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Qantas and Virgin Australia Ban Power Bank Use On Flights: What Passengers Need to Know
By [Your Name/Platform] - November 21, 2025
In a significant move prioritising passenger safety, Australia’s two major carriers, Qantas and Virgin Australia, have announced an immediate ban on the use of portable power banks and spare lithium-ion batteries during flights. This decision comes amidst a wave of concern regarding the potential fire risks associated with these popular travel accessories.
For Australian travellers who rely on power banks to keep their devices charged during long-haul flights, this policy shift marks a crucial change in in-flight protocols. The ban is not merely a procedural update; it is a direct response to a growing number of safety incidents in the aviation industry worldwide.
A Necessary Safety Measure: The Immediate Ban
The aviation industry is taking no chances with lithium-ion battery safety. As of late November 2025, passengers on Qantas and Virgin Australia flights are prohibited from using power banks to charge their devices while in the air.
According to verified reports from ABC News and the Australian Financial Review, the decision aligns with broader international safety trends. The core concern is the potential for "thermal runaway"—a catastrophic chain reaction that can lead to battery fires. While rare, these incidents are incredibly dangerous in the confined space of an aircraft cabin.
The Trigger: A Global Pattern of Incidents
The catalyst for this policy change appears to be a string of recent fires involving portable batteries. Although specific incidents involving Australian carriers haven't been detailed in the immediate announcements, the industry is reacting to a disturbing global pattern.
Reports indicate that the ban is a proactive measure. By restricting the use of these devices, airlines hope to mitigate the risk of a battery overheating while actively charging or discharging energy. It is a safety net designed to prevent a potential disaster before it happens.
Recent Updates: The Timeline of the Ban
The news broke rapidly across major Australian media outlets, confirming that the policy is already in effect.
- November 20, 2025: The Australian Financial Review reported that Qantas and Virgin were preparing to implement the ban, citing safety concerns regarding the use of portable chargers.
- November 21, 2025: ABC News confirmed the implementation of the ban across both airlines. The report highlighted that the move was a response to safety concerns, effectively pulling the plug on passengers' ability to top up their devices using personal battery packs during the flight.
This coordinated effort between Australia's two largest airlines suggests a unified front on safety standards, likely influenced by recommendations from aviation safety regulators.
Contextual Background: The Risks of "Portable Power"
To understand the gravity of this ban, it is helpful to look at the technology itself. Portable power banks are essentially small lithium-ion batteries. While they are generally safe for daily use, they are susceptible to damage, manufacturing defects, and improper handling.
The Science of the Risk
Lithium-ion batteries store a massive amount of energy in a small space. If the internal separator fails—due to a physical impact, overheating, or a short circuit—the battery can enter "thermal runaway." This is where the battery heats up so rapidly that it produces flammable gases, leading to fire or, in extreme cases, an explosion.
Airlines have long banned these batteries from checked luggage for this very reason, requiring passengers to carry them in the cabin so any potential fire can be detected and extinguished immediately. The new ban on using them during flight is the next logical step in managing this risk.
Global Precedent
The move by Qantas and Virgin is not occurring in a vacuum. International airlines and regulatory bodies have been tightening rules around lithium batteries for years. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) continuously updates guidelines regarding the carriage of dangerous goods. This Australian policy shift mirrors similar precautions taken by carriers in Asia and Europe as they grapple with the increasing reliance on high-powered portable electronics.
Immediate Effects: How This Impacts Your Travel
For the average passenger, the immediate impact is a change in pre-flight habits. Here is what you need to know for your next flight:
- Usage is Banned, Possession is Allowed: You can still bring your power bank in your carry-on luggage. The ban specifically targets the act of using the device to charge your phone, tablet, or laptop while the plane is in the air.
- In-Flight Charging is Unchanged: You can still use the USB ports or in-seat power outlets provided by the airline to charge your devices.
- Plan Ahead: If you have a long flight and a device with limited battery life, you will need to ensure it is fully charged before boarding. Alternatively, you may need to limit your device usage during the flight.
The Passenger Perspective
For business travellers and tourists alike, this adds a layer of logistical planning. Long-haul flights from Australia to Europe or the Americas often require heavy device usage for work or entertainment. Without the backup of a power bank, passengers may find themselves with "dead" devices upon arrival, which could be disruptive for those needing to connect immediately.
However, the trade-off is safety. The aviation industry operates on a "better safe than sorry" philosophy. When it comes to the risk of an onboard fire, passenger convenience takes a backseat to collective security.
Future Outlook: What Comes Next?
As this policy settles in, what can Australian travellers expect moving forward?
Regulatory Enforcement
We can anticipate that airlines will be strict in enforcing this ban. Flight attendants will likely be vigilant in monitoring cabin activity for the tell-tale signs of a power bank in use (cables connecting to a distinct battery pack rather than the seat's USB port).
The Tech Industry Response
This ban highlights a growing need for better battery technology. The demand for portable power is not going away. In the long term, we may see: * Improved In-Flight Power: Airlines might be pressured to upgrade their in-flight power offerings (faster charging, standard USB-C) to reduce the reliance on personal power banks. * Safer Battery Tech: Innovations in solid-state batteries, which are less prone to thermal runaway, could eventually make their way into consumer electronics and aviation safety regulations.
A Permanent Standard?
It is currently unclear if this ban is a temporary precaution or a permanent rule. It will likely remain in place until the aviation industry, led by bodies like the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in Australia, is confident that the risks have been mitigated—perhaps through better battery management systems in the power banks themselves or stricter manufacturing standards.
Conclusion
The decision by Qantas and Virgin Australia to ban the use of power banks is a clear signal that aviation safety is evolving to meet the challenges of our increasingly digital world. While it may be an inconvenience for passengers accustomed to tethering themselves to a portable charger at 35,000 feet, it is a necessary adaptation to a very real, albeit rare, danger.
For now, the advice is simple: Charge your devices fully before you fly, leave the power bank turned off in your bag, and enjoy the journey. Safety, as always, is the number one priority.