Overview
- Virgin Australia’s policy takes effect on December 1, followed by Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar on December 15, covering all domestic and international flights with no exemptions.
- Passengers are limited to two power banks each, with Qantas allowing units up to 160Wh and Virgin allowing up to 100Wh without approval, 100–160Wh with approval, and prohibiting anything larger.
- Power banks must be carried in the cabin within easy reach; Qantas permits a nearby overhead locker if necessary while Virgin prohibits overhead stowage, and checked baggage remains off-limits for all.
- Use or charging of power banks on board is not allowed; Qantas also bans charging them via in-seat ports, though passengers may use in-seat power to charge devices where available.
- Airlines cite a run of lithium-battery incidents and regulator warnings, signal airport enforcement that could include item disposal or ticket forfeiture, and note an ATSB report on a July Virgin flight fire is pending.