Emirates Pregnancy, Infant and Children Travel Policy

Emirates is the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates based out of Dubai. It is the largest airline in the Middle East and flies to 111 cities in 62 countries. Here’s a recap of Emirates’ pregnancy, infant and children travel policies.

*This is for informational purposes only. For specific questions on traveling with children on Emirates, please click here or contact the airline directly.

Contents

Expectant Mothers Flying on Emirates

If you plan to travel in your 29th week of pregnancy or later, a medical certificate or letter signed by an appropriately qualified doctor or midwife is required. The letter should include:

confirmation of a single or multiple pregnancy
confirmation that the pregnancy is progressing without complications
the estimated date of delivery
the date through which the mother is expected to be fit to travel
confirmation that the mother is in good health
confirmation that there is no known reason the mother should not fly

Please note that if you choose not to carry a medical certificate, you may not be accepted for travel if there is any doubt about your ability to complete the journey safely.

For multiple pregnancies, no air travel is permitted after the 32nd week of gestation.

For single pregnancies, travel after the 36th week of gestation will be permitted only after prior clearance is granted by the Emirates medical department. A medical form for pregnant passengers will need to be submitted for clearance purposes. You can find the form in the Traveling while pregnant section here.

Newborns Flying on Emirates

Air travel is not permitted in the first 7 days after birth, except for travel for emergency medical treatment with an approved Medical Information for Fitness to Travel or Special Assistance (MEDIF) form.

Infants (under 2 years old) Flying on Emirates

Infants under 2 years old are not required to have their own seat however, inform Emirates that you will be traveling with an infant on your lap. A special seat belt extension will be provided by Emirates. If you’re bringing your own child safety belt or child restraint device, it must have a label approved for use in an aircraft by:

any Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA)
the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Transport Canada

Any person 2 years or older must occupy a seat when travelling on Emirates.

When booking online, a request for a bassinet can be made in the Passenger Details section.

Also, children between 6-36 months may travel on board in car seats as long as a separate seat is purchased for the child. Contact Emirates Reservations to purchase a seat for your infant.

You can also choose to purchase a seat for your infant as long as you have the proper child restraint device. Contact Emirates Reservations to purchase a seat for your infant.

Only one lap child is allowed per adult. If one adult is traveling with more than one infant under 2 years of age, a seat will have to be purchased for each additional infant.

Tickets for infants travelling on the parent’s lap or in a bassinet are discounted from the full adult fare.

Emirates Baggage Allowance for Infants

Infants (who do not have a seat) are allowed 10kgs, and one bag.

In addition, passengers are permitted to bring one carry-cot or one fully collapsible stroller into the cabin if there is room. If there is no space for these items in the cabin, they will have to be checked. However, if checked, they will not count against your baggage allowance.

Child (2 to 12 years old) Flying on Emirates

Tickets for children travelling in a separate seat are discounted from the full adult fare.

Emirates Unaccompanied Minor service is not available in conjunction with a discounted ‘child’ ticket—a full adult fare must be purchased.

Children are allowed 20 kgs per bag, with a maximum of two bags, the same free baggage allowance as adults.

You can read more about ticketing rules for children flying on Emirates here.

Strollers, Bassinets and Child Restraint Devices

Strollers

Complimentary baby stroller service is available at Dubai International Airport (on arrival and transit only) for all of Emirates passengers near Family Check-in desks in Terminal 3. Twin baby strollers are also available. You can drop off strollers at the boarding gate.

Customers travelling with infants are permitted to bring one carry-cot or one fully collapsible stroller into the cabin if there is room. If there is no space for these items in the cabin, they will have to be checked. However, if checked, they will not count against your baggage allowance.

Bassinets

Emirates have limited number of bassinets and are subject to availability. Bassinets are approximately 75 x 33 x 22 centimeters (29.5 x 13 x 8.8 inches) in size and can hold babies weighing up to 11 kilograms (24.2 pounds). Bassinets are designed for babies up to two years old, however Emirates won’t be able to provide one if your baby doesn’t fit safely. Bassinets cannot be requested if you have booked a normal seat on child’s fare rates.

Car Seats

Infant car seats can be used on all Emirates flights, however, you’ll need to book a separate seat and pay a child’s fare.

Check in staff will verify that car seats have a label showing it’s approved for use on an aircraft as well as instructions for use. Be sure that your car seat meets on of the following standards listed on this page.

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

Infants weighing under 10 kilograms can travel in either a forward facing or rear facing car seat, however if your infant weighs more than 10 kilograms, their car seat must be forward facing. Emirates can’t accept car seats that need to be secured by a three-point seat belt or shoulder harness.

Cabin crew will help you to fit your car seat according to the instructions on the label.

Child Restraint Devices

The following restraint harnesses/devices are accepted on board Emirates flights:

Child Aviation Restraint Systems (CARES)
Special CARES
Crelling/Houdini Model 27
Meru TravelChair
Leckey Firefly GoTo Seat

Emirates does not provide these devices. Contact the nearest Emirates Contact Center at least 48 hours before travel as these devices can only be used on approved seat locations and in certain cabins.

Please read more about the limitations of all restraint harnesses/devices including CARES/Special CARES here.

Children’s Ride-On Suitcases and/or Leg Rests

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 Emirates’ flights. This includes devices by Bedbox, Fly Legs-up and FLY-Tot and similar manufacturers.

Special Services for Families Flying with Emirates

Infants, toddlers and preschoolers can cuddle with Lewis the Lion, Peek U Panda, Ernie the Penguin and Savannah the Elephant dolls while wrapped in the accompanying fluffy blanket. Or you can take them along with you as vibrating toys that clip onto a stroller.

Older children can learn more about the world with travel-themed activity packs created by Emirates and Lonely Planet Kids. Each pack includes an interactive book filled with activities, puzzles and crafts. Amazing World series book of travel trivia and fun facts cards are also included. Children will also receive a travel journal to record memorable moments of their trip.

Children will receive kid-friendly headphones to enjoy Disney films, music or over 90 kids’ tv channels including Nickelodeon and Cartoon network.

You’ll find changing tables in the bathrooms so you can comfortably change your baby on board.

A baby and toddler kit is provided to parents and it includes wet wipes, cream, bib, teething ring and tissue pack.

Baby and Kids Meals on Emirates Flights

Children aged between two and 12 can enjoy special kids’ meals. Or if your child has a specific diet, choose from special meals when you book, or after via Manage your booking.

Families with babies can choose from a range of all organic Ella’s Kitchen baby meals.

If you prefer to bring your own meals, cabin crew will help you with food and bottle warming. Milk formula and baby bottles on board if you need them.