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Emirates offers replacement ‘devices’ on US flights

Carry your laptop till you board

DUBAI 9 April 2017: From 5 April, First Class and Business Class customers of Emirates airline are able to borrow devices on board US-bound flights from Dubai International airport.

The service is complimentary and will be available on all non-stop flights from Dubai International airport to our US destinations. Complimentary USB sticks will also be available for First Class and Business Class customers in our lounges, the airline said.

It also said that passengers can use the ‘banned’ items right up till they board the plane as the airline had created a special service to take the item and tag them for return on landing in the US.

 As of 25 March 2017, customers travelling on flights from Dubai International airport to the US are not allowed to carry electronic devices larger than a smartphone or exceeding 16 x 9.3 x 1.5cmcentimeters (hheight x wwidth x ddepth) in the cabin of the aircraft.
This electronics ban does not apply to flights from Dubai International airport to the UK, flights into Australia, flights from Milan (EK205) and Athens (EK209) to the US, or to any other routes on the Emirates network.The electronics ban includes but is not limited to:
  • Laptops
  • Tablets
  • E-readers
  • Cameras
  • Portable DVD players
  • Electronic game units larger than a smartphone
  • Travel printers/scanners

Please note some devices – including medical devices – are excluded from this ban.

The airline advises that if you are travelling to the US on a non-stop flight from Dubai, please pack all electronic devices larger than a smartphone in your checked baggage to avoid any disruption to your journey.
“If you prefer, you can also carry your devices through security to use up until boarding. You can then hand your devices over at the gate where we’ll package and label them, give you a unique claim tag, and load the devices onto the same flight. On arrival in the US, your devices will be available for pickup from a dedicated area located in the baggage hall.

“If you’re transiting through Dubai to the US from another country, you can bring your devices on board for the first leg of your journey.Please note loose lithium ion batteries cannot be packed into checked-in luggage, but lithium ion batteries contained within a device can be transported as checked luggage. In addition, extended power supply units (such as power banks), can be carried with you in the cabin.”What will happen if my electronic item is damaged or lost?

“We’re committed to transporting all electronic devices with the utmost care and have robust measures in place to ensure that all items are delivered securely,” says Emirates.

“However, if your baggage arrives damaged or is lost, we’ll help you at the airport’s baggage services office where you’ll be asked to fill in a report. If your baggage is damaged but you leave the airport without making a claim, please report it to us at your nearest Emirates office. If you’re in Dubai, you can call +971 4 214 4433.

– By Sheena Amos