Spare batteries and powerbanks
Before flying, it's important to know how to pack your spare batteries and powerbanks correctly while adhering to the dangerous goods regulations.
On this page
What you can carry and requirements on how to pack
No more than 20 spare batteries in total, for personal use, are permitted per passenger. All other battery restrictions still apply e.g. no more than two spare lithium batteries exceeding 100Wh and up to 160Wh, are permitted and forms part of the total carried.
A combination of batteries may be carried e.g. 10 x 98Wh lithium ion + 2 x 138Wh lithium ion + 2 x 12V and 98Wh non-spillable + 6 x alkaline.
Note: Watt hours (Wh) are determined by multiplying the voltage (V) by the amp hours (Ah). ie. 12V x 5Ah = 60Wh
Important
All spare batteries and powerbanks must be packed as carry-on baggage only. For further information on batteries and battery powered equipment, please view the CASA Safety Video - Travelling Safely with lithium batteries
Lithium Ion battery (rechargeable) - not exceeding 100Wh
| Airline approval required | No |
|---|---|
| Carry-on baggage | Yes |
| Checked baggage | No |
Requirements
- The battery terminals must be protected e.g. taping over the exposed terminals.
Lithium Ion battery (rechargeable) - exceeding 100Wh and up to 160Wh
Important
Lithium ion batteries over 160Wh are forbidden as passenger baggage and must be sent as freight.
Lithium Ion batteries must be declared during check-in.
| Airline approval required | Yes |
|---|---|
| Carry-on baggage | Yes |
| Checked baggage | No |
Requirements
- Only two spares per passenger.
- The battery terminals must be protected e.g. taping over the exposed terminals.
Lithium Metal batteries (non-rechargeable) - not exceeding 2g of lithium metal content
| Airline approval required | No |
|---|---|
| Carry-on baggage | Yes |
| Checked baggage | No |
Requirements
- The battery terminals must be protected e.g. taping over the exposed terminals.
Lithium Metal batteries (non-rechargeable) – exceeding 2g up to 8g of lithium metal content for portable medical equipment only
| Airline approval required | Yes |
|---|---|
| Carry-on baggage | Yes |
| Checked baggage | No |
Requirement
- Only 2 spares per passenger
- The battery terminals must be protected e.g. taping over the exposed terminals.
Non-spillable batteries up to 12V and 100Wh
Important
Non-spillable batteries must be declared during check-in.
| Airline approval required | No |
|---|---|
| Carry-on baggage | Yes |
| Checked baggage | No |
Requirements
- Only 2 spares per passenger
- The battery terminals must be protected e.g. taping over the exposed terminals.
Other batteries e.g. Alkaline, Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMh), Nickel Cadmium (Nicad) etc
| Airline approval required | No |
|---|---|
| Carry-on baggage | Yes |
| Checked baggage | No |
Requirements
- The battery terminal must be protected e.g. taping over the exposed terminals.
Further information on dangerous goods
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations describe in detail what Dangerous Goods may be transported by air, in what quantities, and how they should be packed. For details on how to safely transport your Dangerous Goods, contact your local Qantas Freight Office.
Forbidden dangerous goods
For a summary of common items that are classified as dangerous goods view our prohibited and check with airline dangerous goods (PDF) - passengers are forbidden to carry them on an aircraft.
Important information regarding electronic devices
Qantas Group customers are advised to refer to the Product Safety website for a list of products that contain dangerous goods that have been recalled due to faults.
Customers planning to travel with these products should refer to the original manufacturer for further information and recall instructions.