Ah, the power bank. Our trusty companion in the fight against dead phone batteries. But can you take a power bank on a plane for your next adventure across the vast Australian landscape, or will it be grounded by security? Fear not, fellow travellers, for this blog will be your guide to navigating the skies with your power bank by your side.
According to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), the governing body for air travel in Australia, you are allowed to bring power bank on planes, both for domestic and international flights. This means you can keep your phone, tablet, or camera juiced up during those long journeys.
CASA has regulations regarding the size of lithium-ion batteries, the kind found in most power banks. The key term to remember is mAh (milliampere-hours), which represents a battery's capacity. Here's the breakdown:
Bonus Tip: Travel-Sized Power Might Be Your Best Bet
For ultimate peace of mind, consider a travel-sized power bank with a capacity below 100Wh. These are readily available and won't require any airline pre-approval.
So there you have it! With a little planning and these handy tips, your power bank can be your loyal travel companion on your next Australian adventure.
1. Can I bring a 10,000mAh power bank on a plane?
Yes, you can!
A 10000mAh power bank typically falls well under the 100Wh (watt-hour) limit set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Just remember: you must carry it in your hand luggage, not in checked baggage.
2. Is a 20,000mAh power bank allowed in flight?
Yes! A 20000 mAh power bank is around 74Wh, which is under the 100Wh limit set by CASA — so no airline approval is needed.
Wondering what 100Wh equals in mAh?
At 3.7V (standard lithium battery voltage):
100Wh ≈ 27,000mAh
So any power bank under 27,000mAh is generally safe
3. What size of a power bank can I take on a plane?
You can bring power banks within these limits, carry-on only:
Under 100Wh (up to ~27,000mAh at 3.7V): No airline approval needed.
100Wh to 160Wh (~27,000mAh to ~43,000mAh at 3.7V): Allowed with airline approval, limit of 2 units.
Over 160Wh (>43,000mAh): Not allowed on passenger flights.
This applies to all types of power banks, including newer models like solar power banks and magnetic power banks. Just make sure to check the watt-hour (Wh) rating on the label — it's what matters most for airline compliance.
4. How many power banks can I take on a plane?
In Australia, you can usually take:
Two or more power banks under 100Wh — no approval needed.
Up to two power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh, but airline approval is required.
Always store them in carry-on luggage, and check with your airline for any extra limits.
5. Are power banks considered dangerous goods?
Yes, but they’re allowed with restrictions.
Power banks contain lithium-ion batteries, which are classified as dangerous goods due to potential fire risks if damaged or short-circuited.
That’s why they must be carried in your carry-on baggage, never in checked luggage. As long as you follow size and safety guidelines, they’re perfectly fine to fly with.
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