Qantas, Virgin announce new rules for power banks on flights

Major Aussie airlines have banned a popular device on planes following horror on-board fires both locally and overseas.

Power banks will be banned from being used on major Aussie airlines in a bid to avoid horrific fires and other alarming incidents seen locally and around the world.

Qantas, QantasLink, Jetstar and Virgin have set new rules surrounding the popular travel item which begins next month.

Passengers will be limited to two power banks each, but anything over 160 watt-hours will be prohibited. They cannot be charged either.

The devices will also need to be within reach of the traveller, either in the seat pocket under the seat or overhead locker. Virgin has banned it from being in the latter.

Qantas also stressed portable charges must have specifications listed and that “smart bags” which contain a lithium battery must be removed and taken as carry-on.

It means passengers can only charge mobile phones by in-seat USB/power ports.

A raft of new rules surrounding power banks have been announced by Qantas and Virgin after alarming incidents domestically and overseas.

Don’t miss the travel news you need to know — download the news.com.au app direct to your phone.

The airlines have been forced to bring in the new measures following alarming domestic incidents in recent months.

In July, passengers were left horrified when a power bank stored in an overhead compartment of a Virgin flight from Sydney to Hobart caught fire.

Smoke started to fill the cabin just 10 minutes from landing.

Once the plane landed, and passengers disembarked, one worker at the airport recalled a passenger saying there was a “funny smell” before a “small ball of fire” was witnessed when the overhead compartment was opened.

While earlier this month, a man in his 50s was left with burns to his legs and fingers when a lithium battery in his pocket ignited at a Qantas business lounge.

Smoke filled the area and forced the evacuation of some 150 travellers from the exclusive area at Melbourne International Airport.

A fire in the overhead compartment of an Air China flight after a power bank caught fire. Picture: Twitter

Passengers were left horrified by the sight. Picture: Twitter

An Air Busan aircraft in flames after a portable charger caught fire. Picture: Yonhap / AFP

Overseas, an Air China flight had to make an emergency landing in October when a lithium battery caught fire in an overhead compartment.

Then in January an Air Busan flight bound for Hong Kong burst into flames when a portal charger, also in an overhead compartment, exploded at South Korea’s Gimhae Airport.

All passengers and crew safely evacuated down the emergency slides of the plane.

The aircraft, however, was destroyed by the fire.

In the last two decades, the Federal Aviation Administration has reported more than 500 in-flight incidents relating to lithium batteries and power banks.

Both airlines have experienced incidents with power banks. Picture: David Gray / AFP

Virgin Australia’s chief operations officer Chris Snook said the new safety changes match what other international airlines have enforced.

“Globally, more lithium battery-powered devices are now being carried by travellers, and while these items are generally safe when packed and handled appropriately, this move will minimise any potential risks associated with these devices,” she said.

Qantas said its rules comes after a comprehensive internal safety review and work with industry representatives.

“Due to the growing use of power banks by travellers and the associated safety risks of damaged or defective lithium battery-powered devices, the changes follow a comprehensive internal safety review in recent months and work with other industry representatives including Virgin Australia, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Oneworld carriers,” a Qantas spokesperson said in a statement.

“The changes are also informed by planned updates from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), expected in 2026.”

International airlines including Emirates, Cathay Pacific and Korean Air banned the use of power banks on-board this year.

The new measures for Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar begin from December 15 and Virgin on December 1.

Passengers will hear about the rules in-flight from Friday.

Tips to stay charged up

Power banks have increased in popularity in recent years as devices are becoming used more often on flights for entertainment and staying connected to loved ones through in-flight Wi-fi.

Renos Rologas, FCM Travel General Manager for Australia and New Zealand, said it was no surprise to see Australian airlines introduce the requirements as safety comes first.

Some of his biggest tips for travellers are to pick the best device for the journey, and ensuring they are fully charged, particularly on long-haul flights, before you hop on the plane.

Others include packing a charger in your carry-on that has a USB connection, make the most of the entertainment system on board to not drain your device’s battery and ensure portable chargers purchased are from reputable manufacturers.