Airlines ban use of portable power banks on flights

As of December 2025, the use of portable power banks on board any Qantas, QantasLink, Virgin or Jetstar flight will be prohibited.

• Passengers may carry up to two power banks, each with a capacity not exceeding 160 watt-hours (Wh), and only in cabin (carry-on) baggage.
• Power banks must be readily accessible during the flight, that is, in your seat pocket, under the seat in front, or in a nearby bag.
• Charging power banks during flight – including via seat USB/power ports – is not allowed.
• Power banks remain prohibited in checked baggage.

What are airlines making this change?

The new policy follows a comprehensive internal safety review and input from industry bodies, which addresses safety concerns associated with lithium batteries triggering fires, especially faulty or damaged power banks.

By requiring power banks and spare batteries to be within reach and prohibiting their charging or use, the airline hopes to ensure that any issue can be quickly identified and addressed by cabin crew.

Flying with hearing aids

Hearing aids are designed to support you in all aspects of your day-to-day life, including travel. You can wear your hearing aids during flights and at security checkpoints.

Qantas advised that carrying essential medical devices powered by batteries, like hearing aids, is permitted but you must ensure batteries comply with dangerous-goods rules, and that you carry them as carry-on (not checked baggage).

Rechargeable hearing aids utilise lithium-ion batteries. Devices that contain lithium-metal batteries with ≤ 2 g lithium content are generally permitted in carry-on baggage.

Flying with portable hearing aid chargers

Carrying your portable hearing aid charger is like carrying your Airpod/headphone charging case.

We encourage you not to use your portable charger during the flight and keep your portable charger with your carry-on luggage, and place the charger in the seat pocket or under the seat in front of you.

More info is available at:
www.qantas.com/en-au/baggage/dangerous-goods/spare-batteries-and-powerbanks
www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/travel-info/baggage/batteries

Sources

• Qantas & Jetstar media release: “Qantas and Jetstar to introduce new safety measures for power banks on all flights” Qantas Newsroom
• Qantas “New safety measures for power banks on flights - effective 15 December 2025” announcement Qantas
• ABC News coverage: “Australian airlines are banning the use of power banks on flights. Here's what to know” ABC
• Qantas guidance on medical equipment & medications onboard — noting that hearing aids and similar battery-operated assistive devices are allowed.
• Hearing aid manufacturer advice