Australia’s three largest airlines make HUGE change to baggage rules – what you need to know
Passengers on Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights are set to be banned from using power banks on planes after several incidents across the world.
Under the new restrictions, there will be also limits on the size and number of power banks a passenger can take on board.
Virgin Australia announced the change will be introduced from December 1. Restrictions will be enforced across all Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar flights from December 15.
Virgin Australia’s chief operating officer Chris Snook said the changes were to make sure the airline continues to comply with international aviation standards. Other airlines including Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Vietnam Airlines have already banned the use of power banks.
‘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 minimise any potential risks associated with these devices,’ he said.
‘The changes to the policy will be permanent from 1 December and reflect our safety-first approach.’
Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Qantas and QantasLink said power banks, spare batteries and small portable electronic devices must be accessible.
This means that if they are brought onto a plane, they are stored under the seat in front, in the seat pocket, or on a passenger.
Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar are banning the use of power banks on planes
The bans follow alarming incidents involving power banks on planes, including a fierce inferno which ripped through an Air Busan plane at South Korea’s Gimhae Airport earlier this year
Charging of power banks onboard is prohibited but people can use in-seat power ports to charge their other devices, such as phones and tablets.
Australians can carry a maximum of two power banks – with devices between 100 watt-hours and 160 watt-hours requiring Virgin Australia’s approval prior to travel. Power banks over 160 watt-hours are prohibited.
On Qantas flights, customers can bring on board a maximum of two power banks per person, and a maximum of 160 watt hours in total.
The bans follow alarming incidents involving power banks on planes, including a Virgin flight from Sydney to Hobart in July, where one caught fire in an overhead compartment.
An Air China flight was forced to make an emergency landing in October in Shanghai after a lithium battery caught fire.
In January, four people were injured after a fierce inferno ripped through an Air Busan plane at South Korea’s Gimhae Airport after a similar incident involving a power bank.
