Skip to Content

Emirates Flying With Kids Information

Sharing is caring!

All the Emirates flying with kids information in one place. Including:

  • Flying when pregnant
  • Flying with a newborn baby, and baby or toddler under two.
  • Flying with older children
  • Kids’ baggage allowance
  • Car seat policy
  • Other child restraint device policies
  • Pushchair/stroller policy
  • Bassinet policy
  • Sleep devices and child ride-ons/leg rests permitted
  • Baby and child meals
  • In-flight entertainment for children.
  • Other family services provided
  • Click on the contents to go directly to the area you are interested in.
Flying with kids on Emirates information

AD/Affiliate link. This article may contain affiliate links. Please read more in our disclosure policy here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

EMIRATES FLYING WHEN PREGNANT

With Emirates, you can book your flight as usual up to your 29th week of pregnancy, as long as you haven’t had any complications or medical concerns.

If you’re travelling during or after your 29th week of pregnancy, you will need to bring a medical certificate or letter signed by your doctor or midwife. You may not be accepted on the flight if you travel without one. Keep it safe in a document holder with your other travel documents for ease at the airport. The letter needs to include:

  • Confirmation of a singleton or multiple pregnancy
  • That there are no complications during the pregnancy
  • The estimated date of delivery
  • The latest date your doctor expects you to be fit to travel
  • That you are in good health
  • That there is no known reason that would prevent you from flying

Emirates do not permit you to fly without permission after the 32nd week of a multiple pregnancy or the 36th week of a single pregnancy. If you need to travel, you must apply for medical clearance by submitting a medical information form (MEDIF). For more details see the Emirates policy here.

Other considerations for travel during pregnancy:

  • Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance cover in case of preterm labour abroad.
  • Some countries have entry restrictions for non‑national pregnant women. Check with the local consulate or embassy if you’re in any doubt. e.g Malaysia.
  • Leave the heavy lifting to someone else. Check out our helpful baggage services including baggage porters and baggage delivery.

EMIRATES NEWBORN POLICY

  • If you are flying with a newborn, your baby must be at least seven days old to fly unless it’s for emergency medical treatment. If that’s the case you will need to complete a medical information form (MEDIF). Infants less than seven days old will only be allowed on board in the case of travel for emergency medical reasons (in incubators) or if the mother is travelling on compassionate grounds.
Emirates Airline review, family friendly airline review emirates, emirates airline,
Kids often get to try on the iconic Emirates hat.

FLYING WITH BABY POLICY (INFANTS UNDER 2 YEARS OLD)

Tickets for infants travelling on the parent’s lap or in a bassinet are discounted from the full adult fare. When booking online, a request for a bassinet can be made in the Passenger Details section.

Infants less than seven days old will only be allowed on board in the case of travel for emergency medical reasons (in incubators) or if the mother is travelling on compassionate grounds.

If your infant is under two years old you can request for a bassinet or carry them on your lap secured by our special seat belt extension. Read more about airline approved restraint devices here.

For more flying with a newborn tips see here and flying with a baby tips see here.

child restraint devices airline lap belt
infant lap belt

Lap infants and infants with their own seat.

You can carry an infant under two years old on your lap. Emirates give you a special seat belt extension (lap belt also known as a belly belt.) If you’re flying with a child over two years old, you’ll need to buy a child’s fare and they will have their own seat.

If you’re bringing your own child safety belt or seat (known as a child restraint device or CRD), it must have a label to show that it’s approved for use in an aircraft by:

  • any Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA)
  • the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  • Transport Canada
  • The AMsafe CARES harness (also available in UK here) is the only approved harness and is suitable for babies over one year old. If your CARES is over the maximum weight and height recommended for FAA certification, OR if you are using CARES to connect to another airline, codeshare partner or US airline at an Emirates US gateway airport (including Athens International Airport and Milan Malpensa Airport), you will need to request an exemption for onward travel to or from the US from the FAA prior to your flight. Being a foreign carrier, FAA certification is not applicable for use on Emirates flights. FAA regulations regarding child harness restraints do not directly apply to Emirates or their passengers. However, these limitations are covered in our GCAA approved internal risk assessment.

Travelling with more than one infant

You can carry an infant under two years old on your lap and use a special seat belt extension. You can also book a separate seat for your child but they must be seated in a car seat approved for use on board during take‑off and landing.   If you are travelling alone with two children under two years old, only one child can be carried on your lap and you’ll have to book a seat for the second infant. You’ll also need to have a car seat approved for use on board for the infant travelling in their own seat. 

