Batteries

Lithium-ion (polymer) 100Wh or less

Batteries for mobile phones, handheld devices, laptops, tablets, small power tools, video cameras, small toys.

In equipment 

• Limited to 15 PEDs per person.
• Additional PEDs may be approved by the Operator where this is deemed necessary. 
• Allowed in carry-on baggage and checked baggage.

Spare batteries

• Up to 20 spare batteries permitted. 
• Additional batteries may be approved by the Operator where this is deemed necessary. 
• Allowed in carry-on baggage.
• Not allowed in checked baggage.

Power banks

• Total of only two (2) power banks per person is permitted. 
• Allowed in carry-on baggage.
• Not allowed in checked baggage.

Lithium-ion (polymer) over 100Wh up to 160Wh

Batteries for large camera equipment, garden tools, small recreational devices, large drones. Must be declared at check-in.

In equipment 

• Allowed in carry-on baggage and checked baggage.

Spare batteries

• Only two (2) spare batteries.
• Allowed in carry-on baggage.
• Not allowed in checked baggage.

Power banks

• Total of only two (2) power banks per person is permitted.
• Must be declared at check-in
• Allowed in carry-on baggage.
• Not allowed in checked baggage.

Lithium-ion (polymer) over 160Wh

Electric bikes, e-scooters, recreational vehicles and battery packs.

Not permitted

• Electric Wheelchair/Mobility Device exemptions apply.

Lithium metal 2g or less lithium metal content

Non-rechargeable batteries for watches, cameras, small toys.

In equipment 

• Limited to 15 PEDs per person.
• Additional PEDs may be approved by the Operator where this is deemed necessary. 
• Allowed in carry-on baggage and checked baggage.

Spare batteries

• Up to 20 spare batteries permitted. 
• Additional batteries may be approved by the Operator where this is deemed necessary
• Allowed in carry-on baggage.
• Not allowed in checked baggage.

Lithium metal over 2g - 8g lithium metal content

Medical Devices only. Not permitted to, from and within the USA.

In equipment 

• Allowed in carry-on baggage and checked baggage.

Spare batteries

• Only two (2) spare batteries.
• Must be declared at check-in
  
• Allowed in carry-on baggage.
• Not allowed in checked baggage.

Lithium metal over< 8g lithium metal content
 

Not permitted

• Electric Wheelchair/Mobility Device exemptions apply.

Non-spillable batteries 12v or less and 100Wh or less

Sealed lead acid (SLA), Gel Type and Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM), camera lighting, children’s toy vehicles, uninterrupted power sources for computer back-up.

In equipment 

• Allowed in carry-on baggage and checked baggage.

Spare batteries

• Only two (2) spare batteries.
• Allowed in carry-on baggage.
• Not allowed in checked baggage.

Non-spillable batteries over 12v and 100Wh
 

Not permitted

• Electric Wheelchair/Mobility Device exemptions apply.

Dry Batteries

Alkaline, Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), Nickel Cadmium (NiCad).

In equipment 

• Limited to 15 PEDs per person.
• Additional PEDs may be approved by the Operator where this is deemed necessary. 
• Allowed in carry-on baggage and checked baggage.

Spare batteries

• Up to 20 spare batteries permitted. 
• Additional batteries may be approved by the Operator where this is deemed necessary
• Allowed in carry-on baggage.
• Not allowed in checked baggage.

Consider all portable electronic devices that contain batteries (like phones, laptops, tablets, earbuds toothbrushes, shavers, vapes, and medical devices), as well as power banks, spare batteries and wireless portable chargers.

If you are travelling with a mobility device that uses a large battery, please contact us before you fly to check what is allowed. We can also guide you on how to prepare your battery for safe travel.

Refer to our Specific Needs and Assistance page or call 13 67 89 for more information.

• You can bring up to 15 portable electronic devices (each installed battery must not exceed 100Wh).
• It might seem like a lot of items, but many of the items we use every day contain lithium batteries. Our guests often travel with a phone, watch, laptop, tablet, earbuds and tracking tags, so the number adds up quickly.

• You may bring up to 20 spare (uninstalled or loose) batteries.
• Each battery must not exceed 100Wh.
• Only two power banks, each not exceeding 160Wh, are permitted per person.
• Batteries or power banks over 100Wh and up to 160Wh will need Virgin Australia’s approval and you must declare them at check-in (limit: two per person).
• Batteries or power banks over 160Wh are not allowed, except for mobility aid batteries.
• You may only bring power banks and batteries for your personal use. Items for commercial use are not permitted.
• Note: wireless earbud cases are a type of power bank and will be counted toward the limits.

• Always carry batteries and power banks as carry-on baggage (never in your checked baggage).
• Store them under the seat in front of you, in the seat pocket, or keep them on you. Only use the overhead locker if there’s no other option.

Security may contact you to retrieve the item. Provided the item meets the lithium battery requirements, you may carry it with you onboard the aircraft. If the item does not comply, you will be responsible for disposing of the non-compliant item.  This item cannot be stored by Virgin Australia or the airport authority.  

In some international jurisdictions, a local regulatory body may remove the non-compliant item. If this happens, you will find a note in place of the item in your checked baggage. The item will then be handed over to Virgin Australia for disposal.

No. You cannot use or charge power banks on the aircraft.

• Power banks that feature a solar panel for charging must not be charged on the aircraft.
• You can use the aircraft’s power supply to charge your portable electronic devices.
• However, don’t connect devices to the aircraft’s power supply during take-off, landing, or when crew ask you not to.

