Another airline tightens its portable battery rules - what to know before your next flight

"American Airlines introduced new restrictions on portable chargers that passengers can bring and use in-flight for charging electronic devices. The new rule 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."

"American's policies specifically limit each person to two portable chargers, each of which may not exceed 100-watt-hour capacity. In addition to following the new guidelines to keep portable chargers visible or within reach, these devices may not be recharged aboard the aircraft. These stipulations apply to any external power bank that can be plugged into electronic devices, and some suitcases that feature built-in charging ports powered by lithium-ion batteries."

"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."

American Airlines limits passengers to two portable power banks for in-flight charging. Each power bank must be visible to airline staff while in use. If a power bank is not actively charging, it must remain within the passenger’s reach and cannot be stowed in an overhead bin. The policy applies to any external power bank that plugs into electronic devices, and it also covers some suitcases with built-in lithium-ion charging ports. Each power bank may not exceed 100-watt-hour capacity. Portable chargers may not be recharged aboard the aircraft. Similar rules have been adopted by other airlines, including Southwest.

Read at ZDNET