Portable Chargers on Airplanes: The Latest

Virgin Australia has launched a review of its portable power bank policy following an onboard fire, reigniting debate over airline safety measures and the growing risks posed by lithium battery devices.

Mid-Air Fire Sparks Review

The incident occurred in July on a flight from Sydney to Hobart when a passenger’s power bank ignited mid-air. Cabin crew and passengers quickly extinguished the flames using bottles of water. One witness described seeing a “ball of fire” burst from the locker as smoke filled the cabin.

A Virgin Australia spokesperson said the airline is “reviewing the carriage and use of power banks on board” and has already started implementing new precautions.

“While the review is underway, we are asking guests travelling with power banks to keep them within sight and easily accessible at all times throughout the flight,” the spokesperson said.

Rising Global Incidents

The Australian case follows a series of lithium battery-related fires on flights worldwide. Earlier this year, an Air China flight made an emergency landing in Shanghai after a power bank caught fire, while an Air Busan aircraft was destroyed in South Korea’s Gimhae Airport following a similar incident.

The Flight Attendants Association of Australia (FAAA) has urged regulators to strengthen onboard rules.

“Any fire on an aircraft is dangerous,” said FAAA federal secretary Teri O’Toole. “Cabin crew are the first responders in the air, and anything that makes their job safer - like tightening rules around known fire risks - should be a priority.”

Since 2016, the ATSB has recorded at least five in-flight fires involving power banks on Australian-registered aircraft.

How Regulations Differ Around the World

Despite growing concern, portable chargers remain legal to carry on most flights — though strict rules apply.

In Australia, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requires that lithium-ion batteries, including power banks, be carried in hand luggage only, never in checked bags. Passengers must keep them easily accessible and within sight.

This aligns with rules from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA), as well as the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Key safety rules:

• Power banks must be in carry-on baggage only.
• Each battery must not exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh).
• With airline approval, travellers may carry up to two spare batteries between 101–160 Wh.
• Batteries over 160 Wh are prohibited.
• Devices should be switched off during takeoff, landing, and turbulence to prevent accidental activation.

In the United Kingdom, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) also prohibits power banks in hold luggage but allows them in the cabin if under 100 Wh. However, airlines set their own policies on whether passengers may use power banks during flight.

What Major Airlines Say

Policies vary widely across global carriers:

• British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, and Jet2 allow the use of power banks during flights, provided they are visible and not stored overhead.
• Virgin Atlantic permits using power banks to power devices, but not to charge them.
• Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways allow passengers to bring power banks on board but prohibit their use in-flight. Emirates’ ban takes effect in October and requires power banks to be kept under seats or in seat pockets for quick access.
• South Korea and Hong Kong have implemented nationwide restrictions banning power banks and e-cigarettes from being stored in overhead lockers - they must remain under seats or in seat pockets.

Australian airlines still allow passengers to travel with power banks, though Virgin Australia’s review may result in stricter rules, bringing it closer in line with Asian and Middle Eastern carriers.

Safety Authorities Respond

CASA spokesperson Larissa Kaye said the authority is monitoring the issue closely with international regulators.

“Millions of people fly every day with lithium-powered devices, and very few incidents occur — which shows current rules are largely effective,” Kaye said.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), however, has warned of a rise in dangerous counterfeit chargers. Reported incidents involving lithium batteries increased 92% between 2020 and 2022, and 17 power bank models have been recalled since 2020, with an estimated 34,000 defective units still in circulation.

“Some consumers have suffered serious burn injuries and property damage because of overheating and fires,” said ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe.

Why Power Banks Pose a Risk

Power banks contain lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, which can ignite if damaged, faulty, or exposed to excessive heat or pressure. Inside an aircraft cabin, a malfunction can escalate quickly. In the cargo hold, this can be catastrophic, as fires may go undetected.

Cheap or poorly manufactured chargers pose the highest risk. Travellers are encouraged to purchase certified, high-quality products and to discard any showing signs of overheating or damage.

Safe Travel Tips

To minimise risk, aviation authorities and flight attendants recommend:

• Keep your power bank visible. Store it under your seat or in a seat pocket, not overhead.
• Do not use or charge power banks unless your airline explicitly allows it.
• Inspect devices before travel for damage.
• Check your airline’s policy before flying, especially on international routes.

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