Nowadays we use our cell phones for almost everything, especially air travel. More and more passengers are downloading their boarding passes onto their phones and using their phone to monitor a tracking device in their luggage. And if you need to call a ride share when you land, you’ll need your phone as well.
All that being said, it’s understandable that portable chargers have become a travel necessity. But an article by Inc.com says airlines are cracking down on bringing these devices onboard, citing potential safety concerns from lithium batteries.
The article quotes statistics from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) noting that “there have been at least 717 lithium battery incidents over the last couple of decades, 548 of which occurred in passenger aircraft.”
This prompted American Airlines to adopt a new policy limiting passengers to no more than two portable chargers, which must be kept visible at all times (even when not in use). This will allow flight attendants to address an incident promptly. The rule applies to small portable chargers often used to power phones, computers, and tablets, as well as other power banks using a lithium battery, like ones incorporated into backpacks or luggage.
American is not the only airline to adopt a portable charger policy. A New York Post article outlined Southwest Airlines’ new policy which allows “just one lithium-powered charger per person, capped at 100 watt-hours, and (passengers) must keep the device either on their person or in a bag under the seat.”
What are your thoughts on these new rules? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter) and let us know if you typically travel with a portable charger and if the new policies will impact you.
