A Guide to Dangerous Goods

Alcoholic beverages, when in retail packaging, containing more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol by volume, in receptacles not exceeding 5 L, with a total net quantity per person of 5 L.

Batteries spare/or loose, including lithium metal or lithium ion cells or batteries, for portable electronic devices must be carried in carry-on baggage only. Articles which have the primary purpose as a power source, e.g. power banks are considered as spare batteries. These batteries must be individually protected to avoid short-circuit. Each passenger is limited to a maximum of 20 spare batteries.

Lithium Batteries, spare or loose with a Watt-hour rating exceeding 100 watt hours but not exceeding 160 watt hours for consumer electronic devices and Portable Medical Electronic Devices (PMED) or with a lithium content exceeding 2 grams but not exceeding 8 grams for PMED only. Maximum of two spare batteries in carry-on baggage only. These batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuit.

For safety reasons, we can’t allow drones on board as cabin baggage. Drones can be accepted as checked-in baggage only. If you have a drone in your checked-in baggage you’ll be asked to either secure the Lithium batteries within the drone or remove the batteries and carry them in your cabin baggage. This regulation still applies even if you’re connecting to our flights from an airline that has accepted drones as cabin baggage.

e-cigarettes (including e-cigars, e-pipes, other personal vaporizers) containing batteries must be individually protected to prevent accidental activation.

Lithium Batteries: Portable electronic devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion cells or batteries, including medical devices such as portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) and consumer electronics such as cameras, mobile phones, laptops and tablets, when carried by customers or crew for personal use. For lithium metal batteries the lithium metal content must not exceed 2 grams and for lithium ion batteries the Watt-hour rating must not exceed 100 watt hours. Each passenger is limited to a maximum of 15 personal electronic devices.

Lithium Batteries: Security type equipment containing lithium batteries can only be accepted in consultation with Group Security.

Lithium battery-powered electronic devices. Lithium ion batteries for portable (including medical) electronic devices, a watt hours rating exceeding 100 watt hours but not exceeding 160 watt hours. For portable medical electronic devices only, lithium metal batteries with a lithium content exceeding 2 grams but not exceeding 8 grams.

Portable electronic devices containing non-spillable batteries, batteries must meet IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Special Provision A67 and must not have voltage exceeding 12 volts and a watt hour rating not exceeding 100 watt hours. A maximum of 2 spare batteries may be carried.

Smart bags are allowed in the cabin if the battery is removable and within the cabin baggage size and weight limits. The battery can remain installed as long as the smart bag is completely powered off. Smart bags are permitted as checked baggage if the battery is removed and carried in the cabin. If the smart bag exceeds the baggage size/weight limitations for the route, or the battery is not removable, then the smart bag can’t be carried on an Emirates flight.

Mobility Aids: Battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility devices with non-spillable-wet batteries or with batteries which comply with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Special Provision A123 or A199, provided the batteries are protected from short circuit, e.g. by being enclosed in a battery container, and the battery is securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid.

Mobility Aids: Battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility devices with spillable batteries or with lithium batteries Provided that the wheelchair or mobility aid can be loaded, stowed, secured and unloaded always in an upright position then the battery may remain installed in the wheelchair. The battery terminals must be protected from short circuits, e.g. by being enclosed within a battery container, and the battery must be securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid. Extra limitations apply for Lithium batteries which can be obtained from Emirates. It is recommended that customers make advance arrangements with Emirates.

Mobility Aids: Battery-powered mobility aids with lithium-ion batteries (collapsible), lithium-ion battery must be removed and carried in the cabin. The batteries for such wheelchair must not exceed 300 watt hours or for a device that is fitted with two batteries required for operation, each battery must not exceed 160 watt hours. A maximum of one extra spare battery not exceeding 300 watt hours or two spares each not exceeding 160 watt hours each can be carried in the cabin.

For safety reasons, we can’t accept personal motorised vehicles such as hoverboards, mini-Segways and smart or self-balancing wheels on our flights. Emirates prohibits the carriage of all such devices – with or without batteries - as checked–in or carry–on baggage. This regulation still applies even if you’re connecting to our flights from an airline that has accepted them.

Avalanche rescue backpack, one (1) per person, containing a cartridge of compressed gas in Division 2.2. May also be equipped with a pyrotechnic trigger mechanism containing no more than 200 milligrams net of Division 1.4S. The backpack must be packed in such a manner that it cannot be accidentally activated. The airbags within the backpacks must be fitted with pressure relief valves.

Gas cartridges, small, non-flammable, containing carbon dioxide or other suitable gas in Division 2.2. Up to two (2) small cartridges fitted into a self-inflating safety device such as a lifejacket or vest. Not more than one (1) device per customer, and up to two (2) spare small cartridges per person, not more than four (4) cartridges up to 50 millilitres water capacity for other devices.

Hair curlers containing hydrocarbon gas, up to one (1) per customer or crew-member, provided that the safety cover is securely fitted over the heating element. These hair curlers must not be used on board the aircraft at any time. Gas refills for such curlers are not permitted in checked or carry-on baggage.

Non-flammable, non-toxic aerosols in Division 2.2, with no subsidiary risk, for sporting or home use. The total net quantity of non-radioactive medicinal or toiletry articles and non-flammable, non-toxic aerosols in Division 2.2 must not exceed 2 kilograms or 2 L and the net quantity of each single article must not exceed 0.5 kilograms or 0.5 litres. Release valves on aerosols must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents.

