Australia's two biggest airlines will ban the use of power banks on planes following a string of fires believed to have been caused by the devices domestically and overseas.

Qantas and Virgin Australia will both introduce the ban along with several new battery safety measures next month.

Other changes include placing limits on the size of the portable charges, requiring them to be easily accessible to their owners and limiting how many flyers can carry on board.

Batteries have been banned in checked baggage for some time.

Virgin Australia chief operations officer Chris Snook said the policy change was motivated by safety and compliance with international standards.

"Globally, more lithium battery-powered devices are now being carried by travellers, and while these items are generally

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