Flying with Emirates? The Dubai-based airline has recently published important guidelines for passengers regarding personal electronic devices (PEDs). Here’s what you need to know before packing your gadgets for your next journey.
Electronic Device Limits and Packing Requirements
Emirates now allows passengers to carry or check in a maximum of 15 personal electronic devices per person. However, these must be properly packed as individual items and not connected to other devices. The airline has warned that improperly packaged electronics or quantities exceeding this limit may be subject to confiscation.
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|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Devices | |||
| Personal Electronic Devices | Portable electronic devices containing lithium batteries (phones, laptops, tablets, cameras). Maximum 15 PEDs per passenger. Items must be packaged separately, not taped together. | YES | YES |
| Spare Batteries | Spare/loose batteries for portable devices must be carried in cabin baggage only. Power banks are considered spare batteries. Maximum 20 spare batteries per passenger. | YES | NO |
| High-Capacity Lithium Batteries | Spare batteries exceeding 100Wh but not exceeding 160Wh. Maximum of two spare batteries. Must be individually protected. | NEED APPROVAL | NO |
| Drones | Not allowed as cabin baggage. Only accepted as checked baggage with batteries secured within drone or removed (removed batteries must be carried in cabin). | NO | YES |
| Smart Baggage | Allowed if battery is removable and within cabin baggage size/weight limits. For checked baggage, battery must be removed and carried in cabin. | YES | YES |
| E-cigarettes | Including e-cigars, e-pipes, and portable incense burners. Must be individually protected to prevent accidental activation. | YES | NO |
| Personal Motorised Vehicles | Hoverboards, mini-Segways, self-balancing wheels cannot be accepted with or without batteries. | FORBIDDEN | FORBIDDEN |
| Mobility Aids | |||
| Non-spillable Battery Wheelchairs | Wheelchairs with non-spillable wet batteries, provided batteries are protected from short circuit. | NEED APPROVAL | NEED APPROVAL |
| Spillable Battery Wheelchairs | Battery-powered wheelchairs with spillable batteries or lithium batteries. Must be loaded in upright position. | NEED APPROVAL | NEED APPROVAL |
| Collapsible Lithium-ion Mobility Aids | Battery must be removed and carried in cabin. Battery must not exceed 300Wh (or two batteries of 160Wh each). | NEED APPROVAL | NEED APPROVAL |
| Liquids & Aerosols | |||
| Alcoholic Beverages | 24-70% alcohol by volume, in containers not exceeding 5L, with a total of 5L per person. | YES | YES |
| Non-flammable Aerosols | Non-flammable, non-toxic aerosols for sporting or home use. Total quantity must not exceed 2kg/2L. | NO | YES |
| Toiletry Aerosols | Hair sprays, perfumes, colognes and medicines containing alcohol. Total must not exceed 2kg/2L. | YES | YES |
| Hair Curlers with Hydrocarbon Gas | One per passenger with safety cover securely fitted. Cannot be used on board. Refills not permitted. | YES | YES |
| Powder Substances | |||
| Powder-like Substances | Containers ≥350ml/g not allowed in carry-on for flights to/through USA, Australia, and New Zealand. Baby formula, prescription medicines, and human remains are exempt. | NO | YES |
| Other Items | |||
| Dry Ice | Maximum 2.5kg per person when used to pack perishables. Must be marked “dry ice” with weight indicated. | NEED APPROVAL | NEED APPROVAL |
| Matches & Lighters | One small packet of safety matches or small cigarette lighter without unabsorbed liquid fuel. “Strike anywhere” matches, “Blue flame” or “Cigar” lighters forbidden. | FORBIDDEN | FORBIDDEN |
| Ammunition | Maximum 5kg per person for personal use. Must be securely packaged. | NEED APPROVAL | NEED APPROVAL |
| Disabling Devices | Mace, pepper spray, etc. containing irritant substances are forbidden. | FORBIDDEN | FORBIDDEN |
| Items Containing Explosives | All fireworks, Christmas crackers, firecrackers, bottle rockets, poppers, and sparklers are forbidden. | FORBIDDEN | FORBIDDEN |
Motorised Devices Banned
Personal motorised devices have been completely prohibited on Emirates flights due to safety concerns related to their large lithium batteries. This restriction applies to:
- Smart bags
- Hoverboards
- Mini Segways
These items cannot be transported as either checked baggage or hand luggage, regardless of whether other airlines might permit them.
Country-Specific Customs Regulations
Emirates has also reminded travellers to familiarise themselves with the customs regulations of their destination country, as rules concerning electronics, alcohol, cigarettes, and medication vary significantly between nations.
UAE-Specific Restrictions
When travelling to or through the UAE, passengers should be particularly aware of:
- Prohibited Items: Certain substances and objects presenting safety risks are strictly forbidden
- Declaration Process: The iDeclare app from Dubai Customs allows travellers to check permitted goods and declare items in advance
- Medication Guidelines: Controlled medications require advance approval from the UAE Ministry of Health, while uncontrolled medications need a valid prescription for quantities up to a three-month supply
- Drug Policy: The UAE maintains strict zero-tolerance approach toward illegal substances, with severe penalties even for small quantities
Key Takeaway
Always check Emirates’ current electronic device policy before travel, as exceeding the 15-device limit or improper packing could result in confiscation. Be especially cautious with motorised devices containing lithium batteries as these are completely prohibited, and research destination-specific customs regulations for a smooth journey.
JobXDubai 
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