Yes, you can bring a power bank on an Emirates flight, but only one under 100Wh in your carry-on, and you can’t use it on board.
Checked Bag
Over 100Wh / Extras
Carry-On ≤100Wh
Carry-On Rules
- One bank only (≤100Wh)
- Keep in seat pocket or under seat
- Do not use or charge in flight
Onboard
Checked-Bag Rules
- Never pack power banks
- Crew must access item in cabin
- Likely removed at check-in
Hold Ban
Capacity & Labels
- Wh rating must be printed
- Over 100Wh not accepted
- If unsure, staff can refuse
Proof
Bringing a power bank on an Emirates flight: 2025 update
Emirates now applies a rule. You may bring only one power bank, and it must be 100 watt-hours (Wh) or less. It rides in your cabin bag, not in the hold. From 1 October 2025, you can’t use it in flight. No charging your phone from it, and no topping it up from the seat outlet. The airline published this update across its travel alerts and policy pages, and crews will enforce it on board.
If you’re used to carrying a couple of chargers for phones, cameras, or a gaming handheld, plan a swap. Pick one compact bank that meets the label and capacity rules. Keep the box or spec sheet handy if the print on the case is tiny. If staff can’t confirm the rating, they may deny it at screening or the gate.
| Rule | What it means | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|
| One unit only | Bring a single power bank per person | All Emirates flights |
| Capacity ≤100Wh | Over 100Wh is not accepted | At security and the gate |
| Carry-on only | No power banks in checked bags | Check-in and transfer desks |
| No in-flight use | Don’t charge devices or the bank | From 1 Oct 2025 onward |
| Label needed | Wh or V/mAh must be visible | On the unit itself |
| Stow at seat | Seat pocket or under-seat only | Not in overhead bins |
What changed on 1 October 2025
The headline change is the in-flight use ban. Even a name-brand pack stays idle in the cabin. This move follows reports of thermal incidents tied to cheap or damaged batteries. By keeping banks idle and within reach at your seat, crew can spot heat, smell, or smoke early and take action fast. Emirates also set a firm one-bank cap and a 100Wh ceiling to keep risks down.
These rules sit alongside standard lithium battery handling in aviation. The cabin-only rule stays in place because crew can isolate a device in a fire bag and land quickly. In the hold, crew can’t reach it. That’s why moving a bank from carry-on to checked baggage is off limits.
Allowed capacity, labels, and how to read them
The safest way to check capacity is to look for the watt-hour figure. Many brands print it on the case: something like “37Wh” or “74Wh.” If you only see voltage (V) and milliamp-hours (mAh), do a quick sum: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1,000) × V. Most small packs use 3.7V cells. A label that reads 10,000 mAh at 3.7V works out to 37Wh, which fits the rule. A 20,000 mAh bank at 3.7V comes to 74Wh, also fine. A 30,000 mAh bank at 3.7V lands near 111Wh, which won’t fly.
Some makers print “capacity at 5V,” which can confuse shoppers. The Wh limit uses the cell voltage, not the USB output. If the Wh number is missing and only USB output is listed, check the spec sheet or the brand site before you pack. If the figure can’t be verified, ground staff may hold it back.
Labels that pass a quick check
Good labels show model name, Wh, V, and mAh, plus basic warnings. Scuffed text can be a problem at screening. If yours is worn, add a printout of the spec page. Keep the bank in a slim pouch so the label doesn’t rub off in your bag.
Why the hold ban exists
Power banks are classified as spare lithium-ion batteries. Loose cells and chargers have a higher short-circuit risk. In a cabin, a crew member can cool an overheating device, move it into a fire-containment bag, and watch it. In a cargo hold, that’s not possible. Industry guidance reflects this, and Emirates policy mirrors it across routes.
