Starting May 1, American Airlines will implement new restrictions regarding the use and storage of portable power banks during flights. The airline is moving to ensure that all lithium-ion chargers remain visible and accessible to passengers and crew, aiming to mitigate the growing risk of battery-related fires.
New Passenger Restrictions
Under the new policy, travelers must adhere to the following rules:
– Quantity Limit: Passengers are permitted a maximum of two power banks each.
– Capacity Limit: Each power bank must not exceed 100Wh (watt-hours).
– Visibility Requirement: Power banks must remain “visible and within reach” at all times. This includes keeping them in seatback pockets, on tray tables, or on your person. They may no longer be tucked away in bags stored in overhead bins.
– Charging Restrictions: While you may use a power bank to charge a phone or laptop, you are strictly prohibited from using aircraft seat outlets or USB ports to recharge the power bank itself.
The Science of Safety: Why This Matters
The primary driver behind these rules is the phenomenon of thermal runaway. This occurs when a battery cell malfunctions, leading to a rapid, self-sustaining increase in temperature that can result in fire or explosion.
The difficulty for airline crews is not just the fire itself, but its location. If a battery ignites inside a bag stowed in an overhead bin, it is difficult to detect and even harder to access.
– The Limitation of Halon: While aircraft carry Halon fire suppressants, these chemicals are designed to suppress flames but are often ineffective at stopping the internal chemical reaction of thermal runaway.
– The Solution: The most effective way to combat a lithium-ion fire is cooling it with large amounts of water, which requires direct access to the device.
The urgency is backed by data: the FAA reported 89 battery incidents involving smoke, fire, or extreme heat in 2024, with that number rising to 97 incidents in 2025.
A Growing Trend Toward Strictness
American Airlines’ move aligns with guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), though it remains slightly more flexible than some international counterparts.
The industry is seeing a divergence in how airlines manage this risk:
| Airline | Power Bank Limit | Onboard Use/Charging Rules |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 2 per passenger | Can charge devices if visible; cannot recharge the bank itself. |
| Southwest | 1 per passenger | No recharging via seat power; must be visible. |
| Lufthansa | 2 per passenger | No use of “power bricks”; must be in seat pocket or on person. |
| Emirates | 1 per passenger | No inflight use allowed. |
| Singapore Airlines | 2 per passenger | No inflight use or recharging allowed. |
Emergency Protocols
To manage these risks, U.S. airlines now board specialized equipment, including fire containment bags and heat-resistant gloves. If a device catches fire, crew members use these tools to isolate the device and place it in a fire containment bag, which is then stored in a metal cart in the galley until the aircraft lands.
Conclusion
As lithium-ion technology becomes more prevalent, airlines are shifting from reactive firefighting to proactive prevention. By requiring power banks to stay in plain sight, carriers are ensuring that if a battery fails, the crew can intervene before a small malfunction becomes an in-flight emergency.
