Qantas, Virgin portable battery ban: Everything you need to know

Virgin Australia and Qantas passengers face tough new restrictions on power banks. See what it means for passengers.

The two biggest Aussie airlines are rolling out strict new rules on one essential travel item.

Virgin and Qantas have clamped down on power banks after a string of on-board fires.

New regulations will require passengers to keep their charging block in their line of site at all times.

The size of the device will also be limited and travellers will be restricted to two per person.

“Batteries pose a fire risk if not transported correctly,” Virgin Australia said.

“Whether a battery can be carried depends on its type, size, configuration, and quantity.”

Details on the restrictions below.

Virgin Airlines has revealed the new regulations will come into force in December. Picture: Supplied

VIRGIN: WHAT ARE THE RULES

Each airline is enforcing a different set of regulation for passengers, so make sure to double check restrictions before flying.

Virgin Australia passengers must place chargers in their carry-on and store them under the seat or in the seat pocket – not in the overhead locker.

While travelling, customers must not use the charging blocks to charge another device or charge up that power bank instead.

Those on board must only have two portable chargers and if they’re over 100-Watts they will need the approval of staff.

QANTAS: WHAT ARE THE RULES

Qantas and its subsidiary Jetstar are also bringing in restrictions for the dangerous tech.

Similarly, passengers are limited to two and cannot use them or charge them on board.

Qantas flyers can bring power banks up to 160-Watts on-board.

However, they must be on carry-on only and can be stored under the seat or in the overhead locker.

Passengers will be limited to two power banks and must keep them in carry-on. Picture: iStock

WHEN ARE THEY BEING ENFORCED?

The power bank ban for Virgin Australia passengers is effective on December 1.

Qantas, Jetstar and Qantas link flyers will be subjected to the new regulations on December 15.

WHY THE CHANGE?

The average passenger now flies with at least 4 lithium battery devices, according to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

“Batteries and power banks can short circuit, overheat and catch fire during flight,” the plane safety body said, warning they are “very difficult” to extinguish once alight.

With the number of lithium battery fires soaring, airlines are cautious of having them on board as a fire mid-flight can be extremely dangerous.

Passengers travelling to Hobart from Sydney were faced with plumes of smoke in July this year when a battery pack set alight in the over head locker.

A flight to Hong Kong was forced to land in January due to a battery fire that lead to 27 injuries.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission revealed lithium battery incidents soared from 92 per between 2020 and 2022.

The figure have increased so drastically that the International Air Transport Association launched a Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries safety campaign last month.

Airlines are prohibiting passengers from using power banks during the flight. Picture: iStock

WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU FLY

Double-check your power bank’s capacity to make sure it’s not too big that it breaks the airlines size policy.

If your power bank is large or unusual, you may need airline approval or it may be outright refused, and if you’re allowed to bring it, don’t use it during flight.

Pack it safely by protecting terminals – avoid loose cables that could short-circuit – and don’t bring damaged items.

If you’re travelling internationally or connecting through another country, check that airline’s rules too as other carriers might have stricter policies.

Originally published as Qantas, Virgin portable battery ban: Everything you need to know