Connections, regions, and mixed rules
Rules on spare batteries are broadly aligned worldwide, but they aren’t identical. If your trip includes another carrier, check its page too. On US routes, the TSA also requires spare lithium banks to ride in carry-on only. If you’re switching airlines mid-trip, stay within the tightest rule across your tickets to avoid a gate check snag.
Flying through airports with screening? Keep the bank where you can show it without unpacking your whole bag. That speeds your checkpoint time and avoids confusion over labels or ports.
How many power banks can you bring?
On Emirates, the answer is one. It doesn’t matter if both are under 100Wh. The cap is per passenger. Families should split one bank per traveler. If you need more runtime, bring wall chargers and charge devices at your seat from the aircraft outlet or USB port when available. Just don’t connect the power bank during the flight.
Packing steps that make screening easy
Set up your bank at home
Charge it to a mid-level state and turn it off. Check the shell for swelling or dents. If the case is damaged, leave it behind. Test the cables you intend to carry and ditch frayed ones.
Pack it so the label shows
Use a pouch that leaves the print visible. Don’t bury the bank under liquids or aerosols that may need to come out. Keep it separate from knives, tools, or other items that can raise extra questions.
Store it at the seat, not overhead
On Emirates, the approved stow points are the seat pocket or under-seat space. Overhead bins are off limits. If you’re in a bulkhead row without a pocket, ask crew where to place it within reach.
What if your bank is over 100Wh?
Leave it at home or ship it under proper battery shipping rules. That big 30,000 mAh pack is handy on road trips, but it’s over the line here. The same applies to jump-starter packs and laptop-class bricks that list triple-digit Wh. If you must power a camera rig or a drone on arrival, bring two small banks under the cap across different travelers, one each, and use wall power in flight.
Edge cases: smart bags, drones, and medical gear
Smart luggage with a built-in power bank is restricted unless the battery can be removed and carried in the cabin. Drone batteries are treated as spares too, with their own limits; they must ride in carry-on with terminals protected. For medical devices that need battery power, contact Emirates before you fly to confirm handling and any forms you may need.
Common mistakes that trigger a stop
No printed capacity
If the case shows no Wh or the print is unreadable, staff can’t clear it. Bring proof. A spec sheet or a photo of the label from the retailer helps, though the bank itself still needs compliant printing.
Multiple banks in one bag
Even if small, extras won’t pass. One traveler, one bank. Don’t stash spares in a jacket or a tech pouch; checks at the gate are common on busy routes.
Charging during taxi or cruise
The new rule bans use in flight. Plug the phone or tablet into the in-seat outlet instead. If your route lacks power, pre-charge devices at the airport and switch to low-power mode on board.
Table: common power bank sizes on Emirates
| Bank size | Allowed on Emirates? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 mAh (≈18.5Wh) | Yes | One unit; cabin only; no use on board |
| 10,000 mAh (≈37Wh) | Yes | Meets cap; keep label visible |
| 20,000 mAh (≈74Wh) | Yes | Within limit; still one per person |
| 27,000 mAh (≈100Wh) | Yes | At the cap; ensure rating is printed |
| 30,000 mAh (≈111Wh) | No | Over 100Wh; not accepted |
| Jump-starter pack (often 120–180Wh) | No | Over limit; not carried as baggage |
FAQ-style clarifications without the fluff
Can I put a power bank in checked luggage?
No. Power banks stay in carry-on only on Emirates. That rule doesn’t change on any route.
Can I bring two small banks under 100Wh each?
No. The cap is one per traveler.
Can I use my bank during a delay on the ground?
No. The use ban applies from boarding to arrival at the gate.
Quick checklist before you head to the airport
- Pick one bank with a clear Wh rating of 100 or less.
- Pack it where staff can see the label fast.
- Keep it cool, dry, and away from sharp objects.
- Plan device power from seat outlets, not the bank.
- Watch for heat or odor; flag crew right away.
Want the source straight from the airline? See the Emirates update on power banks and the wording on dangerous goods. For capacity math and safe handling across airlines, the IATA passenger guide is the reference.