Power Banks on Planes

Is there a general rule for carrying lithium-ion battery power banks on planes in Australia? The only clear advice I can find is from Virgin and they say 100Wh or less is ok but only in cabin luggage.

https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/plan/baggage/batteries…

They also say they "must be protected against short circuit by, placing in its original retail packaging, placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch or insulating terminals by taping over exposed terminals."

Do people really do that with their power banks?

Comments

  • +2

    No.

    The main issue airlines have with lithium ion batteries is when they are very large and placed in check in baggage because nothing can be done about them in the event that something goes wrong. You will have no issues with taking a power bank as long as you carry it onboard with you.

    One major issues airlines are having issues with at the moment is those self balancing hover boards as their battery is so large that they are technically classified as a dangerous good - if you try and travel with one of these it is likely that your bag will be opened and it will be confiscated if it is found in scanning.

  • There's no specific rule for the normal every day powerbanks since the USB/charging port is not "exposed" and as such, unlikely to short-circuited.

    If you see what some of these lithium batteries can do, you'll be surprised.. it looks pretty scary.

    here's a short video on what happens when you overcharge one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCGtRgBUHX8

  • I've brought a power bank in carry on before on Virgin, Qantas and Jet Star. Was in a backpack pocket, not 'original packaging' or 'protective pouch'.

  • +1

    My last trip I had 3 power banks, 5 camera batteries and 8 X 18650 batteries in my carryon. Never had problems going through security at many airports here and overseas.

  • Keep it in carry on. When I asked about at the check in desk about it they said unless it's massive don't worry about it, straight in check on.
    No problems to NZ.

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