pack power banks in carry-on, never checked luggage
• Check the battery size (Wh) before flying
• Keep devices easy to reach during the flight
• Avoid using damaged or cheap chargers

A little preparation goes a long way here.

The Bigger Picture

Air travel is getting more safety-focused, especially when it comes to lithium batteries. What this really means is simple: airlines are not banning your devices; they want better control over them.

So next time you fly, keep your power bank handy, follow the limits, and you’ll be fine.

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