Mobile charger on a flight. Photo: wisely / Shutterstock Ban on in-flight charger use expands.
The Australian aviation group Qantas has announced a significant safety policy change regarding the use of mobile chargers (Power Banks) on its flights. Starting December 15, the use and charging of mobile chargers during flights will be completely prohibited.
As recalled, the past year saw a rise in incidents on flights caused by mobile chargers and lithium batteries, including cases in which the chargers overheated, caught fire, or even exploded during the flight. Due to the increasing risk, many airlines worldwide have begun tightening procedures to ensure passenger and crew safety. The latest among them was the aviation giant Emirates, which last October completely banned the use of mobile chargers.
Emirates' ban that took effect last month. Photo: Emirates XNow, under the new guidelines, all passengers on Australian airlines can carry up to 2 mobile chargers (each up to 160 watts), provided they have clear markings indicating the battery specifications. The chargers must be carried in the hand luggage, stored in the seat pocket, under the seat, or in the overhead bin, and should not be checked into the aircraft's hold.
Additionally, in aircraft equipped with USB or personal power outlets, charging mobile devices will be completely prohibited during the flight. Lithium batteries integrated into “Smart Bag” luggage must be removed before boarding the aircraft and remain with the passenger in the hand luggage, according to the same guidelines that apply to mobile chargers.
The stricter guidelines will also apply to the group's subsidiary Jetstar, which operates low-cost flights in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, and to QantasLink, which operates domestic and regional flights to destinations throughout Australia.
The decision was made following an internal review of the group's safety procedures, in collaboration with other industry stakeholders, including Virgin Australia, IATA, and members of the Oneworld alliance. Moreover, the policy aligns with an expected update from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), set to take effect in 2026.
The primary goal of the new guidelines is to enable air crews to quickly locate and respond to any exceptional situations arising from potential lithium-battery malfunctions.
QANTAS A321XLR. Photo: AIRBUS