Emirates Prepares For Back-to-School Season With Improved Minors Service

Emirates is experiencing a busy period for its Unaccompanied Minors Service as many children return to Dubai for the new school year. This week, over 900 children will fly alone using this service. Here's how Emirates is looking out for their safety and comfort.

At the airport, an Emirates specialist meets the child at the check-in desk. The specialist stays with them through security and immigration, ensuring priority boarding. Once on board, cabin crew take over to ensure a comfortable journey. Parents can request special dietary needs and seating preferences in advance.

Unaccompanied Minors Lounge at Dubai International Airport

Parents can take their young flyers directly to the Unaccompanied Minors Lounge near the check-in area at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Identification must be provided by the person dropping off the child, who also needs to sign a permission form. Children can relax with video games, free Wi-Fi, and snacks while waiting for their flight.

Children aged 12-15 years old can fly alone without using Emirates' Unaccompanied Minors Service if parents choose. However, for an extra USD 50 per leg of the journey, parents can request additional support and supervision for these older children.

Entertainment Options Onboard

Onboard, children can enjoy free Wi-Fi by signing up to Emirates Skysurfers. They also receive complimentary toys and have access to over 100 video games and a wide range of children's content on the inflight entertainment system. This includes new release movies, Disney Classics, Marvel Studios collections, and more.

Upon arrival at their destination, a specialist from Emirates will meet the child at the aircraft door. The child will be accompanied through the airport until they are handed over to their parent or guardian at Arrivals. Identification must be provided by the person collecting the child.

Connecting Flights and Safety Measures

For connecting flights at Dubai International (DXB), children are taken to an Unaccompanied Minors Lounge if the connection time is under 8 hours. If it exceeds 8 hours, approval from Emirates is required. Children are not allowed to stay overnight at connecting airports unless an adult guardian is arranged to meet them.

Over the past five years, more than 120,000 children have used Emirates' Unaccompanied Minors and Young Passenger services. Most of these children are aged 11 or younger. British families use this service most frequently, followed by Indian, American, Filipino, and French families.

Booking Details for Unaccompanied Minors Service

To use this service, children aged 5-11 must travel on an adult fare. They can also travel in a different cabin class from their parent or guardian but will still be charged an adult fare. The service can be booked up to 12 hours before departure via Emirates LiveChat or by calling their local office.

If it's a child's birthday during the flight, parents can order a cake 48 hours in advance. Emirates cabin crew will celebrate with them onboard and capture special moments with a Polaroid camera for keepsakes.

Emirates ensures that when children fly without family members, they receive comprehensive support throughout their journey. This includes assistance from check-in until they meet their guardians upon arrival.