American and Southwest tighten power bank rules over fire risk
Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 6
American and Southwest tighten power bank rules over fire risk
9 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 6
American last week banned recharging portable chargers from in-flight outlets, while Southwest recently capped passengers at one device each.
The moves follow rising concern over lithium-ion thermal runaway after airlines reported battery fire, smoke or extreme-heat incidents nearly twice weekly in 2025, FAA data show.
ICAO in March said power banks should stay within arm's reach and never be charged onboard, and officials expect more carriers to adopt varying restrictions.
Airlines now prohibit charging power banks, but could this create a new and hidden fire risk?
As airlines restrict power banks, when will safer battery technology make them flight-friendly again?
With strict new power bank rules, who is responsible when a counterfeit device causes a fire mid-air?