American Airlines is set to become the latest carrier to update its portable charger rules – and travelers will be restricted to a maximum of two devices.
From Friday, travelers will be required to keep their travel device in plain sight when it is being used, ABC News reported.
“We know our customers rely on portable chargers to keep devices powered throughout their journey,” an American Airlines spokesperson said.
“To support safety on board while ensuring our customers continue to have the ability to charge when on the go, American is requiring customers to keep these devices easily accessible during flight.”
Travelers will only be allowed two lithium chargers capped at 100 watt-hours or less under the new policy.
Customers cannot put devices in overhead compartments and they are banned from recharging them during flights.
Currently, passengers are allowed to bring up to four spare lithium-ion batteries capped at 100 watt-hours or less.
Travelers can take on board a maximum of two batteries if they are between 100 and 160 watts.
Last September, Federal Aviation Administration officials issued a safety alert to airlines about the risks of lithium powered batteries.
Last year, the FAA reported at least 50 smoke, fire or extreme heat incidents, which have caused flight diversions and even injuries.
As such, airlines have begun updating their policies – with Southwest now imposing a one charger per passenger rule. The policy came into force on April 20.
The device must be capped at 100 watt-hours and passengers must keep the device either on their person or in a bag under the seat
In an internal message to employees, Dave Hunt, the airline’s vice president of safety and security, said the policy is aimed at strengthening the carrier’s ability to “contain and mitigate lithium battery incidents, including reducing the risk of battery fires.”
Hunt said the policy reflects Southwest’s broader safety priorities, calling it part of the airline’s effort to improve its safety culture while reducing injuries, damage and security incidents.
“Our approach reflects our culture of safety and security in action: proactively managing risk and caring for our customers and people at every step,” Hunt said.
Meanwhile in Japan, air passengers are limited to a maximum of two chargers per person, and are banned from using in-flight power outlets to re-charge their devices, NHK News reported.
Power banks that exceed 160 watt-hours are strictly forbidden.
Travelers who flout the rules could be slapped with a prison sentence of up to two years or a fine of one million yen – around $6,300.
With Post wires.
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