dailynewsnblog
This weekend there will be a new policy on 
American Airlines limiting the number and capacity of power banks that flyers can bring aboard. The new policy also will be requiring all travelers to keep their power banks in clearly visible locations throughout the flight. The new safety rules stem from the 97 lithium battery incidents in 2025 reported by the Federal Aviation Administration, up from 89 in 2024.
This move follows a previous decision by 
Southwest Airlines which took effect on April 20 of this year. The increased control over portable power sources by both airlines is keeping in suit with a wider trend across the industry and follows recently introduced global guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The Hazards of Lithium Power Sources in the Air
The airline is not prohibiting the use of portable power supplies by any means, it is simply increasing the awareness that cabin crew will have to avoid any potential in-flight mishaps. Given the fire risk posed by highly energy-dense backup batteries, the intent is to reduce hazards by keeping any device that could potentially malfunction and start a fire in public view.
One noteworthy caveat to the new policy, aside from keeping power banks in plain view is that American does not want to have them charged on the plane during flights. These power sources should not be kept inside bags or covered by clothing and should be kept within reach of the seatback pocket, tray table or on the traveler’s lap. And they should not be recharged from the electrical sources on the plane meant for personal devices like cell phones or tablets.
The policy at AA restricts each traveler to two power banks with a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours each. At the same time, there’s no change to the availability of onboard power outlets to charge personal devices directly from the plane’s electrical system. On March 27, ICAO announced in a press release that outlined policy measures which informed the new AA rules, saying:
“New lithium battery-powered power bank specifications [from ICAO] will enhance safety and peace of mind for passengers and airlines alike… these devices will now be limited to two per passenger, and passengers will be prohibited from recharging them during flights.”
Different Rules For Different Power Supplies
American Airlines distinguishes between portable power banks and standalone lithium battery backups. The airline says that the devices considered power banks are more broadly applicable to recharge different devices whereas a single replacement lithium battery is regulated under standards.
Below is a table that lays out the key points as A View from a Wing described after distilling down the full policy change from American Airlines:
|
Rule |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Visible Only Use |
Power banks must stay in plain sight (tray table or seatback pocket) while in use. No charging inside bags or overhead bins. |
|
Quantity Limit |
Maximum two power banks per passenger. |
|
Capacity Cap |
Each device must be under 100Wh (approx. 27,000mAh). |
|
No Recharging |
You cannot charge the power bank itself using aircraft seat power; it can only be used to charge your devices. |
Notably, ICAO did not state that air crew should be restricted to the same rules. Instead, cabin crew should be instructed to follow guidance based on the specification of their individual aircraft and carrier policy regarding power banks and usage in flight.
New Global Aviation Rules On Power Banks Come Into Effect – Here’s What’s Changing
Passengers can now carry up to two power banks each onboard.
Southwest’s Strict Controls Over Passenger Power
Beating American to the punch by almost two weeks, Southwest actually instituted a tighter new policy that governs how travelers may use power banks on the airplane and what kind of power sources they can bring aboard. America’s top low-cost carrier bans towing backup power supplies in overhead bins completely and limits passengers to just one portable power source, which of course must remain visible at all times on the plane.
While the airline is not currently planning to aggressively enforce the rule through bag searches or confiscations, they are proactively informing passengers during booking and check-in to ensure compliance. Being the more lenient of the two, AA has also not indicated there is any risk of having power sources confiscated yet.
