GoKawiilNewark airport with a plane flying next to a rainbow. Kerry Wan/ZDNET
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Key takeaways
American Airlines passengers are limited to two portable chargers.
Portable chargers must be visible or within reach for the flight.
Take care to ensure you follow specific rules and regulations.
As of May 1, 2026, American Airlines introduced new restrictions on portable chargers that passengers can bring and use in-flight for charging their electronic devices.
The new rule, which is already in effect at the time of publication, stipulates that customers may carry only two power banks, which must be visible to airline staff while in use on flights. If the portable battery is not being used for charging, American Airlines told CBS News that chargers must remain within a passenger's reach on the aircraft and cannot be stowed in an overhead bin.
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American is not the first carrier to revise or update its policies. Last June, Southwest Airlines became the first American-based carrier to enact portable power rules after unveiling a similar policy that prevents travelers from keeping devices tucked into carry-on or overhead bags while they are plugged in. Southwest's policy still permits one charger per person on the aircraft, and like American Airlines, Southwest also requires passengers to keep portable chargers fully in sight while in use.
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