By Armando Hernandez
In an effort to curb the growing number of cloud security incidents, American Airways announced drastic changes to its policy for passengers traveling with technological accessories.
Starting this Friday, May 1, the Texas-based airline will impose strict limits on the use and transportation of portable chargers and lithium-ion batteries, joining a trend that is already standard in the US airline industry.
The new regulations stipulate that travelers can only carry a maximum of two portable chargers per person.and each must have a capacity not exceeding 100 watt-hours. This measure represents a significant tightening compared to previous rules, which allowed up to four units under certain power conditions.
.@AmericanAir is limiting flyers to two energy banks starting up Could perchance also just 1st–every are no longer to exceed 100 watt-hours. Flyers must assist portable chargers viewed when in exercise and continuously nearby whereas onboard.
Chargers must no longer be kept in overhead containers or recharged whereas on the airplane— Kris Van Nick (@krisvancleave) April 28, 2026
Safety at hand and out of overhead compartments
The change not only limits the number of devices, but also their strategic placement within the cabin.. According to the airline, the chargers must always be within reach of the passenger or within sight of the inside of the flight while they are used. It is strictly prohibited to store them in the overhead compartments, where a possible fire or overheating would go unnoticed by the crew.
“We know that our customers depend on these devices, but to ensure safety on board, we require that they be easily accessible,” the company stated in a statement.. Additionally, recharging these external batteries using the aircraft’s power outlets is strictly prohibited, a common practice that is now considered an unnecessary risk.
The airline recalled that most of its seats already have integrated charging ports, so the use of external batteries should be minimal.
DYK lithium batteries can overheat and even ignite? This is why spare and unfastened lithium batteries are prohibited in checked bags whether in packaging, of their chargers, or as rechargeable energy banks. Be taught about valid packing with batteries at https://t.co/EJUP1TPHa3, and check… pic.twitter.com/0x4cO5noo7
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) June 14, 2025
The invisible danger: Almost 100 incidents in the last year
The urgency of these measures is no coincidence. The data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is alarming: In 2025, almost 100 incidents related to smoke, fire or extreme heat caused by lithium batteries were recorded on commercial flights. So far in 2026, 32 additional cases have already been reported.
One of the most serious events that prompted this precaution occurred in January 2025 on an Air Busan flight, where a faulty battery caused a fire that pierced the roof of the aircraft, forcing an emergency evacuation.
American Airways is not the only one to shield itself. Southwest Airways recently went further, limiting its customers to just one battery per person.. For its part, Delta Air Lines will also adopt the two-charger limit starting in May, aligning with national security concerns.
For the traveling community, especially in cities with a high technological flow like Los Angeles, this measure implies a change in habit. Experts recommend checking the tags on your devices before arriving at the airport to prevent your accessories from ending up in TSA security lockers.. The priority is clear: prevent a simple pocket accessory from becoming a deadly threat at 30,000 feet.
Keep reading:
- Leaving your device with 0% battery can cause irreversible damage
- American Airways flight makes emergency landing in Arizona due to fire on board
- The electronic devices that power our homes represent a great threat to our families