Two infants may fly with two accompanying adults if suitable seating and oxygen masks are available.

Two infants with one accompanying adult may travel if the second infant is over 12 months and is able to sit in a seat with a seat belt, OR is over six months and restrained. The second infant will travel at the applicable child fare rather than the infant fare.

Three infants can travel with two adults if each adult watches over an infant during take‑off and landing and if either the third infant is over 12 months and is able to sit in a seat with a seat belt, or is over six months and is restrained. A child fare will apply to the third infant. More information is on Emirates here.

FLYING WITH CHILDREN AGED TWO AND OVER

For children over two years old, you’ll need to buy a child’s fare and they’ll have their own seat. Tickets for children travelling in a separate seat are also discounted from the full adult fare. For children two years old and older, you can bring your own car seat or have them seated beside an adult responsible for them.

Infants who become children while travelling

Any person 2 years or older must occupy a seat when travelling on Emirates. Therefore, any infant who reaches the age of 2 after the commencement of the journey must pay the applicable child fare and is required to occupy a seat for that part of the journey.

Where a passenger travels as an infant on the outward journey and as a child on the onward/ return journey, applicable infant fare will apply for the outward journey and child fare for the onward/return flights. This cannot be booked online and should be booked through your local Emirates office.

Where a passenger is an infant but is 2 years or older on travel date at point of origin, the applicable child fare will apply for entire journey.

If the above has not been done at the booking or ticketing stage, then check‑in staff will arrange this at the airport on departure.

If seats are not available at the ticketing or check‑in stage, the adult and child passengers will be booked together on alternate flights, subject to availability. Should travel plans change while en‑route and an infant turns 2 years old after travel has commenced the unused coupon(s) will be reissued at the applicable child fare for the rest of the trip and a seat will also be booked for all remaining flights.

FLYING WITH OLDER CHILDREN ON EMIRATES 

Children 2‑11 year – Tickets for children travelling in a separate seat are also discounted from the full adult fare. Children aged 12 and over pay adult fares.

KID’S BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE ON EMIRATES

EMIRATES INFANTS BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Passengers travelling with children under two years of age have different baggage allowances based on your itinerary.

All routes, EXCLUDING travel to and from destinations in the Americas and flights originating in Africa:

  • One cabin bag not exceeding 22 x 15 x 8 inches (55 x 38 x 20 centimetres) of maximum 5 kg (11lbs)
  • Checked‑in baggage up to 10kg (22lb)

All routes to and from the Americas and flights originating in Africa:

  • One cabin bag not exceeding 22 x 15 x 8 inches (55 x 38 x 20 centimetres) of maximum 5 kg (11lbs)
  • The baggage allowance will be shown on the infant’s ticket.

MORE CABIN BAGGAGE INFORMATION

You can also ask the check‑in staff if space is available for you to carry any one of these items on board in the cabin free of charge. If there is no space, it will need to go in the hold:

CHILDREN AGED 2 and ABOVE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Children aged 2 and over, have the same baggage allowance as adults. Be aware that if you bring a stroller or car seat for a child aged two or over, Emirates now count this as part of the child’s checked baggage allowance. Therefore, do pack any of your child’s clothes and belongings into your suitcase so you can still take one of these items for free.

EMIRATES CAR SEAT POLICY

Using baby car seats on the plane

You can use an infant car seat on the flight, however, you’ll need to book a separate seat and pay a child’s fare. Read the rules carefully as your car seat may not be suitable if it is rear facing and your child is over a certain age or weight.

Safety regulations

If you bring a baby car seat on your flight, the check in staff will check that it carries a label showing that it’s approved for use on an aircraft, along with the instructions for use. We’ll accept car seats that meet one of the following safety standards:

  • Seats accepted by United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations (FMVSS) No. 213. They must be manufactured to those standards on or after 26 February 1985. Your seat must show these labels in red lettering:
  • This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.
  • This child restraint system conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards.
  • Seats approved to Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) No. 213, ‘Child Restraint Systems’, or CMVSS No. 213.1, ‘Infant seating and restraint systems’.
  • Seats that meet the ECE R44 European safety standards. These seats must bear the orange label marked ECE R44‑03 or later amendments.
  • Seats approved for use in aircraft according to the German regulation ‘Qualification Procedure for Child Restraint Systems for Use in Aircraft'(TÜV Doc.TÜV/958‑01/2001).
  • Seats that meet the AS/NZS 1754 Australian/New Zealand standards.

