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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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