One item Aussies urged to travel with 'at all times' as new plane ban comes in tomorrow

Author's Summary

Australian airlines are banning powerbank use on flights starting December 1 to address lithium battery fire risks, urging travelers to carry a USB Type-A cable for charging devices via in-flight ports. (148 characters)

Key Recommendation for Travelers

Travel specialist Quentin Long advises Australian passengers to always pack a USB Type-A cable for flights, as it serves as the standard for airline charging outlets. This "old-school" item becomes essential now that powerbanks face new restrictions, preventing issues with device charging during travel. Without it, passengers may face difficulties keeping phones and tablets powered on long-haul journeys.

"You should always travel with a USB-A cable, as it is the standard used by most airlines for charging," Long stated.

Background on Powerbank Bans

Major Australian carriers like Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia are prohibiting powerbank usage onboard due to fire hazards from lithium batteries. Incidents include a July fire on a Virgin Australia flight and a November evacuation at a Qantas lounge in Melbourne after a battery ignited. These measures align with global trends, as Asian airlines and New Zealand's aviation authority impose similar rules on devices like Bluetooth headphones.

Powerbanks remain banned from checked luggage but can be carried in cabins if kept accessible—under seats or in laps—without charging. Virgin Australia's rules start December 1, while Qantas and Jetstar follow on December 15, limiting passengers to two units each under 160 watt-hours.

Specific Airline Regulations

Virgin Australia (From December 1)

Powerbanks and spare batteries must stay easily accessible, not in overhead lockers.
No onboard use allowed; charge devices via in-seat ports instead.
Maximum two powerbanks per passenger, with approval needed for 100-160 watt-hours.

Qantas and Jetstar (From December 15)

Prohibit powerbank use and charging, including via USB ports.
Carry up to two powerbanks (max 160 watt-hours) in cabin, visible at all times.
Store in seats or under seats; overhead only if necessary, with battery specs displayed.

"These updates are part of our ongoing commitment to uphold the highest safety standards and comply with international aviation regulations," a Virgin Australia spokesperson affirmed.

Airlines emphasize swift crew response in rare incidents, prioritizing passenger safety amid rising use of battery-powered gadgets.

Yahoo News Australia on MSN — 2025-11-30