As the new school year approaches, Emirates is experiencing one of its busiest periods for its Unaccompanied Minors Service. This service, which provides safe and supervised travel for children flying alone, will accommodate over 900 young passengers returning to Dubai in the coming week. Over the past five years, more than 120,000 children have used this service, with the majority being 11 years old or younger. Families from various nationalities, particularly British, Indian, American, Filipino, and French, frequently utilize this service to ensure their children’s safe travel.
Emirates continues to provide a reliable Unaccompanied Minors Service, especially during busy travel periods like the start of the school year. With a comprehensive system in place, the airline ensures that children traveling alone are well cared for, from departure to arrival.
Unaccompanied Minors Service
Emirates’ Unaccompanied Minors Service is designed to provide young travelers with a secure and enjoyable journey. When parents or guardians bring their child to Dubai International Airport (DXB), they can go directly to the Unaccompanied Minors Lounge near the check-in area. After providing proof of identification and signing a permission form, the child is checked in and can relax in the lounge. This dedicated space offers video games, free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and complimentary snacks and drinks, all under the supervision of Emirates staff.
A trained Emirates specialist then accompanies the child through the entire airport process. The specialist stays with the child from the check-in desk, through security and immigration, and ensures the child has priority boarding. The specialist also introduces the child to the cabin crew at the aircraft door, who then take over to ensure a comfortable flight.
In-Flight Experience and Onward Journey
During the flight, Emirates cabin crew provide ongoing care to ensure the child enjoys their trip. Parents can make special requests in advance, such as meal preferences or seating arrangements. Children can enjoy a range of entertainment options, including more than 100 video games, movies, and TV shows from popular franchises like Disney, Marvel Studios, and Harry Potter.
If a child is celebrating a birthday during the flight, parents can order a cake 48 hours in advance, and the crew will make it a special occasion. The experience is further enhanced with a Polaroid keepsake photo of the journey.
Upon arrival at their destination, a member of the Emirates team meets the child at the aircraft door and accompanies them through the airport until they are safely handed over to the designated parent or guardian, who must provide proof of identification.
Support for Older Children and Connecting Flights
For children aged 12 to 15, Emirates offers an optional service for an additional fee of $50 per leg of the journey. This service provides the same level of supervision and care as the Unaccompanied Minors Service for younger children.
For those transferring between Emirates flights at Dubai International Airport, the airline ensures that children are safely escorted and cared for during their connection. Children are brought to the Unaccompanied Minors Lounge to rest if the connection time exceeds eight hours, with additional care provided if necessary. Overnight stays at connecting airports are not allowed unless an adult guardian is arranged to meet the child, and this requires Emirates’ approval.
To use Emirates’ Unaccompanied Minors Service, children aged 5 to 11 must travel on an adult fare. They can also travel in a different cabin class from their parent or guardian on the same flight, but they will still be charged an adult fare and will not have access to the Unaccompanied Minors Lounge or the associated services.
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