Emirates Airlines Set to Ban In Flight Use of Power Banks from October

If you’re flying with Emirates after October 1, you may want to rethink how you keep your devices charged. The Dubai-based carrier has announced that passengers will no longer be allowed to use power banks during flights, citing safety concerns over lithium battery incidents, including the risk of fires.

The new rules in detail

The ban does not mean you can’t travel with a power bank at all, but the rules are now stricter:

• Only one power bank per passenger will be allowed, with a maximum capacity of under 100Wh.

• Power banks can be carried on board but cannot be used during the flight.

• Charging a power bank using the aircraft’s power supply is not permitted.

• All power banks must have a visible capacity rating.

• They must be stored in a seat pocket or under the seat in front of you — not in the overhead bin.

• As before, power banks remain banned in checked luggage.

Why Emirates is tightening up

Lithium batteries, which are found in power banks, laptops and other portable devices, have been linked to several in-flight fire incidents across the aviation industry. While rare, these incidents can be dangerous in an enclosed cabin environment. By prohibiting the in-flight use of power banks, Emirates is taking a pre-emptive approach to minimise any potential hazards.

Aviation safety experts note that most airlines already have strict rules for lithium batteries, but Emirates’ outright ban on usage is among the stricter measures for a major international carrier.

How travellers are reacting

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions on social media. Frequent flyers who rely on power banks to keep their phones and tablets going during long-haul journeys have expressed frustration, with some calling the move “inconvenient” and “overly cautious.” Others have praised Emirates for “putting safety first,” noting that the risk, however small, is worth addressing.

Travel forums have already begun filling up with tips on alternative ways to keep devices charged, from carrying spare fully charged batteries (where allowed) to making use of the in-seat USB ports on most Emirates aircraft.

What this means for South African travellers

For Joburgers and other South Africans flying to Dubai or beyond with Emirates, this means planning ahead. If you’re travelling with kids who rely on tablets for in-flight entertainment or need your devices for work, make sure to charge them fully before boarding. You’ll also want to check if your connecting airlines have similar rules to avoid surprises mid-journey.

The bigger picture

This move fits into a broader trend of airlines reassessing battery safety protocols. Earlier this year, other carriers quietly updated their terms of carriage to include stricter conditions for transporting lithium-powered devices. With global passenger numbers on the rise, especially for long-haul routes like Johannesburg to Dubai, these safety precautions are likely to become more common.

Source:Travel News 

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