Preparing your customers for 15 December 2025 (AEDT)' to 'Preparing your customers pre-flight:

• The use of power banks on board is prohibited.
• Charging of power banks onboard is prohibited, including via in-seat power or USB ports (where available).
• Customers may carry up to two power banks (each not exceeding a maximum capacity of 160 watt hours) in their cabin baggage.
• Power banks, spare batteries and personal electronic devices (PEDs) should be with the passenger, including in the seat pocket or under the seat in front. If this is not possible, then in a nearby overhead locker.
• All power banks must display battery specifications.
• Lithium batteries that are part of a "smart bag" must be removed from the bag and taken as carry-on, and stowed in the same way as power banks.
• Power banks will continue to be prohibited from checked baggage.

Keeping power banks and portable electronic devices within easy reach during a flight ensures that in the rare event of an issue our crew can identify and respond quickly.

Preparing your customers pre-flight

Customers travelling from 15 December will receive pre-departure communications about this update. Please ensure correct contact details are in bookings so they receive these notifications, and advise customers of the changes before departure.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Qantas Group changing its policy on power banks and lithium batteries?

The policy update follows a comprehensive safety review and is informed by changes to be made by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2026, responding to the increased use of power banks and a rise in lithium battery-related incidents across the aviation industry.

What are the main changes?

Passengers:

• May only carry two power banks (each not exceeding a maximum capacity of 160Wh) in their carry-on baggage only.
• Are not permitted to charge or use power banks onboard.
• Should keep their power banks, personal electronic devices (PEDs) and spare batteries with them, in the seat pocket or under the seat— where this is unable to be complied with, such as in bulkhead or exit rows, close to them in the overhead lockers.

How does this compare to other airlines?

The new policy follows a comprehensive safety review and is in line or exceeds the requirements of many other international carriers and reflects global safety standards.

Why haven't we banned power banks outright while on board if they pose a safety risk?

Outright bans are not recommended by global aviation bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) or the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Instead, the policy takes a pragmatic approach by recognising the need for passengers to carry these items with them for their trips; it prohibits the use and charging of power banks during flight, limits the number and capacity allowed, and requires that they be stored safely in the cabin, where any issue can be quickly identified and managed by crew.

What safety measures do you have in place if a power bank causes a fire on a flight?

Cabin Crew are trained to respond immediately to lithium battery incidents, using fire fighting equipment/liquids to cool and contain any fire, moving passengers if needed, and following strict protocols to ensure safety. These procedures are regularly updated in line with international standards.

What should I do if a customer has questions about the new policy?

From December 15 please refer to our updated Dangerous Goods page on Qantas.com here and Jetstar here. Reinforce that there is a limit of two power banks that can be taken on board where each does not exceed 160 watt hours. If you are unsure, escalate the query to your supervisor or the customer service team.

If I am required to use or charge a power bank with a company-issued device while flying, am I exempt from the policy?

Yes, if in the course of your operational duties you are required to use a company-issued power bank for your company-issued device, you may continue to do so. We know that our people have a greater understanding of the risk of lithium power banks, and the location of their usage will be in areas of the aircraft that allow easier identification and management of a fire event. Power banks must never be charged from the aircraft's power, even in the course of operational duties.

How do I identify if a power bank exceeds the allowed capacity?

Power banks must display their battery specifications or watt-hours. If these specifications are not able to be verified it is considered to be a prohibited item, which is already a policy that is in place.

How do I identify a power bank?

Power banks are a specific type of battery that is capable of charging other devices while not connected to mains power.

How will batteries as part of smart bags be handled?

We ask for the power bank to be removed and travel on or near the customer in the cabin. Smart bags that don't have power banks that are easily removed are not permitted to fly.

How will batteries as part of smart bags be handled?

We ask for the power bank to be removed and travel on or near the customer in the cabin. Smart bags that don't have power banks that are easily removed are not permitted to fly.

What are the actions or procedures for Boarding or Customer Service Agents if a customer arrives at the airport with more than two power banks? What is the process of removal and disposal.

Any power bank in excess of two items is treated the same way as any other prohibited item, and will not be allowed to travel with the passenger. The handling of prohibited items is unchanged and is documented in the Dangerous Goods Manual.