Taking a Power Bank on an Aussie Flight? Read This First

Most of us carry a power bank when we travel. It just makes sense—phones don't always last a full day, especially when you're stuck at the airport or in the air. But when you're flying within Australia, there are a few things to check before you throw it in your bag. Can you take it through security? Does size matter? And what if you packed it in your checked luggage by accident?

The short version? You're allowed to bring one, but there are a few rules to follow. It's not complicated, but it's better to know now than find out at the boarding gate. Here's what you should keep in mind.

Australia's Power Bank Rules (CASA Guidelines)

In Australia, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has rules for carrying anything with lithium-ion batteries. That includes your power bank. These batteries can sometimes overheat or cause issues, so there are limits in place to keep everyone safe.

Here's what they say:

• You have to keep power banks in your carry-on bag. They're not allowed in checked luggage at all.
• Battery capacity matters. If your power bank is under 100Wh (roughly 27,000mAh), you're fine and don't need approval.
• If it falls between 100Wh and 300Wh (up to 81,000mAh), you'll need to get the airline's approval before flying.
• Anything over 300Wh? Not allowed.
• It's smart to keep your power bank in a case or the box it came in. This helps prevent it from turning on by accident.

Good Power Banks That You Can Travel With

Need a model that's flight-safe and still powerful? These two from Anker fit the requirements and are built for serious charging.

1. Anker Laptop Power Bank (25,000mAh, 165W, Built-In Cables)

This one's ideal if you're traveling with a laptop or other high-powered devices.

• The 25,000mAh battery keeps you within the limit, so it's approved for air travel.
• It offers three USB-C ports with up to 100W output—enough to charge a MacBook or multiple devices at the same time.
• Two retractable built-in cables make packing simpler—one extends to 2.3 feet, the other just under a foot.
• It's got safety protections to guard against overheating, power surges, and overcharging.
• It's compact and slips into your bag easily.

2. Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000mAh, 35W, Made for Apple Watch)

If you're in the Apple ecosystem, this one's a great option.

• It has an adjustable Apple Watch charger built in, plus a USB-C cable.
• With 10,000mAh of power, you can charge a few devices during your trip.
• It provides 30W USB-C charging and 5W for your watch.
• It's small—just 3.7 × 2.0 × 1.3 inches—so it fits into almost any pocket or pouch.

Packing Batteries for a Flight? Know the Rules

While policies can vary a little between airlines, most of them in Australia stick closely to what CASA outlines. Still, it's worth checking with your airline if you're unsure.

Leave Power Banks Out of Checked Luggage

Don't pack them in your suitcase. Any lithium-ion battery—whether it's in a phone, laptop, or charger—has to stay in your carry-on. If something goes wrong with a battery mid-flight, the crew needs to be able to reach it. That's not possible if it's down in the cargo hold.

Always Put It in Your Carry-On

Stick with carry-on bags for anything battery-powered. And if your power bank is bigger than 100Wh, check with the airline ahead of time. Most are fine with it—as long as they know about it.

A Few Extra Tips Before You Fly

Here are a few things that can make travel easier when you're bringing a power bank:

• Keep your power bank somewhere easy to access in your carry-on.
• Charge it before your flight—just in case security wants to see it working.
• Don't use it onboard unless your airline says it's okay.
• Check the label on the power bank—make sure the Wh rating is easy to read.
• Use a case or pouch to protect it during the flight.
• Be ready to take it out at security if asked.