Emirates is preparing for one of the busiest periods for children traveling without their parents or guardians, as the school year comes to an end and the summer holiday begins in the UAE. The airline expects to welcome more than 3,500 children traveling independently over the next two weeks.
The unaccompanied minor service is one of the key services Emirates offers to support families, especially during busy holiday seasons. It allows children to travel on their own while receiving dedicated assistance from check-in until they arrive safely at their final destination.
Over the past five years, more than 250,000 children have used this service on Emirates flights. Most of these young travelers were aged 11 or younger. The most popular routes for children traveling alone are usually between Dubai and destinations such as the United Kingdom, Russia, Kenya, France, India, and Egypt.
Emirates’ Service for Children Traveling Alone
Emirates provides a dedicated service for children who are traveling without a parent, guardian, or adult companion. The aim is to make the journey easier and more reassuring for families by assigning trained staff to accompany the child through the airport, support them during the flight, and hand them over safely to the authorized person at the destination.
The service is not limited to airport procedures. It also includes onboard care, help with meals, regular check-ins by the cabin crew, and age-appropriate entertainment throughout the journey.
Rules for Children Traveling Alone on Emirates
Emirates has clear rules for using its unaccompanied minor service. These include:
- Children aged 5 to 12 can travel using the unaccompanied minor service.
- The child’s ticket must be booked at an adult fare when using the service.
- The service must be requested at least 24 hours before departure.
- Families can request the service through Emirates’ live chat, by calling 00971600555555, or through local Emirates offices.
- Young passengers aged 12 to 15 can travel independently without the service, based on their parents’ decision.
- Parents can request the service for travelers aged 12 to 15 for an additional fee of USD 50 per flight, subject to availability.
- Children aged 5 to 12 who travel in a different cabin class from their parents on the same flight are not considered unaccompanied minors, provided their ticket is booked at an adult fare.
- In this case, the child is considered accompanied by their family and will not use the unaccompanied minors’ lounge or receive the special services provided for children traveling alone.
How to Book the Unaccompanied Minor Service
To book Emirates’ unaccompanied minor service, parents or guardians should follow these steps:
- Book the child’s flight ticket according to the age requirements.
- Request the unaccompanied minor service at least 24 hours before the flight.
- Provide the details of the person who will hand over the child at the departure airport.
- Provide the details of the person authorized to collect the child at the destination.
- Make sure all phone numbers for the parent, guardian, and receiving person are correct.
- Prepare all required travel documents, including the passport, visa if needed, and any other documents required by the destination country.
- Arrive at the airport early to complete the process smoothly.
Procedures at Dubai International Airport
At Dubai International Airport, the child’s journey begins at a dedicated lounge for young solo travelers. The lounge is located close to the check-in area, making it easier for families to hand over the child and complete the required procedures.
The person handing over the child must present official identification and sign the service form. Once this is completed, Emirates staff take responsibility for assisting the child through the next stages of the airport journey.
The lounge is designed to be comfortable for children. It includes cozy seating, light snacks and drinks, video games, free Wi-Fi, and dedicated children’s restrooms.
Escorting the Child to the Aircraft
After check-in is completed, a trained Emirates staff member accompanies the child through the airport. This includes:
- Keeping the child’s passport and handling the travel process.
- Helping the child through passport control and security.
- Escorting the child to the boarding gate.
- Allowing the child to board the aircraft with priority.
- Handing the child over to the cabin crew before departure.
These steps help give parents greater peace of mind, especially when it is the child’s first time traveling without a parent or guardian.
Onboard Care During the Flight
Once onboard, Emirates cabin crew regularly check on the child throughout the flight. They provide help whenever needed, whether with meals, adjusting the seat, using the entertainment system, or handling simple requests during the journey.
Parents can choose the child’s meal in advance and request seating preferences where possible, such as a window seat, an aisle seat, or a seat close to siblings traveling on the same flight.
Emirates also offers its ice inflight entertainment system, which includes movies, shows, and games suitable for young travelers. Children can enjoy a wide range of content, including family favorites and popular kids’ channels, helping make the flight more comfortable and enjoyable.
Special Touches for Children
Emirates also offers small touches that can make the journey more memorable for children. If the child’s birthday falls on the day of travel, the family can request a cake at least 48 hours before the flight. The moment can also be captured with a souvenir photo, giving the child a special memory from the trip.
The airline may also provide complimentary toys and gifts for children onboard, depending on the flight and availability.
Meeting the Child at the Destination
When the aircraft lands, Emirates staff meet the child at the aircraft door. The child is then escorted through the airport and taken to the arrivals area, where they are handed over to the person registered in advance to receive them.
The person collecting the child must present official identification before the handover is completed. This ensures that the person matches the details provided by the parent or guardian at the time of booking.
Transit Rules for Unaccompanied Minors
If the child’s journey includes a stop in Dubai before continuing to another destination, Emirates applies specific transit rules:
- The maximum transit time is 8 hours.
- If the transit time is longer than 8 hours, prior approval from Emirates is required.
- The child is taken to a dedicated lounge to rest and wait before the next flight.
- Emirates staff accompany the child if they would like to have a meal at one of the airport restaurants.
- Overnight stays at the transit airport are not allowed unless prior arrangements are made with the parent or guardian.
- In the case of an overnight stay or a long wait, an authorized adult must receive and care for the child at the transit point, subject to Emirates’ prior approval.
Why This Service Matters for Families
The unaccompanied minor service gives families a practical option when children need to travel for important reasons, such as visiting relatives, returning from holidays, attending school, or traveling between parents living in different countries. The organized process helps reduce the stress that often comes with a child flying alone.
The main value of the service is that the child is not left to manage the airport and flight process alone. Instead, they receive clear support, continuous care, and a secure handover at the end of the journey.
Tips Before Your Child Travels Alone
Before the flight, parents should explain the travel steps to the child in a simple and calm way. It is helpful to tell the child that Emirates staff will be with them at the airport and that the cabin crew will look after them during the flight.
Parents should also give the child important contact numbers and prepare a small carry-on bag with basic items such as a light jacket, a tablet, headphones, an approved snack, and any necessary medication with clear instructions.
It is also important to make sure the child knows the name of the person who will meet them at the destination. The child should remain with Emirates staff at all times until the official handover is completed.
