Australian airlines are cracking down on in-flight power bank use, citing “safety risks” associated with the use of portable lithium batteries.
New rules from Qantas, QantasLink, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia come into effect starting in December, banning the use of power banks during flights. Passengers can still carry power banks on board, as long as they are not used in any capacity. The previous rules about not packing power banks in checked luggage still apply.
According to Qantas’ announcement, the new regulations “follow a comprehensive internal safety review” that “are also informed by planned updates from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), expected in 2026”.
Most of the concern is related to damaged or defective lithium batteries. Multiple power bank models were recalled earlier in the year due to overheating and fire risks, including several Anker models.
Fears over power bank safety led to Laser CEO Chris Lau calling on the tech industry to invest further in Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) technology, which is said to be safer than lithium-ion. At this stage, Australian airlines don’t differentiate between the different types of technology.
What are the new power bank airline rules?
The incoming rules vary slightly between Qantas and Virgin. One point of consistency between them is that power banks exceeding 160 watt-hours (Wh) in capacity are banned from flights altogether. Many popular brands use milliampere-hours (mAh) as a unit of measurement, with the conversion to Wh dependent on a power bank’s voltage.
Watt-hours are distinct from Watts, with the latter referring to the speed at which a battery charges other devices. Full specifications for power banks should be clearly labelled on the device and its packaging.
Virgin’s updated power bank rules begin on 1 December 2025, when passengers can only bring two on board. Both power banks can be up to 100Wh; airline approval is required for any models up to 160Wh. Any portable batteries brought on Virgin flights must be within reach; either in the seat pocket, under the seat, or with the passenger. Overhead locker storage is not permitted.
Qantas’ rules, which start on 15 December 2025, permit overhead locker storage, as long as it’s nearby. Two power banks are allowed, but passengers don’t need approval for devices up to 160Wh.
Regardless of airline, passengers will no longer be able to charge power banks mid-flight or charge other devices using a power bank.
The post Qantas and Virgin ban power bank use during flights in big change appeared first on GadgetGuy.
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