Australian passengers are urged to pack portable power banks and spare batteries in their carry-on in a new campaign to reduce the incidence of inflight safety risks and disruptions ahead of the peak Easter school holiday travel period this year.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) ‘Pack Right. Safe Flight‘ campaign rolls out as several international airlines recently banned the use of portable power banks and batteries while in flight.
Air Busan no longer allows passengers to have portable power banks and chargers in carry-on bound for overhead storage after a suspected battery ignited an onboard fire in January 2025.
While seasoned air travellers understand what they can and can’t take on board, this new campaign focuses on helping passengers know whether to pack items in carry-on or checked luggage.
Airlines for Australia & New Zealand (A4ANZ) CEO Emma Wilson said that airlines welcomed the new resources and information to help travellers do the right thing.
“Many passengers aren’t aware that common household items, like power banks, vapes and aerosols, are dangerous goods and that there may be restrictions on how they are packed and carried on board,” she said.
The campaign also comes as it’s revealed that the average passenger now travels with at least four lithium battery devices.
CASA CEO & Director of Aviation Safety Pip Spence said air travellers need to plan ahead and follow airline guidance when packing their bags, noting that fines of more than $15,000 or imprisonment are the serious penalties for breaking the air safety rules.
“Sometimes power banks and spare batteries can short circuit and catch fire. Carrying them with you in the cabin means that trained aircrew can handle any issue quickly and safely,” she said.
“We’re working with industry partners to look at opportunities to promote the importance of packing right at all stages of the travelling experience – from booking to boarding.”
For more info, head to casa.gov.au/packright
