American Airlines has become the latest carrier to impose restrictions on portable chargers carried by passengers, citing concerns over lithium battery fires. The new policy, effective from Friday, limits each passenger to two portable lithium chargers, each with a capacity not exceeding 100 watt-hours. These devices must be kept visible and are not permitted to be stored in overhead bins.
Details of the New Policy
Under the updated rules, passengers are also prohibited from recharging their portable chargers while onboard the aircraft. The airline advises travelers to keep their power banks easily accessible during the flight, presumably to allow for immediate action in the event of a malfunction. The restrictions apply to all flights operated by American Airlines.
Background and Safety Concerns
The move follows warnings from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has documented over 700 verified incidents involving lithium batteries on aircraft since March 2006. These incidents include cases of smoke, fire, or extreme heat, highlighting the potential dangers of such devices in an aviation environment. The FAA has long cautioned airlines and passengers about the risks associated with lithium batteries, which can overheat and ignite if damaged or defective.
American Airlines is not alone in updating its policies. Southwest Airlines recently revised its guidelines, requiring passengers to carry power banks in their personal items or carry-on luggage and forbidding their use during takeoff and landing. United Airlines and Delta Air Lines also maintain similar rules, limiting power bank capacity to 100 watt-hours in carry-on bags and prohibiting them in checked luggage.
Industry-Wide Measures
The restrictions are part of a broader industry effort to mitigate the risk of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. Many airlines now require passengers to keep power banks in their carry-on bags rather than checked luggage, as cabin crew can more easily respond to incidents in the passenger cabin. Some carriers have also banned the use of portable chargers during certain phases of flight, such as boarding and taxiing.
Passengers are advised to check their airline's specific policies before traveling, as regulations can vary. For those planning to fly with American Airlines, it is recommended to ensure that any portable chargers comply with the new limits and to keep them readily accessible throughout the journey.
