Emirates ends in‑flight power‑bank use
Passengers may bring one labelled battery
From 1 October, travellers can bring a single, clearly marked power‑bank to the cabin, but the device must stay unused while the aircraft is airborne.
Accepted stowage places include the seat pocket or the bag under the seat, but the overhead locker is off limits. Checked luggage remains prohibited.
The change follows a comprehensive safety assessment after a steady uptick in lithium‑battery incidents across aviation. By keeping the power‑bank within easy reach, cabin crews can respond to a problem far more swiftly. The simplest method to reduce the risk of smoke or fire at 35 000 ft, however, is to eliminate passenger plugging in altogether.
- October 1: cabin rule update
- Only one power‑bank allowed
- No use during flight
- Stow in seat pocket or bag
- No overhead locker, no checked luggage
- Safety review backs the decision
Why Emirates is banning in-flight use
b>Emirates’ new battery safety strategy
b>Why lithium‑ion batteries matter
- Phones stay charged on long journeys, keeping passengers connected.
- Each battery cell, if it dents or a charger misbehaves, can spark a blaze.
- b>Overheating and thermal runaway are the most dangerous outcomes.
b>What happens when batteries fail
- heat builds rapidly inside a pressurised tube, making firefighting extremely tricky.
- any single misbehaving cell can ignite an entire power bank.
- steps taken mid‑flight are the most effective way to cut fire spread.
b>Emirates’ solution
- mid‑air use of phone batteries is eliminated, removing the primary trigger points.
- power banks are kept within close reach of crew, allowing seconds‑level reaction.
- in case a battery starts to misbehave, crew can act immediately, preventing a full blaze.
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Regulatory Landscape
Airline Restrictions
- Singapore Airlines limits device use to flight mode
- Cathay Pacific prohibits battery use during takeoff and landing
- Thai Airways mandates battery storage in designated bags
South Korea’s new national rule tightening after a cabin fire has increased safety scrutiny, while in the United States, Southwest Airlines requires portable batteries to remain in plain sight during flights. Regulators have also noted a significant rise in aircraft reports of overheating batteries over recent years.
What you can still bring on board
Portable Power is Still Allowed
Passengers may bring a single power bank as long as it carries a visible cap‑rating tag. The device must be switched off— not left on standby—and stored in the seat pocket or an under‑seat tote. If the unit lacks a watt‑hour or milliamp‑hour label, gate officers will likely reject it.
Use the Seat or Aircraft USB Ports Instead
Heavily scrolling travellers can rely on the airplane’s USB or seat power outlets. Emirates aircraft supply ample juice to keep a phone or tablet fully charged from take‑off to landing, effectively avoiding the power‑bank discussion altogether.
What other rules still apply (UK guidance included)
Carry‑On Lithium Batteries & Power‑Bank Rules on Flights
UK Civil Aviation Authority guidelines
Only carry‑on luggage can hold spare lithium batteries. For batteries within the 100–160 Wh range, you’re normally allowed to carry two spares. Each must be sealed or individually insulated to prevent short circuits: just use the original box, cover the terminals, or wrap the terminals with a short strip of tape.
Never place spare batteries in checked baggage.
Emirates power‑bank policy
Emirates hasn’t prohibited power‑banks; it prohibits using them during flight. Charge your devices before boarding, rely on the seat power if available, and keep any portable battery labeled, off, and within reach. That way you’ll smoothly pass the cabin check—and arrive with both your phone and the safety briefing intact.
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