• Only bring devices, batteries and power banks that are clearly labelled and made by reputable manufacturers. 
• Unlabelled devices, batteries and power banks must not be brought onboard the aircraft.
• Don’t rely on statements that say ‘airline friendly’ or ‘air travel safe’, always check the specifications yourself. 
• Damaged, leaking, recalled, or counterfeit batteries and devices are not allowed.

No. Spare batteries and power banks must only be in your carry-on baggage.

Examples of items that must also be in carry-on baggage only include:

• cordless hair straighteners
• wireless earbud charging cases
• ‘smart’ suitcase batteries
• wireless portable chargers
• vapes and e-cigarettes

Tell a crew member straight away if you notice any device or battery overheating, swelling, or acting strangely.

Only if you have batteries or power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh. These must be declared at check-in and approved by the airline prior to travel.

When you arrive at the airport, approach a Virgin Australia team member at the check-in area and let them know you have a battery that requires approval to fly.

You’ll need to safely dispose of any non-compliant items. Virgin Australia or the airports cannot store these for you.

Check the ACCC guide to power banks and safety recalls.

Certain models from Anker, Baseus, SnapWireless, Quad Lock, Boostcharge and Cygnett are subject to recall.

Purchase your power bank from a well-known national retailer or website. You should choose a well-known brand with Australian importer information recorded on the packaging. Check the packaging or product details for a statement like ‘UN 38.3 Tested’ or ‘Complies with UN Manual of Tests and Criteria.’ If you can’t find this, contact the manufacturer or retailer for confirmation.

If you’re unable to verify compliance to the UN regulation, you can check for CE or FCC markings which will indicate compliance with European or USA regulations respectively. While these are not the regulations applied in Australia they will indicate the product is reputable.

Batteries in portable electronic devices and power banks are almost certainly lithium batteries. Lithium based batteries are common due to the amount of energy they can store for their size, compared to other battery types.

If you’re unsure, you should assume that your item’s battery is made using lithium technology.

No, even when using a built-in solar panel. Power banks must not be charged or used to charge another device while onboard.

LiPo is an abbreviation for lithium-ion polymer, which is another type of a lithium-ion battery. When applying Virgin Australia’s policy, all lithium-based batteries are considered, regardless of the specific technology.

You may see these terms used to describe a lithium battery:

• Li-ion: lithium ion
• LiPo: lithium-ion polymer
• LCO: lithium cobalt oxide
• LiFePO₄: lithium iron phosphate

Electric toothbrushes are permitted in the cabin or your checked baggage.

You need to make sure the battery is installed correctly, the item is turned off and packed securely to prevent it from being turned on by mistake.

Your battery or power bank should clearly display its watt-hour (Wh) rating. Portable electronic devices will have the battery specifications listed in the operating manuals.

When not clearly visible on the label, you can use this method to calculate the Wh:

1. Multiply the voltage (V) by the amp-hours (Ah) noted on the battery: V x Ah = Wh.

OR

2. Multiply the voltage (V) by the milliamp-hours (mAh) noted on the battery, dividing by 1000: V x (mAh ÷ 1000) = Wh

So, if your power bank is:

• 10,000 mAh
• 3.7 V

Then:  Wh = 3.7 (10,000 ÷ 1000) = 37 Wh

Here are some common battery and power bank specifications to assist you:

Getting you to your destination safely is our highest priority. In recent years there have been several incidents in Australia and globally, involving fires onboard aircraft caused by malfunctioning lithium-ion batteries. 

As power banks and personal electronic devices become more common, we have strict requirements for how lithium-ion batteries are carried to help keep everyone safe.

If your flight is operated by one of our airline partners, their rules for dangerous goods and battery carriage will apply. Please check your itinerary to confirm the operating carrier, and visit their website for specific guidelines.

The same rules for carrying batteries and personal electronic devices apply when you fly on Virgin Australia flights operated by Alliance Airlines, Link Airways or Airnorth.

Please ensure your items meet Virgin Australia’s safety requirements.

If you are travelling between Australia and Doha, on flights operated by Qatar Airways on behalf of Virgin Australia, you will need to comply with both the Virgin Australia Dangerous Goods Policy and the additional conditions for airline partners.

As of November 2025, Virgin Australia has introduced in-seat charging ports on all seats in 88% of the Boeing 737 fleet. The remaining 12% of aircraft will be fully equipped with in-seat power by June 2026. All of Virgin Australia’s Embraer 190-E2 aircraft have already been fitted with in-seat power.

Both mAh (milliAmp‑hours) and Ah (Amp‑hours) indicate how much current (amps) a battery can deliver over a specific period – e.g. 1 Ah = 1 amp for 1 hour

• 1 Ah = 1,000 mAh
• Convert Ah to mAh by multiplying by 1000
• Convert mAh to Ah by dividing by 1000

Wh (watt‑hours) measures the total energy capacity of a battery. Airline regulations use Wh (watt-hours) to define battery capacity safety limits. 

Seek the manufacturer’s technical specification by checking the packaging, retailer website or manufacturer’s website.

Alternatively, you can calculate the Wh rating using the battery's voltage and mAh or Ah. 

If the Wh rating is not available, then your power bank may not be accepted to travel.

You’ll need to show proof from the manufacturer—usually a statement such as “UN 38.3 tested” or a test summary available on their website or product manual. If you can’t provide evidence, the battery may not be allowed on the aircraft.