If your car seat doesn’t meet one of these safety standards, you can check it in to the hold with your other baggage.

A rear facing car seat is restricted to infants whose age is falling between 7 days and 6 months old: If rear facing, it must be installed in a bulk head seat. If a bulk head seat is not available, then it must be installed in a forward facing direction.

Infants weighing under 10 kg can travel in either a forward facing OR rear facing car seat, however if your infant weighs more than 10 kg, their car seat must be forward facing.

This may mean you cannot use your rear-facing car seat onboard Emirates if your child is over their age/weight limit, as a lot of car seats (if not all for this age) are now made to be used rear facing until baby has reached at least 15 months old. Although some car seats (but not many) do permit forward facing slightly earlier, it’s not recommended.

All group 0 car seats are to 13kg and Group 0+/1 car seats will last your baby from birth to around four years old. Your baby will initially travel in the seat rearward facing and you can change the seat to face forwards.  Some seats allow this from 9kg (approximately nine months) but we do not recommend you turn your baby forward-facing too soon. 

Fitting your baby car seat on board

Emirates cabin crew will help you to fit your car seat and adjust armrests -according to the instructions on the label. It must face the appropriate direction, and it must be secured using the lap seat belt. Car seats that need to be secured by a three‑point seat belt or shoulder harness cannot be used.

Using a baby car seat on board

If you are taking an infant car seat on board your flight, you must take full responsibility for fitting the device to the aircraft chair in accordance with the manufacturer instructions and aircraft policy: Emirates state:

  • A forward facing car seat, must be installed in a forward‑facing direction.
    • (SEE ABOVE UNDER IMPORTANT) A rear facing car seat is restricted to infants whose age is falling between 7 days and 6 months old:
    • If rear facing, it must be installed in a bulk head seat.
    • If a bulk head seat is not available, then it must be installed in a forward facing direction.

The seat belt must be easily accessible, though it must not be used to attach the infant into the car seat.

The aircraft seat back must be left in an upright position, in addition, the car seat table attachments (if any) shall be removed during take‑off and landing.

Cabin crew can assist by raising the armrests, so that you can secure the aircraft seat belt to the car seat. They will also brief you on any safety requirements, and have the right to prohibit the use of car seats which do not meet policy standards.

Unfortunately Emirates can’t accept car seats that need to be secured by a three‑point seat belt or shoulder harness.

Car Seat for 2 years old or older

According to the Emirates website, you can bring your own car seat for them to use.

Car seats airplane, child restraint devices CARES harness back
CARES harness (front) Photo courtesy of Tim Kelley

Other Child Restraint Device Policies

Effective 1 May 2019, in addition to Child Aviation Restraint Systems (CARES), the following restraint harnesses/devices are accepted on board Emirates flights:

  • Special CARES harness (available in UK here)
  • Crelling/Houdini Model 27
  • Meru TravelChair
  • Leckey Firefly GoTo Seat  

Emirates do not provide these devices. You must contact your nearest Emirates Contact Centre at least 48 hours before travel as these devices can only be used on approved seat locations and in certain cabins.

If you require any additional support or assistance for your travel, you will need to complete the Medical Information form (MEDIF) our team can then assist you.

CARES /SPECIAL CARES Limitations:

  • A responsible adult must be seated next to the passenger using the restraint harness/device.
  • The adult is responsible for fitting the restraint harness/device and for ensuring that the occupant is seated and secured correctly in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
  • The passenger’s seat lap belt must be fastened securely while the restraint harness/device is also in use.
  • Emirates will only accept restraint harnesses/devices at the airport if all conditions have been met and we confirm that it is one of the accepted harnesses/devices from the above list.
  • When other airlines or code share airlines are involved in an itinerary, the regulations of the carrying airline are applicable. Please check with the carrier about their policies regarding restraint harnesses/devices before your flight.
  • If your CARES is over the maximum weight and height recommended for FAA certification, or if you are using CARES to connect to another airline, codeshare partner or US airline at an Emirates US gateway airport (including Athens International Airport and Milan Malpensa Airport), you will need to request an exemption for onward travel to or from the US from the FAA prior to your flight.
  • Being a foreign carrier, FAA certification is not applicable for use on Emirates flights. FAA regulations regarding child harness restraints do not directly apply to Emirates or our passengers. However, these limitations are covered in our GCAA approved internal risk assessment.
  • CARES can be used on Emirates business and first class.
Flying twins, emirates strollers at Dubai airport
Flying with twins using the Emirates strollers at Dubai airport

EMIRATES PUSHCHAIR/STROLLER POLICY

Emirates have separate check‑in desks for families and baby strollers at Dubai International airport in Terminal 3

Passengers travelling with infants in any class are permitted one (1) fully collapsible stroller or carry‑cot as a carry‑on item, as long as cabin space is available and you are not bringing a child seat. If no space is available in the cabin, the stroller/carry‑cot must be transported as checked baggage in the hold.

