A MAJOR airline is banning a popular cellphone gadget on all of its planes from October 1.
The move sees the flight company expanding existing restrictions on the device, in a bid to tighten flight safety.
Emirates is known for its luxury jets[/caption]
However, the flight company is now banning power bank devices[/caption]
Emirates are known for being one of the most luxurious airlines in the world, allowing passengers to jet off in style.
However, the company has announced plans to crackdown on the usage of a popular electronic device while in the air.
From October 1, 2025, passengers will be banned from using power banks on Emirates flights.
Although holidaymakers will be permitted to carry one power bank under 100 watt hours, they will not be allowed to use it while on board.
Also, charging the power bank using the aircraft’s power supply will also be banned.
The devices will not be allowed to be stored in the overhead storage bins either and, instead, must be placed in the seat pocket or in the bag under the seat in front of you.
Packing them in your checked luggage remains prohibited and any power banks that you do bring with you must have capacity rating information available.
The new rules are designed to keep passengers safe, as, according to the Emirates website, power banks can overheat and cause “fire” or release “toxic gases”.
According to the airline, the batteries contain lithium ions suspended in an electrolyte solution.
The ions move through the electrolyte as the battery charges and, if the device is damaged, it can result in something known as a “thermal runway”.
This is where heat generation within the battery exceeds its ability to cool down, causing it to rapidly overheat.
That can lead to “fire, explosions and the release of toxic gases” – according to Emirates.
The news comes as TSA rolls out its new Families on the Fly campaign.
New TSA lanes, designed especially for families with heavy backpacks or strollers, will be marked with blue signs.
Also included in the scheme are discounted TSA PreCheck fees for families and dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for service members and their families.
So far, the scheme is available at the John Wayne Airport in California, Orlando International Airport, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu and the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport in North Carolina.
Six new rules for Emirates passengers
Emirates Airlines has announced six new rules for its passengers.
All of the rules are related to the use of power bank devices, which are used to charge mobile phones.
The six rules include:
- Emirates customers can only carry one power bank that is under 100 Watt Hours
- Power banks cannot be used to charge any personal devices while onboard
- Charging a power bank using the aircraft’s power supply is banned
- All power banks must have capacity rating information available
- Power banks cannot be placed in the overhead stowage bin onboard the aircraft. It must be placed in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you.
- Power banks are not permitted in checked luggage (existing rule).
Emirates is expanding on existing in-flight safety protocols[/caption]
