Battery powered devices and equipment
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Electronic devices (portable)
No more than 15 lithium battery powered electronic devices (including power tools), for personal use only, permitted per passenger.
Note: Watt hours (Wh) are determined by multiplying the voltage (V) by the amp hours (Ah), i.e. 12V x 5Ah = 60Wh.
Important
The US and UK have implemented new travel requirements that restrict the carriage of electronic devices larger than a smartphone in the cabin of inbound flights from some Middle Eastern airports. There are no impacts to Qantas customers travelling on Qantas operated services. However, we encourage customers travelling with codeshare and interline partners to the US or UK to check the requirements of that airline.
Lithium-ion batteries (rechargeable) - not exceeding 100Wh in a device
Requirements
When packed in checked baggage:
- devices containing batteries must have the on/off switch protected to prevent accidental activation, and
- the device must be completely switched off* (not in sleep or hibernation mode).
*Devices containing a lithium-ion battery not exceeding 2.7Wh don't need to be turned off in checked baggage.
Lithium-ion batteries (rechargeable) - exceeding 100Wh and up to 160Wh in a device
Important
Devices containing lithium-ion batteries over 160Wh are forbidden as passenger baggage and must be sent as freight.
Lithium-ion batteries in devices must be declared during check-in.
Requirements
When packed in checked baggage:
-
devices containing batteries must have the on/off switch protected to prevent accidental activation, and
-
the device must be completely switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode).
Lithium-metal batteries in devices (non-rechargeable) - not exceeding 2g of lithium metal content per device
These batteries are usually for hearing aids.
Important
Devices (excluding medical equipment up to 8g) containing lithium-metal batteries with a total lithium metal content exceeding 2g are forbidden as passenger baggage and must be sent as freight.
Requirements
When packed in checked baggage:
-
devices containing batteries must have the on/off switch protected to prevent accidental activation, and
-
the device must be completely switched off^ (not in sleep or hibernation mode).
^Devices containing a lithium-metal battery not exceeding 0.3g don't need to be turned off in checked baggage.
Non-spillable batteries in devices - maximum 12V and 100Wh
These batteries are commonly called sealed lead acid, gel cell or dry cell.
Requirements
When packed in checked baggage:
-
devices containing batteries must have the on/off switch protected to prevent accidental activation, and
-
the device must be completely switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode).
Other batteries in a device e.g. Alkaline, Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Nickel Cadmium (NiCad)
Requirements
When packed in checked baggage:
-
devices containing batteries must have the on/off switch protected to prevent accidental activation, and
-
the device must be completely switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode).
Fuel cell systems and spare fuel cartridges (in portable electronic devices)
What cartridges you can carry and requirements of how to pack:
Requirements
- Up to 200mL of fuel or 200g for solid fuel or 120mL liquefied gas.
Only two spares are permitted per passenger in carry-on baggage.
Power tools e.g. drills, angle grinders
What power tools you can carry and requirements of how to pack:
Lithium batteries not more than 100Wh contained in/attached to the tool
Requirements
- The on/off switch must be protected from turning on e.g. taped.
- The device must be completely switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode).
- The tool must be securely contained in either a hard/moulded case or a sturdy box, unable to move. Only one tool per box or two are permitted in a hard case if the case is specifically moulded to securely fit two tools.
Lithium batteries not more than 100Wh removed/detached from the tool
Important
Lithium-ion batteries must be declared during check-in.
Requirements
- all terminals must be protected e.g. retail packaging or taped.
Note: all tools (minus the battery) must be carried in checked baggage only.
Lithium batteries exceeding 100Wh and up to 160Wh contained in/attached to the tool
Important
Lithium-ion batteries must be declared during check-in.
Requirements
- The on/off switch must be protected from turning on e.g. taped.
- The tool must be securely contained in either a hard/moulded case or a sturdy box, unable to move. Only one tool per box or two are permitted in a hard case if the case is specifically moulded to securely fit two tools.
Lithium batteries exceeding 100Wh and up to 160Wh removed/detached from the tool
Important
Lithium-ion batteries must be declared during check-in.
Requirements
- all terminals must be protected e.g. retail packaging, taped, etc.
Note: all tools (minus the battery) must be carried in checked baggage only.
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.