Australian Airlines Ban Power Bank Use on All Flights
Australia’s major airlines will soon ban passengers from using power banks on board.
The move follows rising concerns about lithium battery fires. Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar will enforce the ban from 15 December, while Virgin Australia adopts the rule from 1 December.
Airlines want to reduce the growing risk of lithium battery fires. Power banks will remain allowed in cabin bags, but passengers cannot use or charge them. Travellers can still charge phones or tablets using in-seat USB ports, where available.
Power banks themselves cannot connect to any in-seat power supply. Airlines also require passengers to keep power banks within reach for quick access during emergencies.
What the New Restrictions Mean
The rules apply to all domestic and international flights. No exemptions will be granted.
- Maximum of two power banks per person.
- Qantas Group: Up to 160Wh.
- Virgin Australia: Up to 100Wh freely; 100 – 160Wh need approval; above 160Wh banned.
- Storage: Power banks must stay accessible under the seat, in the seat pocket, or on your person. Qantas allows nearby overhead lockers. Virgin does not.
- Checked baggage: Prohibited across all carriers.
Airlines say these changes match global rules from carriers such as Emirates, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines.
Are In-Flight Chargers Being Upgraded?
Most Qantas aircraft already offer in-seat power. Jetstar provides the feature only on some Boeing 787 aircraft. Virgin has USB power in 88 percent of its Boeing 737 fleet. The rest will be upgraded by June next year. Travellers on short flights should board with fully charged devices.
What About Medical Needs?
Power banks will not receive medical exemptions. Passengers may still carry approved battery-powered medical devices. These devices cannot be charged in flight. Virgin allows two spare medical batteries up to 160Wh, with disclosure at check-in.
Lithium batteries can ignite when damaged, defective, or overheating. These fires burn extremely hot and may re-ignite. Aviation safety experts say early detection is critical. Keeping power banks visible helps crew react quickly. Global regulators classify power banks as spare batteries, requiring strong protection against short-circuiting.
Rising Lithium Battery Incidents
Australia recorded up to 12,000 lithium battery incidents last year. Fires have come from phones, laptops, e-scooters, and other devices. Power banks caused at least five in-flight fires on Australian aircraft since 2016.
A recent Virgin Australia flight suffered a locker fire linked to a suspected overheating battery. Similar incidents overseas destroyed an Air Busan aircraft and caused an emergency landing in China.
How Travellers Can Stay Connected Under the New Rules
- Check your airline’s power bank rules before flying.
- Board with fully charged devices.
- Use airport charging stations before departure.
- Pack USB cables for in-seat charging.
- Consider a tablet for long trips, as laptops often cannot charge via USB ports.
- Use the aircraft’s entertainment system to save battery.
- Avoid untrusted public USB ports for cybersecurity reasons.
- Buy certified power banks from reputable brands.
- Never pack power banks in checked luggage.
Australian airlines aim to strengthen safety as power-bank incidents increase worldwide. The ban aligns with global standards and supports safer cabins. Travellers should prepare for the changes and adjust their charging habits before boarding.