Be careful if you fly with this airline: you will not be able to take this common item on board

Emirates Airlines will ban the use of power banks on its flights beginning Wednesday, October 1, citing safety concerns over the “risks associated” with lithium batteries.

In a statement, the airline noted a “significant” rise in passengers carrying power banks in recent years, which has coincided with a noticeable increase in lithium battery–related incidents.

Power banks may still be brought on board, but they cannot be used during the flight and are strictly prohibited in checked baggage. Emirates also no longer allows passengers to charge power banks using the aircraft’s outlets. Instead, the devices must be stored either in a seat pocket or in a bag under the seat.

Lithium batteries work by moving lithium ions between two electrodes through an electrolyte solution. However, if a battery is overcharged, it can undergo “thermal runaway,” in which heat builds up faster than it can dissipate, causing dangerous temperature spikes.

Emirates’ updated policy, effective October 1, includes the following rules:

• Each passenger may carry one power bank under 100 watt-hours.
• Power banks may not be used to charge personal devices on board.
• Charging a power bank using the aircraft’s power supply is prohibited.
• All accepted power banks must have clear capacity information.
• Power banks must be placed in a seat pocket or in a bag under the seat, not in the overhead compartment.
• Power banks remain banned from checked baggage.

Emirates is not alone in tightening rules. In 2025, several other airlines—including major Asian carriers such as Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways—introduced similar restrictions. Countries like Taiwan and South Korea have also enacted regulations on portable battery use during domestic flights.

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Passengers will still be able to charge devices through the aircraft’s built-in outlets, which often support USB, Type-C, or standard plugs. However, travelers are advised to confirm the latest power bank regulations with their airline and, most importantly, always keep these devices in their carry-on luggage.

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