Australia's major airlines, Qantas and Virgin Australia, will implement a ban on portable power banks starting next month due to safety concerns following several fire incidents linked to these devices. The new regulations will take effect on December 1 for Virgin Australia and December 15 for Qantas, QantasLink, and Jetstar.

Passengers on Virgin Australia will be required to keep their power banks visible and easily accessible during the flight. The use and charging of these devices on board will be prohibited. Each passenger will be allowed to carry a maximum of two power banks, with those exceeding 100 watt-hours needing prior airline approval. Qantas will enforce similar restrictions, allowing two power banks per passenger, each with a maximum capacity of 160 watt-hours.

The decision comes after a series of incidents, including a fire on a Virgin Australia flight in July, where a power bank ignited in an overhead compartment. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is currently investigating this incident, which is one of five in-flight fires involving power banks on Australian aircraft since 2016.

Chris Snook, chief operations officer of Virgin Australia, stated, "Globally, more lithium battery-powered devices are now being carried by travellers, and while these items are generally safe when packed and handled appropriately, this move will minimize any potential risks associated with these devices."

The airlines emphasized that passengers will still be able to charge their other devices using in-seat power ports. The new rules align with international safety standards, as many global airlines, including Emirates and Cathay Pacific, have already banned power banks due to similar safety concerns.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reported a 92% increase in incidents involving lithium batteries from 2020 to 2022. The ACCC has issued 17 recalls of power banks since 2020, warning that around 34,000 defective chargers may still be in use. ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe noted, "Some consumers have suffered serious burn injuries, and some have had their property damaged because of power banks overheating and catching fire."

In addition to the new regulations, the airlines have outlined specific storage requirements for power banks. Passengers must store them in seat pockets, under the seat, or on their person, and they are prohibited from being placed in overhead lockers.

The changes reflect a growing awareness of the risks associated with lithium battery-powered devices in aviation. As more travelers carry multiple devices, the airlines aim to enhance safety measures to protect passengers and crew alike.

In summary, the new policies will restrict the use of power banks on flights, ensuring that safety remains a top priority for both Qantas and Virgin Australia as they adapt to the evolving landscape of air travel.

Here is a summary of the new rules:

**Qantas / Jetstar / QantasLink** - Effective Date: December 15 - On-board Use: Prohibited - Charging on Board: Prohibited - Maximum Number of Power Banks: Two per passenger - Maximum Capacity: 160 Wh per power bank - Storage: Seat pocket, under seat, or nearby overhead locker - Checked Baggage: Prohibited

**Virgin Australia** - Effective Date: December 1 - On-board Use: Prohibited - Charging on Board: Prohibited - Maximum Number of Power Banks: Two per passenger - Maximum Capacity: Up to 100 Wh unrestricted; 100–160 Wh require airline approval; >160 Wh prohibited - Storage: Must be easily accessible - Checked Baggage: Prohibited

These measures aim to enhance safety for all passengers traveling with Qantas and Virgin Australia.