Can You Take a Power Bank on a Plane in Australia

Can You Take a Power Bank on a Plane in Australia

Whether you're heading overseas or taking a short domestic flight, keeping your devices charged while travelling is a must. Portable chargers and power banks have become essential travel companions—but can you bring them on a plane? And if so, where should you pack them?

The good news: yes, you can fly with a power bank, but there are rules to follow. This guide covers everything you need to know before packing your bag, including limits, safety tips, and how Pulse Charge power banks fit into airline regulations.


Why are there restrictions on power banks?

Power banks are considered dangerous goods under airline safety regulations because they contain lithium-ion batteries. For this reason, airlines have clear rules about how and where you can bring them on board. To ensure passenger safety, power banks must meet certain specifications and be stored appropriately during your flight.


General airline rules in Australia

Most Australian airlines—such as Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin follow guidelines recommended by CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) and international aviation bodies.

Here are the key rules:

      You must carry power banks in your hand luggage, not in checked baggage.

      Power banks must be under 100Wh (watt-hours) in most cases.

      You may carry a power bank between 100Wh and 160Wh, but you’ll need airline approval.

      Power banks over 160Wh are strictly prohibited on passenger aircraft.

Most portable chargers on the market, including those from Pulse Charge fall under the 100Wh limit, making them safe and compliant for air travel.


How to check if your power bank is allowed

The limit is measured in watt-hours (Wh), not just milliamp-hours (mAh), which can be confusing. If your power bank only lists capacity in mAh, you can calculate Wh using this simple formula:

Wh = (mAh × Voltage) ÷ 1,000

Most lithium-ion batteries are 3.7V, so:

      A 10,000mAh power bank = (10,000 × 3.7) ÷ 1,000 = 37Wh

      A 20,000mAh power bank = 74Wh

All Pulse Charge portable chargers, including the Venus, Gravity, and Universe, are well under the 100Wh threshold, making them perfect travel companions for both domestic and international flights.


International travel and connecting flights

If you're flying internationally or have connecting flights, be aware that different countries may have additional rules. It’s a good idea to:

      Check the policy of every airline you’re flying with

      Keep your power bank easily accessible for inspection

      Avoid bringing heavily worn or damaged devices

Some international carriers (especially in Asia or the Middle East) may ask you to declare your power bank at check-in or security.


Tips for travelling with power banks

To stay safe and hassle-free at the airport:

      Keep power banks in your carry-on, not checked bags

      Don’t use your power bank while taking off or landing

      Label the Wh capacity clearly if it's not printed on the device

      Avoid using or packing damaged or non-certified chargers

      Store your power bank in a protective case or pouch

If you’re using your power bank to charge a device during the flight, place it on a stable surface—not under pillows or blankets—so it stays cool and doesn’t overheat.


Best power banks for travel

When choosing a power bank for travel, look for a lightweight, compact design, with smart charging features and airline-compliant capacity. Here are some Pulse Charge options to consider:

      Venus Portable Charger – sleek, compact and perfect for handbags or carry-on luggage

      Gravity Charger – lightweight and ideal for short trips

      Universe 5-in-1 Power Bank – includes built-in cables and wireless charging, great for long-haul flights or multiple devices

All Pulse Charge products are safety tested and airline-compliant.

In summary, yes, you can bring a power bank on a plane, as long as you follow the rules.

For most travellers, keeping your charger in your carry-on and making sure it’s under 100Wh is all you need to do. Avoid throwing it into your checked suitcase, and steer clear of oversized or uncertified models.

With a Pulse Charge power bank, you’ll travel confidently knowing you’re well within regulations and ready to stay powered wherever your trip takes you.