Camping stoves and fuel containers that have contained a flammable liquid fuel, with empty fuel tank and/or fuel container may be carried provided the fuel tank of the camping stove, and/or fuel container has been completely drained of all liquid fuel and action has been taken to nullify the danger.

Fuel cells containing fuel, powering portable electronic devices (e.g. cameras, cellular phones, laptop computers and camcorders)

Fuel cells cartridges, spare for portable electronic devices

Internal combustion or fuel cell engines, must meet requirements of IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Special Provision A70 which requires that the engine be free of any fuel used for that power.

Insulated packaging containing refrigerated liquid nitrogen (dry shipper), fully absorbed in a porous material containing only non-dangerous goods.

Oxygen or air, gaseous, cylinders required for medical use. The cylinder must not exceed 5 kilograms’ gross weight. Note: Liquid oxygen systems are forbidden for transport.

Radioisotopic cardiac pacemakers or other devices, including those powered by lithium batteries, implanted into a person or fitted externally, or radiopharmaceuticals contained within the body of a person as the result of medical treatment.

Specimens, non-infectious packed in small quantities of flammable liquid, must meet IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Special Provision A180 (details of special packaging requirements of such specimens can be obtained from the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations)

Thermometer or barometer, mercury filled carried by a representative of a government weather bureau or similar official agency must be packed in a strong outer packaging, having a sealed inner liner or a bag of strong leak-proof and puncture-resistant material impervious to mercury, which will prevent the escape of mercury from the package irrespective of its position.

Thermometer, medical or clinical, which contains mercury, one (1) per person for personal use, when in its protective case.

All flights to, through or from the USA, as well as from or through Australia and New Zealand, will be subject to further enhanced security screening measures. This is in accordance with new security guidelines from the US Transport Security Administration (TSA), the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs and the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand.

Under the new directive for flights to US destinations, powder-like substances in containers equal to or over 350 ml/grams have to be checked-in, and will not be allowed in carry-on belongings or cabin baggage. These items will be confiscated at Dubai (DXB) as well as Milan (MXP) and Athens (ATH), depending on the last point of departure. Powders under 350 ml/grams may be subject to additional screening.

Baby formula, prescription medicines and human remains are exempt. Powder-like substances purchased in airport duty free shops must be placed in Sealed Tamper Evident Bags along with proof of purchase.

Security-type attaché cases, cash boxes, cash bags, etc. incorporating dangerous goods, such as lithium batteries and/or pyrotechnic material, except when authorized by the airline, are totally forbidden.

Chemical Agent Monitoring Equipment, Instruments containing radioactive material not exceeding the activity limits specified in IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Table 10.3.C, i.e. chemical agent monitor (CAM) and/or rapid alarm and identification device monitor (RAID-M), securely packed and without lithium batteries, when carried by staff members of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on official travel.

Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid), in quantities not exceeding 2.5 kilograms per person when used to pack perishables not subject to these Regulations in checked or carry-on baggage, provided the baggage (package) permits the release of carbon dioxide gas. Checked baggage must be marked “dry ice” or “carbon dioxide, solid” and with the net weight of dry ice or an indication that there is 2.5 kilograms or less dry ice.

Heat producing articles battery-powered equipment capable of generating extreme heat, which would cause a fire if activated, e.g. underwater torches (diving lamps) and soldering irons, providing that the heat producing component of the battery is packed separately so as to prevent activation during transport. Any battery that has been removed must be protected against short circuit.

Lamps, energy efficient when in retail packaging intended for personal or home use.

Matches, safety (one small packet) or a small cigarette lighter that does not contain unabsorbed liquid fuel, other than liquefied gas, intended for use by an individual when carried on the person. Lighter fuel and lighter refills are not permitted on one’s person or in checked or carry-on baggage. Note: “Strike anywhere” matches, “Blue flame” or “Cigar” lighters are forbidden.

Non-radioactive medicinal or toilet articles (including aerosols) such as hair sprays, perfumes, colognes and medicines containing alcohol. The total net quantity of all non-radioactive medicinal or toilet articles and non-flammable, non-toxic aerosols in Division 2.2, must not exceed 2 kilograms or 2 L, and the net quantity of each single article must not exceed 0.5 kilograms or 0.5 litres. Release valves on aerosols must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents.

Permeation devices, for calibrating air quality monitoring equipment, must meet IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Special Provision A41 (which details the packaging requirements).

Ammunition (cartridges for weapons), securely packaged (in Division 1.4S, UN 0012 or UN 0014 only), in quantities not exceeding 5 kilograms’ gross weight per person for that person’s own use. Allowances for more than one person must not be combined into one or more packages.

Disabling devices such as mace, pepper spray, etc. containing an irritant or incapacitating substance are forbidden on the person, in checked and carry-on baggage.

Electro shock weapons (e.g. Tasers) containing dangerous goods such as explosives, compressed gases, lithium batteries, etc. are forbidden in carry-on baggage or checked baggage or on the person.

All fireworks and any other items containing explosives, for example Christmas crackers, firecrackers, bottle rockets, poppers and sparklers, are forbidden to be carried either as carry-on baggage or as checked baggage on our flights.