Emirates Airline review, Family friendly airline review Emirates, family travel, emirate airline
Not sleeping in the bassinet!

EMIRATES BASSINET POLICY

Whilst Emirates bassinets are designed for babies up to two years old weighing up to 11 kg (24.2 lb), they will not allow you to use it unless your baby can fit safely inside. They normally check to see if they can lie down comfortably, with the head facing towards the aisle. The baby bassinets in First class are 63.5 cm long and 28 cm wide (25 in x 11 in), while they are 74.93 long x 33.03 cm wide x 16.51 cm deep (29.5 in x 13 in x 5 in) in Business Class and Economy Class. Please note that bassinets are limited in number and subject to availability. Remember that you can’t request a bassinet if you have booked a normal seat on child’s fare rates. For more details on the Emirates Bassinet see here,

Does Emirates supply a bassinet/carrycot?

Yes, if your infant is under two years old you can request a bassinet or carry them on your lap secured by our special seat belt extension.

Emirates economy seats at the bassinet or bulkhead position on an airplane
Emirates economy seats at the bassinet or bulkhead position on an airplane. Not all the armrests come up, only the one shown for the centre seats. None do for the row of 3 by the window.

When can I choose my seat on Emirates?

You can request a seat with a bassinet for babies up to two years old when you book online or add one later through Manage a Booking. Note that bassinets are limited in number and subject to availability and you can’t request a bassinet if you have booked a normal seat on a child’s fare rates.

What is the size/weight limit for Emirates bassinets/carrycots?

Emirates’ bassinets are designed for babies up to two years old weighing up to 11 kg (24.2 lb). In First Class, the baby bassinets are 63.5 cm long and 28 cm wide (25 in x 11 in), while they are 74.93 long x 33.03 cm wide x 16.51 cm deep (29.5 in x 13 in x 5 in) in Business Class and Economy Class. See other airline bassinet measurements and requirements here.

What does the Emirates bassinet/carrycot look like?

Emirates Bassinet Seat on the B777
Emirates Bassinet Seat

SLEEP DEVICES AND CHILD RIDE ON/LEG RESTS PERMITTED

Using children’s ride‑on suitcases and/or leg rests are NOT permitted on Emirates to use in the cabin but can be stowed in overhead lockers.

Please note that many children’s ride on suitcases or leg rest devices aren’t certified by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, and therefore aren’t permitted on board our flights. This includes – but isn’t limited to – devices by Bedbox, Fly Legs‑up and FLY‑Tot.

Leg rests and extensions

The use of leg rests, or any form of seat‑extension device, is not permitted to be used on board. These items are not certified by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and pose a safety risk as loose cabin items. They include but are not limited to the below:

  • Bedbox
  • Fly Legs‑up
  • FLY‑Tot
  • Plane Pal
  • Sky Rest

You can take these items with you on board only if they are stored in the overhead lockers as regular carry‑on baggage allowance, and are not used during the flight.

Ride‑on suitcases

Ride‑on suitcases are permitted to take on board only if they are stored in the overhead lockers as regular carry‑on baggage allowance, and not used during the flight. They must meet the size and weight requirements of your assigned carry‑on luggage, and must not be used as leg‑rests or seat extensions. Ride‑on suitcases include:

Sleepers

The only comfort device/sleeper permitted to be used on board an Emirates flight is the CoziGo (Fly Babee). The CoziGo may be attached to one of the baby bassinets for the duration of the flight in economy class only. It meets the safety and risk standards required of the GCAA.  THE CoziGo retails at AUS $99.95 and can be shipped worldwide and shipping is FREE to Australia USA, Canada from their site, or it can be bought from Amazon.co.uk if you are based in the UK (affiliate link)

You will need to reserve a baby bassinet prior to your flight. Please note, CoziGo is not provided by Emirates.

