Editorial note, updated 28 October 2026: the manufacturer’s published specifications for the Laser 20,000mAh LiFePO4 Power Bank (Green) list the capacity as 20,000mAh (64Wh), matching the figure used below; Laser’s other 20,000mAh models carry different ratings, so travellers should still check the physical label. Qantas’s published policy was reviewed on 28 October 2026 on qantas.com: from 15 December 2025 power banks may not be used or charged onboard, up to two power banks each not exceeding 160Wh may be carried in cabin baggage only, and power banks must display battery specifications. Virgin Australia’s published guidance was reviewed on 27 October 2026. Airline policies can change, so reconfirm with the operating airline close to travel.

A power bank can be useful while travelling, but choosing one for a flight involves more than finding a large mAh number. Its labelled energy capacity, how you pack it, airline approval and whether you may use it onboard are separate questions. Permission to carry a power bank does not automatically mean permission to charge your phone with it during the flight.

1. Read the watt-hour label, not just the mAh headline

Look for the manufacturer’s watt-hour rating, written as Wh, on the power bank itself and in its documentation. Milliamp-hours (mAh) describe electrical charge; watt-hours describe energy. A headline such as “20,000mAh” is not enough on its own to establish the Wh rating.

The relationship is Wh = (mAh ÷ 1,000) × nominal battery voltage. Only use figures that describe the same battery rating. A USB output marked 5V is not necessarily the internal battery’s nominal voltage, so do not use it to guess flight eligibility. If the Wh label is missing or unclear, obtain the manufacturer’s documentation and ask the operating airline before travelling. A calculated figure or a shop listing is not a substitute for the labelling an airline requires.

2. Carry-on or checked baggage?

Pack power banks in carry-on baggage, not checked baggage. Virgin Australia explicitly requires this for power banks and spare batteries. If your cabin bag is taken for checking at the gate, remove your power bank before handing it over and keep it with you in accordance with crew instructions.

3. Protect terminals and prevent damage

Protect each power bank individually against damage and short circuits. Virgin Australia lists original retail packaging, a separate plastic bag or protective pouch, or insulating exposed terminals with tape as options. Keep exposed terminals away from coins, keys and other conductive objects. Disconnect charging cables before boarding.

Do not travel with a damaged, leaking or recalled power bank. Virgin Australia also prohibits unlabelled and counterfeit batteries or power banks. If a battery becomes hot, swells, leaks or emits smoke onboard, alert the cabin crew immediately.

4. Do you need airline approval?

Check the power-bank rules for every operating airline on your itinerary, including connecting flights. Capacity limits, quantity limits and approval procedures may differ.

Virgin Australia’s guidance reviewed for this draft permits a total of two power banks per person. Its capacity guidance distinguishes 100Wh or less from over 100Wh up to 160Wh. Power banks over 100Wh and up to 160Wh require airline approval before travel and declaration at check-in; those over 160Wh are not permitted under its ordinary passenger power-bank allowance. Other conditions still apply even below 100Wh.

For a Qantas-operated flight, check Qantas’s spare batteries and power banks guidance directly for current limits and approval requirements. As reviewed on 28 October 2026, Qantas permits up to two power banks, each not exceeding 160Wh, in cabin baggage only, and power banks must display battery specifications. From 15 December 2025, power banks may not be used or charged onboard, including via in-seat power or USB ports. Lithium-ion batteries over 160Wh are forbidden as passenger baggage, and those exceeding 100Wh and up to 160Wh require airline approval and declaration at check-in. Do not assume another airline’s allowance applies.

5. Can you use or recharge it onboard?

This is a separate check from permission to bring it. Virgin Australia prohibits using a power bank to charge another device onboard and prohibits recharging the power bank from aircraft power. Its guidance also says solar-panel power banks must not be charged onboard.

Virgin Australia’s detailed power-bank instructions say to keep them in the seat pocket, under the seat in front or on your person, not in overhead lockers. Follow the airline’s current instructions and the crew’s directions. Check Qantas’s current onboard-use and stowage requirements separately before a Qantas flight.

A catalogue example, not an airline-approval promise

Our Laser 20,000mAh LiFePO4 Power Bank (Green) is listed at 64Wh. That illustrates the energy rating to look for, but the catalogue specification is not a guarantee of carriage, airline approval or safety certification. Check the actual manufacturer label and supporting documentation against your airline’s current requirements before choosing it for travel.

LiFePO4 means lithium iron phosphate. It is not exempt from lithium-battery rules: Virgin Australia explicitly applies its lithium rules regardless of the particular lithium technology.

We have not verified a watt-hour figure for our 20,000mAh solar model, so we are not recommending it for flights. Do not infer its Wh rating from the mAh headline or 5V USB output. Manufacturer labelling and relevant test documentation must be obtained first.

Before you leave for the airport

Read the label, confirm the operating airline’s capacity and quantity limits, obtain approval where required, protect the power bank and pack it in carry-on. Then check onboard-use and storage restrictions separately. Recheck policies close to departure rather than relying on an old screenshot or an “airline friendly” marketing claim.

Primary guidance: Qantas: Spare batteries and power banks and Virgin Australia: Batteries. Airline acceptance remains subject to current policy, the item’s condition and documentation, and staff instructions.