Trending Now - American Airlines Enforces Stricter Regulations on Portable Chargers

WHO:

CBS News - American Airlines is the airline implementing new restrictions.

CBS News - Southwest Airlines is mentioned as another carrier that recently changed its policy.

WHAT:

CBS News - American Airlines will introduce new restrictions on portable chargers for passengers.

CBS News - Passengers may carry only two power banks on flights.

CBS News - The chargers must be visible to airline personnel while in use.

CBS News - When not in use, chargers must be within a passenger's reach and cannot be stowed in an overhead bin.

CBS News - There were nearly two dozen lithium battery incidents on flights operated by commercial airlines this year.

CBS News - In 2025, nearly 100 battery incidents occurred, mostly involving battery packs and vape devices.

WHERE:

CBS News - The new rules apply to flights operated by American Airlines.

WHEN:

CBS News - The new restrictions will start on Friday.

WHY:

CBS News - The policy change is in response to safety concerns following multiple lithium battery incidents.

HOW:

CBS News - American Airlines is requiring customers to keep portable chargers easily accessible during flight to enhance safety.

(UPDATED April 28, 2026 21:20 UTC)

American Airlines is set to implement new restrictions on portable chargers for passengers, starting Friday, in response to safety concerns following numerous lithium battery incidents. Under the new rules, passengers will be allowed to carry only two power banks on flights, which must remain visible to airline personnel while in use and kept within reach when not in use. Southwest Airlines has also recently changed its policy regarding similar safety measures.