Passengers on Australian flights will soon be prohibited from using power banks under a unanimous move by major carriers, endorsed by the aviation industry. Starting December 15, Qantas, QantasLink, and Jetstar will ban the use and charging of power banks on board, while Virgin Australia will implement the ban from December 1. The safety measures apply to all domestic and international services with no exemptions.
While travellers can still carry power banks in their cabin bags, they must be stored where easily reachable—under the seat, in the seat pocket, or with the passenger. Qantas permits storage in overhead lockers, but Virgin does not. Power banks cannot be charged via in-seat USB ports, though passengers can use these ports to charge other devices directly.
The airlines cite fire risks from defective lithium batteries as the reason for the ban. Virgin Australia chief operations officer Chris Snook stated, 'While these items are generally safe when packed and handled appropriately, this move will minimise any potential risks.' Aviation safety researcher Natasha Heap noted that forbidding use reduces in-flight fire risks enormously, as lithium fires burn extremely hot and are difficult to extinguish.
Most Qantas planes have in-seat charging, but budget subsidiary Jetstar lacks this facility except on some Boeing 787 jets. Virgin has in-seat power on 88% of its Boeing 737 fleet, with full equipping expected by June next year. All of Virgin's Embraer 190-E2 aircraft already have in-seat power. Passengers on short domestic flights without charging should charge devices before boarding.
No power banks are exempt, including for medical needs, though battery-powered portable medical devices can still be carried but not charged. Virgin allows up to two spare batteries with a maximum capacity of 160 watt-hours, which must be declared at check-in. Qantas and Jetstar permit power banks up to 160Wh with clear specifications. Virgin allows devices up to 100Wh, with approval needed for 100-160Wh. All power banks remain prohibited in checked baggage.
