Quick summary
Starting May 1, 2026, American Airlines passengers may carry a maximum of two portable chargers per person, each rated under 100 watt-hours. The devices must remain visible and within reach during flights, cannot be stored in overhead bins, and cannot be recharged onboard. Travelers with more than two chargers or devices exceeding the watt-hour limit risk confiscation at TSA checkpoints.
The policy follows 97 lithium battery incidents involving smoke or fire on US aircraft in 2025 alone. Southwest Airlines implemented a similar one-charger limit on April 20, 2026, signaling an industry-wide shift toward stricter in-flight monitoring of lithium-powered devices.
American Airlines announced the portable charger restrictions on April 25, 2026, reducing the maximum from four chargers under 100 watt-hours to two per passenger. The change takes effect May 1 and applies to all flights operated by the carrier.
Under the new rules, passengers must keep portable chargers visible and accessible throughout the flight. The devices cannot be tucked into overhead bins or recharged while the aircraft is in operation. American Airlines directed travelers to store chargers in seat-back pockets or under the seat in front of them, where cabin crew can quickly spot and address any thermal events.
The policy targets lithium battery fires in overhead bins, where crew cannot quickly detect or suppress thermal runaway — a risk that forced 97 battery incidents involving smoke or fire on US flights in 2025 alone. Federal regulators have logged over 700 verified incidents since March 2006, prompting carriers to enhance monitoring protocols.
How the new rules compare across US carriers
Southwest Airlines moved first, updating its policy on April 20, 2026, to allow just one portable charger per passenger under 100 watt-hours. Delta Air Lines began limiting passengers to two chargers under 100 watt-hours effective May 1, 2026, matching American’s timeline. United Airlines currently permits up to two lithium batteries rated between 100 and 160 watt-hours in carry-on bags, though industry sources indicate a policy review is underway.
All US carriers prohibit portable chargers in checked baggage, following FAA guidance on lithium battery transport. Power banks rated between 100 and 160 watt-hours require airline approval before travel, while devices exceeding 160 watt-hours are banned outright on passenger aircraft.
| Carrier | Maximum chargers | Watt-hour limit | Overhead bin storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 2 | 100Wh each | Prohibited |
| Southwest Airlines | 1 | 100Wh | Prohibited |
| Delta Air Lines | 2 | 100Wh each | Prohibited |
| United Airlines | 2 | 100–160Wh | Carry-on only |
The FAA certifies all US airlines including American, mandating compliance with 14 CFR Part 121 for hazardous materials like lithium batteries. Standards from FAA Advisory Circular 120-116D limit spare batteries to 100 watt-hours or less (unlimited quantity with terminal protection), a maximum of two batteries rated 100–160 watt-hours with airline approval, and prohibit devices over 160 watt-hours on passenger flights. TSA enforces these limits at security checkpoints through X-ray screening and manual inspection.
The FAA audits operators annually via IOSA certification and ramp checks. Following the 97 incidents in 2025, regulators increased focus on lithium battery handling during routine inspections. American’s policy exceeds federal minimums by capping chargers at two per passenger and requiring constant visibility — measures designed for proactive crew monitoring rather than reactive suppression.
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Why lithium batteries pose in-flight fire risk
Lithium-ion batteries enter thermal runaway when internal short circuits generate heat faster than the cell can dissipate it. Damaged cells, manufacturing defects, or overcharging can trigger the cascade. Once started, temperatures exceed 1,000°F, igniting adjacent materials and releasing toxic gases.
Overhead bins concentrate risk. Crew cannot see smoke or flames until passengers open the compartment, delaying suppression by critical minutes. Seat-level storage allows immediate detection and access to fire containment bags — standard equipment on US carriers since 2016.
The FAA reassures travelers that cabin crew training includes lithium battery fire protocols, and incidents “can be mitigated by the cabin crew and passengers inside the aircraft cabin.” Halon fire extinguishers and thermal containment bags are positioned throughout the cabin for rapid response.
What to do before your next flight
The two-charger limit takes effect in three days — here’s the priority order for compliance.
- Check watt-hour ratings: Flip your portable chargers over and locate the “Wh” or “mAh” label. Devices rated above 100 watt-hours require airline approval; those over 160 watt-hours cannot board. If only milliamp-hours are listed, divide by 1,000 and multiply by 3.7 to estimate watt-hours.
- Consolidate to two devices: Select your two highest-capacity chargers under 100 watt-hours and leave the rest at home. TSA will confiscate excess chargers at security checkpoints starting May 1.
- Test seat power availability: Visit American Airlines’ flight status page and enter your flight number to confirm whether your aircraft offers in-seat USB or AC outlets. This reduces reliance on portable chargers during long flights.
- Pack chargers in accessible pockets: Place both devices in your personal item’s exterior pocket or the top layer of your carry-on. You’ll need to retrieve them quickly after boarding to comply with visibility requirements.
- Request approval for 100–160Wh devices: Call American Airlines reservations at 800-433-7300 at least 48 hours before departure if you’re traveling with a charger rated between 100 and 160 watt-hours. Have the device’s exact specifications ready.
Watch: United Airlines’ policy update expected by mid-May if FAA’s Q2 2026 lithium battery incident report shows continued upward trend.
Questions? Answers.
Can I bring a portable charger rated exactly 100 watt-hours on American Airlines flights?
Yes. The 100 watt-hour threshold is inclusive — devices rated at or below 100Wh are permitted without airline approval. You may carry two such chargers starting May 1, 2026.
What happens if my portable charger doesn’t have a watt-hour label?
TSA and airline staff will assume the device exceeds limits if no rating is visible. Contact the manufacturer before travel to obtain specifications, or bring a different charger with clear labeling to avoid confiscation at security.
Do these rules apply to laptop batteries and phone batteries built into devices?
No. The restrictions target spare lithium batteries and portable chargers carried separately. Batteries installed in laptops, phones, tablets, and cameras are exempt from the two-device limit, though devices must remain in carry-on baggage.
Can I charge my phone using a portable charger during taxi and takeoff?
Yes, but the charger must remain visible and within reach. American Airlines prohibits recharging the portable charger itself during any phase of flight, including taxi, takeoff, cruise, and landing.