To clarify the following sleep and comfort items, and any similar device, are not permitted to use on board:

  • Cocoonababy
  • Flyebaby
  • SkyBaby
  • TravelSnug
  • MonkeyGo
  • BedBox
  • Kooshy Kids
Flying Emirates With Kids
Emirates kid friendly amentities

BABY AND CHILD MEALS ON EMIRATES

Does Emirates provide baby food?

Yes, they do. You need to request at least 24 hours in advance of your departure. Baby food is pureed jars or pouches and you can not choose the flavour. Ella’s kitchen is often carried. Milk formula and bottles on board are available on reques but in very limited amounts, so always bring your own.

Can I sterilise my bottles on Emirates?

Emirates cabin crew will help you with food and bottle warming. if you’d prefer to bring your own food, the cabin crew will help you with food and bottle warming.

child meal on emirates airline
Emirates child meal

Does Emirates provide child meals?

Children aged between two and 12 can enjoy Emirates special kids’ meals. You can choose a meal from their selection to suit your child’s specific diet requirements. Mention this during your booking or add it at least 24 hours before your flight through Manage a Booking.

Emirates inflight entertainment TV screen
Emirates provide lots of shows and games for all ages.

EMIRATES IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT FOR CHILDREN

Children can watch their favourites from CBeebies, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon, or discover new ones in 50 Disney classics along with the latest family films.

Toys

Younger kids are given Lewis the Lion, Peek U Panda, Ernie the Penguin or Savannah the Elephant which is wrapped around a cosy blanket or a clip on stroller toy. If your children are between three and six years old, they can look forward to hours of fun with their Fly With Me Animals backpack filled with activity sheets and stickers.

Older children can learn more about the world with travel‑themed activity packs they have created with Lonely Planet Kids. Each retro bag contains an interactive book packed with activities, puzzles and crafts. You’ll also find an Amazing World series book of travel trivia and postcards filled with fun facts. Your budding jetsetter can also record special moments in their very own travel journal.

For shorter journeys, young explorers can while their time away with puzzles, activities, world trivia and more in our Fly With Me Magazine.

OTHER FAMILY SERVICES PROVIDED

Breastfeeding on board – As per our family‑friendly policy, we want mothers to feel as comfortable as possible. You can breastfeed at your seat if you choose, and we’ll provide you with a blanket if you’d like some extra privacy.

Changing baby on board – You’ll find changing tables in the bathrooms so you can comfortably change your baby on board. We’ll also give you an infant kit filled with useful essentials, like nappy cream, bibs and wipes.

My Family account – Every time you fly with Emirates, flydubai and our airline partners or spend with our bank, hotel, car rental, retail and lifestyle partners, you can automatically pool the Miles you earn into a My Family account.  Choose to pool in all or just a percentage of your Miles and any Miles you don’t contribute will stay in your own account. 

Family Check-in desks – Enjoy a faster check-in at Dubai International airport with our separate desks just for families. Just look for the family check-in signs in Terminal 3.

Priority boarding – We make sure you board before other passengers to give you more time to settle in. Listen for the announcement when it’s time for you to board.

Emirates will always aim to seat families with children together. If children travelling with adults wish to select seats before online check‑in opens, they are entitled to a 50% discount on regular and preferred seats. Twin seats are not subject to a child discount and Extra Legroom seats can’t be selected due to safety regulations. Emirates will do our best to ensure children travelling alone are seated comfortably during their flight. You don’t need to pay for seat selection for Unaccompanied Minors, as suitable seats will be assigned by Emirates free of charge.

INDIVIDUAL AIRLINE INFORMATION FOR FLYING WITH KIDS

Find out all the information about flying with kids on your airline. From car seats to strollers allowed in the airplane cabin, to lap infants to bassinets, luggage allowance, facilities on board and much much more.

Emirates Flying with kids information

If you have enjoyed this post and found it useful, here are some ways you can say thanks and support Flying With A Baby 

1. Click here to buy me a virtual coffee (thank you so much!)

2. Join our  Family Travel Forum: TRAVEL WITH KIDS WORLDWIDE Facebook Group here which includes lots of ideas & tips for things to do, places to visit around the globe and more with input from members who live or visit these places regularly.

3. Click here to sign up for the latest family travel tips, guides and competitions. 

3. Share this post with your friends. 

4. Follow Flying With A Baby on the following platforms for exclusive content :

Thank you for your support as always. 

Sharing is caring!

twenty − one =

Monday 24th of July 2023

Thanks!

5 Secrets to
Flying with a Baby

FREE EMAIL BONUS

Tips to make travel with your child easy and stress-free