Airlines crack down on portable chargers as in-flight fire risk rises
Portable phone chargers are now a leading cause of cabin fire incidents, prompting new airline restrictions
Airlines are moving to rein in the use of portable chargers onboard, citing a sharp rise in fire risks linked to the popular devices.
Lithium-ion “power banks,” widely used by travelers to keep phones and tablets charged, have become the top source of battery-related fire incidents in aircraft cabins, according to aviation safety officials. In response, carriers are layering new restrictions on top of an existing ban on storing such batteries in checked luggage.
American Airlines recently barred passengers from recharging portable chargers using in-flight power outlets, aligning with similar policies at Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines. Southwest has also begun limiting travelers to a single power bank per passenger.
Some international airlines are going further, and industry groups say additional crackdowns are likely.
Why airlines are worried
At the center of the concern is a phenomenon known as thermal runaway — a chain reaction in lithium-ion batteries that can cause rapid overheating, fire, or even explosions.
Experts say portable chargers pose a particular hazard because they often lack the safety protections built into more expensive devices like smartphones or laptops. Many are cheaply manufactured or counterfeit, increasing the chances of failure.
Officials at the International Civil Aviation Organization say power banks accounted for more in-flight battery incidents than any other device in 2025.
Data from the Federal Aviation Administration show airlines reported lithium-battery incidents involving smoke, fire, or extreme heat nearly twice a week on average last year — more than double the rate seen in 2020.
A growing travel essential — and risk
The crackdown comes as travelers rely more heavily on portable power.
Frequent fliers often carry multiple chargers to stay connected during long trips, especially on flights without reliable seat power. That surge in usage has increased the number of batteries onboard — and the chances something goes wrong.
“If we wanted to make it completely safe, there would be no batteries on airplanes,” said a safety official with the ICAO. “But realistically, we’re dealing with reality.”
What happens if a battery overheats
When a device starts to smoke or catch fire mid-flight, cabin crews must act quickly.
Standard procedure includes cooling the device with water and placing it in a fire-resistant containment bag to prevent flames or smoke from spreading.
Safety experts say keeping devices in the cabin — rather than in checked baggage — is critical, because it allows crews to respond immediately.
What this means for travelers
Passengers should expect tighter rules — and more scrutiny — around portable chargers.
Key tips before you fly:
Keep power banks in your carry-on, never checked luggage
Avoid using in-seat outlets to recharge portable batteries if prohibited
Stick to reputable brands; avoid cheap or counterfeit chargers
Limit the number of batteries you bring onboard
Monitor devices for heat, swelling, or damage
With incidents rising and regulators on alert, portable chargers are shifting from a travel convenience to a growing safety concern — and airlines are responding accordingly.