American Airlines Has A New Rule For Power Banks On Flights

American Airlines has tightened how passengers can travel with portable chargers, the common power banks many travelers pack to keep phones, tablets, headphones, and other devices running during flights. The updated policy took effect on May 1, 2026, and says passengers may bring portable chargers on board in carry-on bags, but they may not pack them in checked luggage. The rule also limits each passenger to two portable chargers while on board, and each charger must remain at or below 100 watt-hours.

American Airlines says the watt-hour rating usually appears on the back or base of the charger. Once passengers are on the aircraft, the devices must stay within reach and visible while in use. The airline also tells passengers to store power banks in an easily accessible place, such as a personal item under the seat or a seatback pocket, and says travelers may not store them in overhead bins or use seat power outlets to recharge them during the flight.

What American Airlines’ New Power Bank Rule Means For Travelers

The new rule makes portable chargers something travelers need to think about before they zip up their bags. A power bank can still be carried on an American Airlines flight, but passengers need to know where it is packed, how powerful it is, and whether they can reach it once seated.

The easiest way to avoid issues is to keep the charger in a personal item that stays under the seat, rather than placing it in a carry-on suitcase headed for the overhead bin. That is especially important for travelers who board with roller bags or move items around at the gate. A charger may clear security inside a carry-on bag, but American Airlines’ onboard rule says passengers should not store power banks in overhead bins or other enclosed spaces during the flight. Keeping the device in a backpack, purse, laptop bag, or seatback pocket makes it easier to follow the rule and respond quickly if the charger overheats, expands, smokes, or shows signs of damage.

Travelers should also check the rating printed on the charger before leaving for the airport. Some power banks list watt-hours, while others list milliamp-hours. American Airlines provides a conversion formula on its restricted-items page to help passengers confirm whether a device falls within the 100-watt-hour limit. The airline gives the example of a 10,000 milliamp-hour portable charger, which equals 37 watt-hours under that formula.

Why Airlines Are Paying More Attention To Lithium Batteries

The rule falls within a broader aviation safety focus on lithium batteries. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says all lithium-ion batteries can overheat and enter thermal runaway, a process that can happen without warning due to damage, overheating, water exposure, overcharging, improper packing, or manufacturing defects.

The agency says passengers should alert crew members immediately if a battery or device begins to overheat, expand, smoke, or burn. The FAA already requires spare lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, to travel in carry-on baggage only. If a carry-on bag gets checked at the gate or planeside, passengers must remove spare lithium batteries and power banks and keep them with them in the cabin.

Battery terminals must also remain protected against short circuits. The FAA notes that many domestic and international airlines may impose stricter quantity and watt-hour limits on power banks and portable chargers, and advises passengers to check their carrier’s rules before traveling.

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