Power Banks on Planes: What’s Allowed on Australian Flights
Flying Soon? Here Are the Power Bank Rules Every Traveller Should Know
Yes, you can take a power bank on a plane in Australia. Pack up to two in your carry-on, keep each at or under 160Wh (power banks over 100Wh need airline approval), and don’t use or charge them during the flight. They are never allowed in checked baggage.
Power banks keep your devices charged through the busiest parts of a trip. Airline safety rules have tightened, so here’s what applies and how to fly prepared.
What are the power bank rules on Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia?
| up to 100Wh | Over 100Wh up to 160Wh | Over 160Wh | |
| Allowed? | Yes | Yes, with airline approval (Virgin Australia: declare at check-in) | Not permitted |
| How many? | Two per passenger in total | Two per passenger in total | N/A |
| Where? | Carry-on only | Carry-on only | N/A |
Rules that apply to every power bank
- Carry-on only. Power banks are never allowed in checked baggage.
- No using or charging them during the flight, including from the aircraft’s USB ports.
- Keep them within reach, such as in the seat pocket or under the seat in front, so crew can get to them quickly.
- Battery specifications should be clearly visible on the power bank.
- If your smart bag has a built-in battery, it must be removed and treated as a power bank.
These rules apply regardless of battery chemistry, including lithium-polymer and semi-solid-state power banks.
What is the international rule?
New International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) specifications took effect on 27 March 2026. They limit passengers to two power banks and prohibit recharging them in flight. Airlines apply the detail differently, so if you’re flying overseas or on a multi-airline itinerary, check each airline’s policy before you go. Some carriers also set their own watt-hour limits, packaging requirements or one-power-bank limits.
How do I check the watt-hours of my power bank?
Many power banks print the Wh rating on the label. If yours doesn’t, use this formula: Wh = mAh × voltage ÷ 1,000
| Capacity | Typical cell voltage | Watt-hours |
| 5,000mAh | 3.7V | 18.5Wh |
| 10,000mAh | 3.7V | 37Wh |
| 20,000mAh | 3.7V | 74Wh |
| about 27,000mAh | 3.7V | about 100Wh |
Cell voltage varies by product, so check the label or manual. Most everyday power banks are well under 100Wh, so they travel without approval.
Why are power bank rules changing?
Airlines and aviation regulators have tightened the rules because of lithium battery incidents on aircraft. Lithium batteries are safe when used correctly, but a fault in a crowded cabin is serious, so airlines want power banks in the cabin, within reach and switched off.
Why Power Banks are still worth packing
Even with in-flight usage restrictions, a power bank remains one of the most useful items in your travel kit. The moments you rely on your device the most often happen outside the aircraft:
- During check-in and boarding
- Navigating terminals and transport
- Entertainment during long layovers
- Hotel check-ins and digital room keys
- Maps, tickets and travel apps while exploring
Pre-flight checklist
Before packing your power bank for your flight:
- Check the Wh rating is 100Wh or less, or get approval for 100 to 160Wh.
- Carry no more than two power banks.
- Pack them in carry-on only.
- Keep them switched off and within reach.
- Protect them from damage and from touching metal objects in your bag.
- Don’t plan to use or charge them in flight.
- Check your airline’s current policy, especially for overseas flights.
Travel-ready power banks from Verbatim
Verbatim power banks have clear capacity labelling that makes it easy to check airline limits. Explore our range, including the new SnapQub, our first semi-solid-state power bank.
FAQs
Yes. You can carry up to two power banks in your carry-on, each 160Wh or less. Power banks over 100Wh need airline approval.
No. Power banks must always travel in carry-on baggage.
No. Qantas, Jetstar, QantasLink and Virgin Australia don’t allow power banks to be used or charged on board, and the ICAO rule that took effect in March 2026 prohibits recharging them in flight.
Two per passenger in total on Qantas, Jetstar, QantasLink and Virgin Australia.
Check the label. Otherwise multiply capacity in mAh by voltage, then divide by 1,000.
No. The rules apply regardless of battery chemistry.
