Starting December 15, 2025, Qantas and Jetstar airlines will officially prohibit the use of power banks on all flights, including domestic and international routes. This new policy comes after a comprehensive internal safety review and consultations with industry representatives, including Virgin Australia, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and Oneworld carriers. The move is also aligned with planned updates from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which will introduce new global guidelines on lithium battery safety in 2026.
The ban on power banks follows growing concerns about the safety risks associated with damaged or defective lithium batteries, which have been linked to in-flight incidents. While Qantas and Jetstar will continue to allow passengers to carry power banks as part of their cabin baggage, the use and charging of these devices during flight will no longer be permitted.
Starting December 15, 2025, passengers on all Qantas and Jetstar flights will be subject to the following changes regarding power banks:
The decision to ban power banks on Qantas and Jetstar flights comes amid concerns about the safety risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in power banks and personal electronic devices. In the past, damaged or defective batteries have been linked to fires and other safety incidents aboard aircraft.
This ban is part of a broader global trend to mitigate the risks associated with these batteries, with airlines and regulators focusing on ensuring safe flight operations. By implementing stricter controls over power bank use, Qantas and Jetstar are aiming to improve passenger safety and prevent in-flight emergencies. Additionally, the regulations are consistent with expected global standards from ICAO, which is set to release new guidelines regarding lithium battery safety in 2026.
For passengers, the new policy means that power banks will no longer be available as a charging option on Qantas and Jetstar flights. While passengers can still carry them in their cabin baggage, they will not be able to use them or recharge them during the flight. This could be particularly impactful for travelers who rely on their power banks for long-haul flights or in areas where in-flight charging ports are limited.
However, the ban will likely have little impact on those who use their devices sparingly during flights or who prefer to rely on the airline's in-flight entertainment system. Passengers will still be able to bring other electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, as long as the batteries are within the allowed limits.
The primary benefit of this new policy is the improved safety it brings to air travel. The risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, particularly in confined environments like aircraft cabins, are well-documented. The new policy will help reduce the chances of a battery-related fire, which could cause significant damage and pose a danger to passengers and crew members.
Additionally, this move could be seen as a step towards aligning aviation safety standards with updated international regulations. By enforcing stricter controls, Qantas and Jetstar are helping lead the charge in global aviation safety, encouraging other airlines to follow suit as ICAO rolls out new battery guidelines in 2026.
As air travel continues to grow and more passengers carry personal electronic devices, it's likely that airlines around the world will follow Qantas and Jetstar's lead by implementing similar restrictions on power banks. While the immediate effects may seem limited to specific travelers, the long-term benefits in terms of safety, both on board and within the larger aviation industry, are substantial.
In the future, travelers can expect more clear policies around lithium batteries and electronics in-flight, ensuring that safety remains the top priority. As ICAO's new regulations come into effect, passengers will likely see more airlines adopting similar measures to ensure safe and secure travel.