Emirates is tightening rules on portable power banks in its cabins, with new limits taking effect on October 1. Passengers will be allowed to bring only one power bank in their carry-on luggage and will not be permitted to charge devices using external power packs during the flight. The airline is also moving to remove the option of stowing power packs in overhead bins and continues to prohibit batteries in checked baggage.
The policy change follows what Emirates describes as a comprehensive safety review. The airline notes a significant rise in customers carrying power banks in recent years, along with an uptick in lithium battery-related incidents on flights across the industry. To mitigate these risks, Emirates is introducing stricter controls on when and where these devices can be used on board.
Emirates’ new rules complement existing airline practices. Southwest Airlines, for example, announced its own restrictions earlier in the year, requiring passengers to keep devices visible while they are in use onboard. Industrywide, restrictions on lithium batteries are common, reflecting concerns about fires that can start with damaged or improperly handled batteries and the difficulty of suppressing such fires in flight.
Data from U.S. aviation regulators underscores the ongoing safety focus: the Federal Aviation Administration has logged 43 lithium battery–related incidents on aircraft so far in 2025, with 89 such incidents recorded in 2024. Experts say these incidents, while still relatively rare, highlight why regulators and carriers continue to tighten rules around electronic devices and power sources on airplanes.
What travelers should know
– Expect to have only one power bank allowed in carry-on luggage, and plan to avoid charging devices with portable power packs during the flight.
– Do not attempt to stow power banks or other batteries in overhead bins, and remember that batteries cannot be carried in checked baggage.
– Be aware that rules vary by airline; check your carrier’s policy before you fly, especially if you plan to bring larger or multiple battery-powered devices.
Alongside these safety measures, the aviation industry is pursuing a broader effort to balance consumer convenience with on-board safety. While these restrictions can be inconvenient for travelers who rely on devices in flight, they reflect a growing emphasis on preventing in-flight fires and protecting passengers and crews.
If you’re planning a trip, a quick heads-up: review your airline’s policy on power banks and lithium batteries, and pack accordingly to avoid last-minute surprises at the airport. The push for safer skies continues as more devices with lithium batteries come onto passenger aircraft.