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 starting 30 June 2018. 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.

Security measures will also be implemented restricting powder-like substances in the carry-on belongings or cabin baggage of all international customers departing and transiting Australia, New Zealand and the USA. The decision to confiscate or permit the powder-like substances in the cabin of the aircraft will be made by the respective security enforcement agencies.

In New Zealand, this restriction will commence at Auckland Airport on 30 June 2018; and will be introduced on all international flights departing Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown airports from 31 July 2018.

Customers are advised to place the powder-like substances in their checked bags.

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.

Updates to checked baggage screening

For your safety, the General Department of Airport Security is required to inspect all checked baggage. Therefore, during the screening process some bags may be opened for further inspection. 

To avoid missing your flight and baggage delays, Dubai International airport, the Dubai Airport Police and Emirates have agreed to a new bag check process in which customers no longer need to be present for the open-bag inspection. Instead, the Dubai Airport Police in the presence of an Emirates representative will open and inspect the bags.

In the case where these inspections are required, your bag(s) will be opened and the contents searched for prohibited items only. Any items found that are prohibited in checked baggage due to safety and security concerns will be confiscated. Please visit our Dangerous Goods page for a full list of prohibited items. 

Upon completion of the inspection process, the contents will be returned to your bag and you will receive a letter from Dubai International airport explaining the reason the bag was opened. In some situations, customers may be requested in person for the bag inspection. For more information, please visit the Dubai International airport website. 

Smart baggage restrictions

In line with IATA regulations, there will be restrictions on smart bags as checked-in or carry-on baggage on all Emirates flights as follows:

For cabin baggage:

• 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.
• If the battery is not removable, the smart bag can’t be carried on an Emirates flight.

For checked baggage:

• Smart bags are allowed in checked baggage if the battery is removed and carried in the cabin.
• If the smart bag exceeds the cabin 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.