Christmas and New Year’s mark the busiest season for travellers around the world – but Aussie travellers need to be aware of some big changes this summer. From December, Australian airlines – including Virgin, Qantas and Jetstar – will ban the use of portable power banks on board and in checked baggage. This move comes after a series of international incidents caused by lithium batteries used in power banks, including a mid-air fire on a Virgin Australia flight in July. Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe and avoid being caught off guard when travelling this holiday season.
While most travellers rarely think twice about jumping on a flight with their phone, laptop and headphones, many don’t realise that these everyday devices are powered by lithium batteries. If overheated, damaged or short-circuited, these batteries can catch fire, and in some cases, may even interfere with an aircraft’s systems.
As a result, many international airlines, including Emirates, Cathay Pacific and Korean Air, have banned the use of power banks on flights this year. Australian airlines will follow suit this month, prohibiting portable power banks from both checked baggage and in-flight use. Travellers can carry up to two power banks (each no larger than 160 watt-hours) along with any spare batteries, but they must remain in their carry-on luggage.
Virgin Australia introduced these new rules on December 1, with larger units between 100 and 160 watt-hours requiring airline approval. However, passengers can still use in-seat power outlets to charge other devices. From December 15, Qantas, Jetstar and QantasLink will enforce similar restrictions. Unlike Virgin, passengers won’t need airline approval for power banks up to 160 watt-hours, and in-seat USB and power ports will no longer be available for use.