Yes, you can bring a power bank on Emirates — but only one, only in your cabin bag, and you cannot use it during the flight.
This guide covers exactly what you can and can’t bring, where each item has to go, and how to keep your devices charged without your power bank.
The Emirates power bank rules in one place
You may carry one power bank rated under 100 watt-hours (Wh), and it cannot be used at any point onboard.
Here are the full rules, straight from the Emirates safety announcement, in full effect since 1 October 2025.
- One power bank only: it must be rated under 100 Wh.
- No charging devices from it: you cannot use the power bank to charge your phone, tablet, or laptop in the cabin.
- No charging the power bank: you cannot recharge it using the aircraft’s power supply.
- Capacity must be visible: the watt-hour or capacity rating must be marked on the device.
- Keep it within reach: it cannot go in the overhead bin — store it in the seat pocket or a bag under the seat in front of you.
- Never in checked baggage: power banks are banned from the hold (this rule predates the 2025 change).
If your power bank has no printed capacity rating, expect it to be refused at the gate, since staff cannot confirm it meets the under-100 Wh limit.
What you can and can’t bring: the quick reference
Power banks, spare batteries, and e-cigarettes must always travel in the cabin, never in checked baggage.
The table below covers the most common battery-powered items, based on the Emirates dangerous goods policy and the wider IATA lithium battery rules all airlines follow.
| Item | Cabin baggage | Checked baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Power bank (under 100 Wh) | Yes — one only, switched off, no use onboard | No |
| Spare lithium batteries (under 100 Wh) | Yes — terminals protected against short circuit | No |
| Phone, laptop, tablet, camera | Yes | Allowed, but cabin is recommended |
| E-cigarette / vape | Yes — no charging or use onboard | No |
| Smart bag (removable battery) | Yes — bag off, battery can stay in | Yes — only if battery removed and carried in cabin |
| Smart bag with fixed battery, hoverboard, e-scooter | No | No |
Devices with installed batteries under 100 Wh — phones, laptops, cameras — are fine in either bag. Spare batteries and power banks must stay with you in the cabin so crew can reach them quickly.
Lithium battery limits, explained simply
The 100 Wh figure is the line that matters for almost every traveller.
Under IATA dangerous goods rules, lithium batteries fall into three bands.
- Under 100 Wh: allowed in the cabin without special approval — this covers nearly all phones, laptops, and standard power banks.
- 100–160 Wh: allowed only with airline approval, and limited to two spare batteries — typically pro camera or large laptop batteries.
- Over 160 Wh: not allowed in passenger baggage at all.
Most power banks sold for phones and tablets are well under 100 Wh, so a typical 10,000–20,000 mAh charger is fine to carry. To convert milliamp-hours to watt-hours, multiply the mAh by the voltage (usually 3.7V) and divide by 1,000.
If your power bank only shows mAh and no Wh rating, work out the figure before you fly so you can show it meets the limit if asked.
Banned outright: items you cannot bring at all
Emirates forbids hoverboards, electric scooters, and smart balance wheels entirely — in the cabin or the hold.
According to the Emirates baggage rules, these personal motorised vehicles contain large lithium batteries and are refused even if a connecting airline accepted them.
The dangerous goods policy also bans all smart balance wheels, even with the batteries removed.
Smart bags are different. They are allowed if the battery can be removed — in the cabin with the bag powered off, or checked in only after you remove the battery and carry it with you.
Bags with built-in, non-removable batteries are banned both ways.
How to keep your devices charged without a power bank
Emirates provides in-seat charging on all aircraft, so you can power devices directly at your seat instead of using a power bank.
The airline still recommends arriving with devices fully charged, especially on long-haul flights from hubs like Dubai.
A few simple habits cover you.
- Charge before you board: use the charging points in the Emirates lounge or terminal at Dubai International.
- Pack a charging cable: bring the right USB or plug cable to use the in-seat power directly.
- Keep the power bank accessible: stow it in the seat pocket or under-seat bag, never the overhead bin.
Before you travel, you can confirm your flight and aircraft type using the Wego flight tracker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a power bank on Emirates flights?
Yes, you can carry one power bank rated under 100 Wh in your cabin baggage. You cannot use it onboard or pack it in checked baggage.
Why did Emirates ban using power banks onboard?
Emirates cited a rise in lithium battery incidents across the industry and the risk of “thermal runaway” — overheating that can cause fire. Keeping power banks switched off and within reach lets crew respond quickly if one fails.
How many power banks can I carry?
Emirates allows one power bank per passenger. It must be under 100 Wh and have its capacity rating clearly marked.
Can I charge my phone at my seat instead?
Yes. Emirates provides in-seat charging on all its aircraft, so you can power devices directly. Bring the correct cable and charge up before boarding too.
Sources
- Emirates — Safety Rules for Customer Usage of Power Banks Onboard (Now in Full Effect)
- Emirates — Emirates Makes Changes to Safety Rules for Power Banks Onboard
- Emirates — Dangerous Goods Policy
- Emirates — Unusual Baggage and Special Allowances
- IATA — Dangerous Goods Guidance for Passengers
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
