Power bank ban: Qantas, Virgin introduce new international, domestic rules banning portable charges on flights

Qantas, QantasLink, Jetstar and Virgin Australia are introducing new restrictions on power banks across their entire network, after multiple plane fire incidents across the world.

Power banks, which have become immensely popular with travellers, will now need to be in carry-on baggage, within arm’s reach for customers flying with Qantas, QantasLink, Jetstar or Virgin Australia.

Some devices may still be carried by travellers, within new item limits, but must not be used in any way on flights under the new rules.

Virgin Australia’s changes come into effect first on December 1, 2025. With Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar’s changes coming into effect on December 15, 2025.

The restrictions limit travellers to two portable charges per person, within the allowed power threshold limits.

Qantas confirmed the changes have been introduced following a safety review which was completed alongside Virgin Australia, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and other Oneworld carriers.

“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,” Qantas said in a statement.

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

Scroll down for the specific details on each airline’s restrictions.

What is a power bank?

A power bank is a portable rechargeable battery. The item can be used to recharge common portable electronic devices like mobile phones, tablets, laptops, cameras and more.

Most power banks are made with lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, which can be easily charged and taken on the go.

Why are power banks being banned on flights?

Safety concerns have plagued portable chargers as the item has risen in popularity.

Power banks are a serious fire risk if the item overheats, becomes damaged or has a charging fault. Lithium-ion battery fires experience a reaction called “thermal runaway”, which sparks intense fires that are extremely difficult to extinguish.

E-scooters, which often use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, have caused severe and fatal house fires in Australia. Power banks bring a similar threat, especially for planes.

An Air Busan flight narrowly avoided disaster in January, when a portable charger, stowed inside a bag in the overhead luggage compartment, caught fire as the plane was preparing for take off.

Crews evacuated the plane, with all passengers escaping safely, however, the plane was severely damaged in the close call.

Other similar incidents across the world have sparked new restrictions for power banks, however, no global standard has been introduced yet.

Qantas Group power bank restrictions

Across Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar flights, the following restrictions will be introduced from December 15.

• The use of power banks on board is prohibited.
• Charging of power banks onboard is prohibited, including via in-seat power or USB ports (where available).
• Customers may carry up to two power banks (each not exceeding a maximum capacity of 160 watt hours) in their cabin baggage.
• Power banks, spare batteries and personal electronic devices (PEDs) should be with the passenger, including in the seat pocket or under the seat in front. If this is not possible, then in a nearby overhead locker.
• All power banks must display battery specifications.
• Lithium batteries that are part of a “smart bag” must be removed from the bag and taken as carry-on and stowed in the same way as power banks.
• Power banks will continue to be prohibited from checked baggage.

Virgin Australia power bank restrictions

On Virgin Australia flights, new power bank restrictions come into effect from December 1.

• Power banks must not be used to charge other devices on board the aircraft. Even when not in use, remove all cables / USB cables connected to power banks and batteries
• Power banks and batteries must not be recharged using the aircraft’s power supply.
• Customers may carry up to two power banks (each not exceeding a maximum capacity of 100 watt hours) in their cabin baggage. Power banks with a capacity of 100 watt hours - 160 watt hours must be approved by the airline.
• Power banks must be stowed in the seat pocket, under the seat in front, or be kept on you / in your hands. Do not store them in the overhead lockers.
• Each power bank must be individually protected to prevent short circuiting by placing it in the original retail packaging, in a separate plastic bag, a separate protective pouch or insulating the terminals by applying tape over the exposed terminals.
• Power banks must be clearly labelled and made by reputable manufacturers. Unlabelled, damaged, leaking, subject to product recall, and counterfeit batteries or power banks must not be brought onboard the aircraft.
• Smart bags with built-in batteries or power banks (used to charge devices via USB) are allowed, as long as the battery or power bank can be removed and carried in your carry-on baggage.

Across both airlines, power banks remain prohibited from checked baggage.

Power banks vary in cost. Cheap models can be purchased for as little as $10. Expensive, premium versions can cost over $200.

If customers do not comply with the new restrictions, items will need to be disposed of at the airport before a flight, or the flight ticket will need to be forfeited.

The Nightly has contacted Rex Airlines for comment.