21 Dec 2021
Spare batteries and batteries contained within portable electronic devices (PED)
This letter provides guidance for the carriage of spare/loose batteries and those contained within a portable electronic device (PED) on a Virgin Australia aircraft and is issued in accordance with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and the Virgin Australia A6: Dangerous Goods Manual.
The carriage of batteries is subject to the following conditions:
- Lithium metal/alloy batteries – a maximum lithium content of not more than 2g
- Lithium ion batteries – a maximum watt-hour rating of not more than 160Wh
- Lithium batteries over 100Wh must be declared at check in.
- All lithium batteries must be of a type that meets the requirements of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria Part III, subsection 38.3
- Non-spillable batteries:
- The voltage must not exceed 12V and a watt-hour rating of not more than 100Wh
- The electrolyte must not flow from a ruptured or cracked case and the battery must not contain any free or unabsorbed liquid.
Spare/loose batteries (including power banks) must be carried in the following manner:
- In carry-on baggage only. Cabin baggage weight and size restrictions apply.
- The spare/loose batteries must be individually protected from short circuits by placement in original retail packaging or by otherwise insulating terminals, e.g. by taping over the exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch
- Lithium metal/alloy (2g or less) and Lithium ion up to 100Wh. A person is permitted to carry up to 20 spare batteries. Quantities over this amount may be approved by written request to Virgin Australia.
- Lithium ion/polymer batteries over 100Wh and up to 160Wh and non-spillable batteries – No more than 2 spare/loose batteries per person are permitted
Portable Electronic devices (PED) with batteries securely installed must be carried in the following manner:
In checked-in or carry-on baggage
- Measures must be taken to prevent unintentional activation of the PED.
- When carried in checked baggage, the PED must be turned off (not in sleep/hibernation mode) and packed so it is protected against damage or activation.
- A person is permitted to carry up to 15 PED powered by lithium metal batteries up to 2g lithium content or lithium-ion batteries up to 100Wh. Quantities of PED over this amount may be approved by written request to Virgin Australia.
Spares batteries and those contained in equipment over 160Wh (lithium-ion), 2g lithium content (lithium metal) or 12V and 100Wh (non-spillable) are strictly prohibited. Batteries that are damaged, distorted, leaking, showing signs of corrosion, or identified as defective and/or recalled by a manufacturer are not permitted for carriage.
This information is valid until 31 December 2023, unless revoked if necessary, in the interest of safety.
Failure to declare or comply with Civil Aviation Regulations is a serious offence.
Any further enquiries regarding this approval may be directed to the Dangerous Goods Specialist at dangerous.goodsspecialist@virginaustralia.com
Kind Regards
Paul Robertson, Virgin Australia Group, Dangerous Goods Specialist