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Traveling opens doors to new sights, sounds, and experiences.
Yet, packing your bags comes with rules that can be tricky.
When flying with Emirates, it’s important to know what you can’t put in your checked baggage. Imagine you’re all set to go, but a banned item in your bag could cause delays. We don’t want that, right?
Let’s walk through the basics together.
Keep reading to make sure your bags are packed just right – no surprises, no stress.
Emirates Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage
If you’re planning to fly with Emirates, there’s a list of items that absolutely cannot go into your checked baggage.
This isn’t just a matter of airline preference; it’s about adhering to international safety standards.
So before you start packing for your next adventure or business trip, here they are:
Smart Balance Wheels
When it comes to packing for your flight, you might want to leave your smart balance wheel behind.
Emirates has a strict policy against these gadgets.
Whether it’s a hoverboard, a Segway, or any balance wheel, even if you pop the batteries out, they’re not allowed on your flight.
This rule stands for both your checked luggage and your carry-on. The concern? They’ve got a rep for causing fire risks due to their lithium batteries.
Controlled Medication
If your medicine cabinet includes medication that’s controlled or prescribed, you’ll need to do some homework before heading to the airport.
Emirates requires approval through the UAE Ministry of Health for bringing any controlled medication into the country.
Plus, you should carry the prescription for the quantity—up to a three-month supply—that you’re bringing with you.
Uncontrolled and over-the-counter medications don’t need prior approval, but it’s always a good idea to have your doctor’s note just in case.
Firearms and Ammunition
While generally prohibited, Emirates does allow the transportation of firearms and ammunition in checked baggage under very strict conditions.
You must have the original firearms license and all necessary permissions, and the items must be approved by Emirates at least three days before your flight.
Firearms should be unloaded, dismantled if possible, and packed securely. Ammunition must be in a strong, sealed box and is limited to 5kg per customer.
Special conditions also apply for those traveling into or through Dubai, including obtaining prior clearance from UAE Customs and the Ministry of Defence, or the Dubai Airport Police Department and the Department of Civil Aviation for transfer and transit passengers
Smart Bags
These innovative suitcases come with built-in batteries, often used to charge devices on the go. Emirates allows these in the cabin if the battery is removable and fits within the cabin baggage size and weight limits.
If the battery can’t be removed, or if the bag is too large or heavy, then it can’t fly with you, not even in checked luggage.
So, if you’re packing a smart bag, pop that battery out and carry it on board separately to stay within the rule
Travel to Pakistan with Animal Products
If your journey involves bringing any animal products into Pakistan, such as meat or dairy, you’re looking at additional paperwork.
You’ll need to fill out specific forms prior to your arrival, alongside the required import and veterinary documentation. The goal is to prevent the spread of diseases and protect local agriculture.
For the general public, animals are allowed on Emirates with the restriction of only being kept in the Cargo compartment and nothing more. You’ll, however, need to fill out a form at least one week before your travel date.
Power Banks from Iraq
When departing from Iraq, power banks are a no-go on Emirates flights.
Given that these devices store a considerable amount of energy and can pose a fire risk if they malfunction, the airline has specific rules.
You can’t check them in; they must be carried in your hand luggage.
And there’s a limit – no more than 15 electronic devices, power banks included, can be carried, and each must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.
Failure to comply could result in confiscation of your devices at the airport, so it’s best to pack smart and safe
Blunt Instruments
These items are generally considered to be any tool or equipment that can cause serious injury when used to hit someone.
On Emirates flights, items such as baseball and softball bats, clubs, batons like billy clubs, blackjacks, night sticks, and martial arts equipment are strictly forbidden in both carry-on and checked luggage
Explosives and Incendiary Devices
These are substances or devices that can cause fires or explosions and are capable of posing a serious threat to the safety of the aircraft.
Emirates’ list of prohibited items includes ammunition, blasting caps, detonators and fuses, replica or imitation explosive devices, mines, grenades, fireworks, smoke-generating canisters and cartridges, and even dynamite, gunpowder, and plastic explosives.
Such items are not allowed in either carry-on or checked baggage.
Fuel and Fuel Cartridges
These items are a no-go. Any items containing fuel or fuel cartridges, such as camping stoves and fuel cells, are not permitted in either checked or carry-on baggage due to the high flammability risk.
Powder
For flights to the United States, Emirates restricts the quantity of powder-like substances in carry-on baggage to 350ml or 12 ounces per person.
This includes flour, sugar, coffee, spices, powdered milk, and cosmetics. Quantities above this limit must be placed in checked baggage. This measure is to enhance security and prevent potential threats. Always double-check the most recent regulations before traveling, as these can change.
