Yes, one power bank under 100Wh is allowed in Emirates carry-on; you can’t use or charge it in flight, and it’s never allowed in checked bags.
Short answer first: you may fly with a power bank on Emirates, but the airline sets a strict cap and clear handling rules. From 1 October 2025, you can bring one spare power bank under 100 Wh in your cabin bag only, and you can’t use it in flight or plug it into the seat power. The unit must show its capacity on the label and stay accessible in your seat area, not in the overhead bin.
Taking Power Banks On Emirates Flights: The Rules
- Quantity: one power bank per customer.
- Size: up to 100 Wh (Watt-hours). Anything above that is not accepted as a spare on Emirates.
- Bag: cabin only. No power banks in checked baggage.
- Use: not allowed. Don’t charge devices with a power bank on board, and don’t charge the power bank from the aircraft outlets.
- Placement in cabin: keep it in the seat pocket or in a small bag under the seat in front; avoid the overhead locker.
- Label: capacity (Wh or mAh and V) must be printed or otherwise shown on the device. Unmarked units can be refused.
Quick Allowance Table For Emirates & Common Battery Items
| Item | Where It Goes | Conditions On Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| Power bank ≤ 100 Wh | Carry-on | One unit; label required; keep at seat; no use on board. |
| Power bank 100–160 Wh | Not accepted as a spare | Airline does not permit spares in this band. |
| Power bank > 160 Wh | Forbidden | Not permitted on passenger flights. |
| Phone / tablet / laptop (battery installed) | Carry-on preferred | Use as normal; if checked, the device must be fully off and protected. Follow general lithium guidance. |
| Spare camera batteries (Li-ion) ≤ 100 Wh | Carry-on | Up to typical limits under IATA; terminals protected. Emirates still applies its one-power-bank rule to power banks only. |
| E-cigarettes / vapes | Carry-on | Never in checked bags; no use on board. Follow airport rules. |
| Smart luggage (battery removable) | Carry-on or checked | Battery must be removable; if checked, remove and carry the battery in cabin. |
| Smart luggage (battery non-removable) | Not accepted | Banned in both cabin and hold. |
Are Power Banks Allowed On Emirates Planes? Details That Matter
Yes, within tight limits. Emirates’ cap is tougher than the generic industry template. Many regulators and airlines accept spare lithium-ion batteries from 100 to 160 Wh with approval, but Emirates’ update removed that path for power banks and set a single allowance: one unit under 100 Wh in the cabin.
That cap applies only to power banks. Small spares for cameras and similar gear still follow the usual lithium battery guidance in carry-on, with proper terminal protection. Pack each one in the original sleeve, a plastic cover, or a separate pouch so nothing metal can short the contacts.
Why Emirates Tightened The Rules
Airlines face more thermal runaway events linked to portable chargers. Several cabin incidents worldwide triggered diversions and injuries. Emirates responded with a blanket ban on in-flight use and stricter carriage rules to cut the chance of a hidden fault starting a fire at altitude.
Size, Label, And Watt-Hour Math
Watt-hours measure stored energy. If your power bank lists only milliamp-hours (mAh) and voltage (V), use this: Wh = (mAh × V) ÷ 1000. Examples: a 10,000 mAh pack at 3.7 V is about 37 Wh; a 20,000 mAh pack at 3.7 V is about 74 Wh. Both sit under the 100 Wh ceiling.
Look for a clear rating on the case. Emirates requires visible capacity data; if the numbers aren’t shown, staff can decline the item at screening or at the gate. When you shop, pick brands that print Wh or both mAh and V on the shell.
For the official wording, review Emirates’ dangerous goods policy, the IATA lithium battery fact sheet, and the FAA’s PackSafe guidance. These sources explain the safety logic behind battery limits and why spares stay in the cabin where crews can respond quickly.
Using Power Banks Onboard Emirates: What’s Not Allowed
- Don’t plug your phone or laptop into a power bank during the flight.
- Don’t charge a power bank from the seat outlet or USB port.
- Keep the unit at your seat, not in an overhead bin.
- Leave switches off and avoid pressing the power button in flight.
Packing And Airport Screening Tips
Pack to pass screening fast and reduce risk:
- Place the power bank in an outer pocket or at the top of your cabin bag for inspection.
- Cover exposed terminals on spare batteries with caps or tape, or use a small case.
- Keep the original box or a sleeve for extra protection.
- If a device must go in checked baggage, switch it fully off and protect it from activation.
Power Banks On Emirates Flights: Size Examples
| Battery Label | Wh (Approx.) | Status On Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 mAh, 3.7 V | 18.5 Wh | Carry one in cabin; no use. |
| 10,000 mAh, 3.7 V | 37 Wh | Carry one in cabin; no use. |
| 20,000 mAh, 3.7 V | 74 Wh | Carry one in cabin; no use. |
| 26,800 mAh, 3.7 V | 99 Wh | Carry one in cabin; no use. |
| 30,000 mAh, 3.7 V | 111 Wh | Over limit for power banks on Emirates. |
| 130 Wh pack | 130 Wh | Over limit; not accepted as a spare. |
What About Other Gadgets And Batteries?
Phones, tablets, and laptops with batteries installed can travel as usual. Carry them in the cabin when you can, since crews can respond quickly to any issue in sight. If you need to check a device, switch it off fully and protect it from pressing against other items.
Camera spares and other small lithium-ion cells up to 100 Wh belong in carry-on with terminals guarded. For bigger specialty packs between 100 and 160 Wh, many carriers allow two with approval, yet that does not extend to power banks on Emirates under the new rule.
Troubleshooting: No Wh Shown Or Over The Limit
If there’s no Wh on the label, compute it from mAh and volts and take a photo of the specs just in case. If your math lands above 100 Wh, don’t bring that power bank. Ship it separately by a service that accepts it, pick a smaller unit, or leave it at home. Airline staff have the final say at screening and at the gate.
Quick Checklist Before You Fly
- One power bank only, under 100 Wh.
- Label shows Wh or both mAh and V.
- Carry-on only; never in checked baggage.
- Keep it at your seat; don’t use or charge it on board.
- Pack other spare lithium batteries in cabin with terminals covered.