American Airlines announces new power bank rule for flights affecting 4,000,000 UK travellers

American Airlines has introduced a strict new carry-on policy (Picture: Getty Images)

From Singapore Airlines to Lufthansa and Emirates, several airlines have been cracking down on the use of portable chargers on planes — either banning them altogether or limiting them per passenger.

This is because power banks contain lithium-ion batteries, which can pose major fire hazards if damaged or faulty.

Now, American Airlines — one of the top carriers for transatlantic air traffic — has brought in restrictions, which will affect the estimated four million Brits who travel to the US each year.

From Friday (May 1), travellers will only be allowed to take two portable lithium chargers in carry-on, neither of which can exceed 100 watt-hours.

Passengers on all American Airlines flights will also be required to keep their charging devices visible and within reach when in use.

This means they are banned from being stored in overhead lockers and cannot be recharged during the flight.

An airline spokesperson said: ‘We know our customers rely on portable chargers to keep devices powered throughout their journey. 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.’

According to the airline, these updates ‘allow crew members to respond quickly should an issue arise with the portable charger.’

It said the policy ‘aligns with industry standards and underscores America’s commitment to safety — our top priority.’

Portable chargers contain lithium-ion batteries (Picture: Getty Images)

Currently, American Airlines allows up to four power packs with lithium batteries in carry-on — not checked luggage. They still must not exceed 100 watt-hours.

Until Friday, passengers can also travel with two 100 and 160 watt-hours spare batteries in their carry-on.

American Airlines’ new restriction follows in the footsteps of its rival, Southwest Airlines, which implemented stricter rules last week.

The ‘Big Four’ carrier limited customers to one power bank per person that cannot exceed 100 watt-hours on April 20.

Like American, charging the power bank itself using in-seat power outlets is now banned, alongside storing them in overhead bins.

Southwest Airlines has also cracked down on power packs (Picture: Getty Images)

Stricter power pack policies are becoming the norm following a string of onboard fires sparked by the lithium-ion batteries.

Additionally, between March 2006 and March 2026, the FAA reported 228 aviation-related incidents due to lithium batteries.

Closer to home, in August 2025, a KLM flight from São Paulo to Amsterdam experienced a mid-flight emergency when a passenger’s portable charger overheated and filled the cabin with smoke.

Similarly, in October last year, an Air China flight to South Korea was forced to make an emergency landing in Shanghai after a lithium battery in a passenger’s carry-on bag ignited.

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