American Airlines has new portable battery rules - here's what travelers should know

"American Airlines introduced new restrictions on portable chargers that passengers can bring and use in-flight for charging their electronic devices, as of May 1. 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."

"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 batter."

"Also: 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."

American Airlines restricts portable chargers carried and used in-flight starting May 1. Each passenger may bring only two power banks. While charging devices, the power banks must be visible to airline staff. When not being used for charging, the chargers must remain within the passenger’s reach and cannot be stored in an overhead bin. The policy also limits each power bank to a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours. Passengers may not recharge portable chargers aboard the aircraft. The rules apply to external power banks and to some suitcases with built-in lithium-ion battery charging ports.

Read at ZDNET