Airline Group Rolls Out Strict Power Bank Restrictions for 2025 Flights

From mid December 2025, travellers flying with Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar will need to follow new rules on how power banks can be carried during a flight. These changes come after the airline group reviewed safety risks linked to faulty lithium batteries found in portable charging devices. The updated policy aims to make flights safer by reducing the chances of overheating incidents in the cabin, where most travellers frequently use their electronics.

The updated policy introduces several new rules that every traveller will need to follow. Under these changes:

• Power banks may not be used during the flight
• Charging them through seat power or USB ports is not allowed
• Each passenger may carry up to two power banks with visible battery specifications
• All power banks must remain in the cabin, within reach
• Batteries in smart bags must be removed and carried separately
• No power banks may be placed in checked baggage

This means adjusting how they prepare their devices before a trip. Since portable chargers cannot be used in the air, passengers will need to ensure their phones, tablets and laptops are fully charged before boarding. Those who rely heavily on digital tools for long flights may need to manage their battery usage more carefully, choose low power settings or carry devices known for longer battery life to avoid running out of power mid journey.

These changes also require a more thoughtful approach to packing. Travellers must check that their power banks are labelled correctly, as unclear markings may lead to delays during security inspections. Passengers using smart bags need to remove the internal battery ahead of time, which helps avoid last minute issues at boarding. Keeping all electronic devices within easy reach in cabin luggage will also be necessary, as required by the airline’s updated procedures for safer onboard handling.

These updates show that airlines are becoming more careful about how lithium batteries are handled on board. For passengers, this means planning ahead instead of counting on charging opportunities during the flight. It helps to organise cabin bags in a way that keeps essential items close and avoids unnecessary delays at the airport. Although the new rules may feel like an extra step, they aim to make flying safer and encourage travellers to be more aware of the devices they bring with them.