Emirates Bans Inflight Use of Power Banks from October 1, 2025

Emirates will ban inflight use of power banks on all routes starting October 1, 2025. The airline allows only one portable battery per passenger, and it must be under 100 Wh. You may not use or charge the power bank onboard. Emirates cites a rise in lithium battery fires and has set storage and handling rules to keep cabins safer.

What changes on October 1, 2025

• Only one power bank per passenger, and it must be rated under 100 Wh.
• You cannot use a power bank to charge your phone, tablet, laptop, camera, or any other device during the flight.
• You cannot charge your power bank from aircraft outlets or USB ports.
• Do not place power banks in overhead bins. Keep them in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you.
• Never check a power bank in hold luggage.
• Capacity must be clearly marked on the device or it may be refused.

Important: These rules apply to all routes, short- and long-haul, and to all cabin classes.

Why this matters for travelers and migrant families

Long flights are common for immigrants, international workers, students, and family visits. A dead phone on arrival can disrupt:
– airport pick-ups,
– eSIM activations,
– contact/address lookups,
– transit or same-day immigration inspections and biometrics appointments that require QR codes or digital forms.

Planning around this policy helps avoid stress at the gate and complications on arrival.

Recent incidents behind the decision

• Airlines across Asia reported cabin smoke and suspected battery fires in early 2025.
• Notable events included a January 2025 fire on an Air Busan flight and smoke incidents on Batik Air and Hong Kong Airlines.
• Emirates joins carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Etihad, Air Arabia, and Flydubai in tightening rules on battery packs.
• Safety experts point to thermal runaway, a chain reaction inside damaged cells that can produce smoke or fire.

What counts as under 100 Wh

• Many consumer power banks list capacity in mAh. To estimate watt-hours (Wh): multiply volts (V) by amp-hours (Ah). Many banks are marked 3.7 V.
  • Example: 10,000 mAh at 3.7 V ≈ 37 Wh (well under 100 Wh).
• If your device doesn’t show Wh clearly, bring the retail box or product sheet. If airline staff can’t verify capacity, they can refuse the item.
• You may carry only one power bank, even if multiple units are under 100 Wh.

How to fly within the rules and keep devices usable

1. Fully charge phones, tablets, and laptops before you leave for the airport.
2. Use low-power mode, dim screens, and close background apps to conserve battery.
3. Download boarding passes, visa letters, maps, and hotel details for offline use.
4. Bring a short cable for seat power and plug devices directly into the seat outlet or USB (if available) — do not connect a power bank.
5. If multiple devices need power, rotate charging at the seat power source during the flight.
6. On multi-leg trips, top up during layovers at airport charging stations instead of relying on onboard power.

Storage rules matter

Cabin crew need quick access if a battery begins smoking or heating. Therefore:
– Keep power banks in the seat pocket or under-seat bag, not in overhead bins.
– If a device overheats, tell the crew immediately.
– Do not pick up a smoking battery. Crew are trained to cool and contain lithium battery events.

What happens if you ignore the policy

• Gate agents or crew may confiscate the power bank, or deny boarding until the item is removed.
• Repeated refusal to comply onboard can lead to fines or being reported to authorities under air safety laws.
• Emirates states it will enforce the policy consistently.

Voices from the industry

“Thermal runaway events are rare, but when they happen, speed and access are everything. Removing inflight use cuts charging stress and keeps batteries within sight.” — safety advisor working with Asia-based carriers

Emirates describes the change as “a proactive safety measure to maintain world-class standards,” and expects passengers to adapt using ground charging and seat power.

How this compares to other airlines and regulators

• Many carriers cap power banks under 100 Wh and forbid them in checked bags.
• Policies vary: some airlines still allow inflight use; others now limit or ban it.
• Emirates’ policy — one unit per person, under 100 Wh, no use or charging onboard — increases predictability for crew and passengers.
• For broader guidance, see the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) page on “Portable chargers and power banks,” which outlines carriage limits and safety basics.

Tips for immigrants, students, and workers on long-haul routes

• Before departure: charge to 100%, download key immigration files, and print backup copies of I-20s, job letters, or visa pages.
• Use seat power: carry a compact, airline-safe cable and plug devices directly into the seat outlet. Do not daisy-chain through a power bank.
• Backup power at destination: pack a wall charger with multiple ports and correct plug adapters.
• Keep your single power bank under 100 Wh with clear labeling. If unlabeled, replace it or bring proof.
• For children’s devices: plan offline entertainment and enable strict battery-saving settings before takeoff.

Common questions answered

• Can I bring two small power banks if both are under 100 Wh?
  • No. Emirates allows only one.
• Can I use a laptop plugged into the seat outlet?
  • Yes, but do not use or connect a power bank in the power chain.
• Can I put my power bank in checked luggage if it’s off?
  • No. Checked baggage is off-limits for power banks.
• What if my power bank is 100–160 Wh?
  • The policy allows only under 100 Wh. Leave higher-capacity units at home.
• What if the label is worn off?
  • Replace the unit or bring proof. Without a clear capacity marking, staff may reject it.

What to watch next

• Expect potential future requirements for clearer labeling, safer chemistries, or certified designs.
• Airlines may increase crew briefings and questions at boarding about spare batteries.
• If battery incidents decline, the use ban may remain; if incidents rise, limits could tighten further.

Actionable takeaway: If you fly with Emirates after October 1, 2025, bring one clearly labeled power bank under 100 Wh, do not use it inflight, and rely on seat power and smart battery-saving steps. This small change helps protect cabins and keeps your trip on track.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, airlines are moving to stricter controls on portable batteries after a run of incidents; keeping your device inventory simple, clearly labeled, and compliant will save time at security and boarding.