---
type: Airline Policy
title: Emirates — Child & Family Travel Policy
description: "Independent family travel guide summarizing Emirates' published infant, bassinet, stroller and boarding policies for parents flying with kids."
resource: https://www.velivolotravel.com/airlines-child-policy/emirates/
tags: [airline, policy, middle-east, iata-ek]
timestamp: 2026-06-03
---
# Flying Emirates with Kids: Bassinets, Family Boarding & Baggage

**Quick Answer**: Per Emirates' published policy, the system AUTO-ALLOCATES a bulkhead bassinet seat at booking when a lap infant is added — a gold-standard feature shared only with Singapore Airlines globally.

**TL;DR**: Per Emirates' published policy, the standout family feature is automatic bulkhead bassinet seat allocation at booking — on all A380 and 777-200LR/300ER aircraft. The 10% international lap-infant fare is standard for Gulf carriers. Parents should plan for strict 5 kg carry-on weight enforcement at the gate, and note that BedBox, Plane Pal, and Fly Tot are banned; only the CoziGo cover is permitted. Onboard, ready-to-feed formula and free diaper supply are practical long-haul differentiators.

## At a Glance
- **Lap Infant**: 10% intl fare + taxes — Under 24 months; no UAE domestic
- **Family Boarding**: Yes — children under 5 — Priority wave before general cabin
- **Stroller Check**: Free — Jet-bridge return at DXB universal
- **Car Seat Check**: Free — One per ticketed passenger
- **UM Service**: AED 110–450 each way — Ages 5–11 mandatory; EK metal connections OK

## Quick Facts
- Per Emirates' published policy, the system auto-allocates a bulkhead bassinet seat at booking for any PNR that includes a lap infant — matched globally only by Singapore Airlines.
- Per Emirates' published policy, lap infants under 24 months pay 10% of the adult international fare plus applicable taxes; Emirates operates no UAE domestic flights.
- Per Emirates' published fee schedule, ready-to-feed whey formula is uniquely carried onboard Emirates long-haul flights.
- Per Emirates' published policy, JetKids BedBox, Plane Pal, and Fly Tot are banned; only the CoziGo bassinet cover is permitted.
- Per Emirates' published policy, unaccompanied minor service is mandatory for children ages 5–11 at AED 110 short-haul and AED 350–450 long-haul; connections on Emirates-operated metal are permitted.

## Velivolo Family Score: 7.8/10 — Great
- **Lap Infant Cost** (7/10): 10% of adult fare on all international routes plus applicable taxes.
- **Family Boarding** (8/10): Families with children under 5 pre-board before general cabin.
- **Stroller & Car Seat** (8/10): Free gate check at DXB; strict 5 kg carry-on enforced at gate.
- **Bassinet & Onboard** (9/10): Auto-allocated bulkhead bassinet seat at booking on all A380 and 777-200LR/300ER.
- **Unaccompanied Minor** (7/10): AED 110 short-haul / AED 350–450 long-haul; mandatory ages 5–11.
- **Baggage for Kids** (8/10): Ticketed children receive adult cabin allowance; lap infant gets 1 free 10 kg checked bag.

## Lap Infant
- **Cost (Domestic)**: N/A (Emirates operates no domestic UAE flights)
- **Cost (International)**: 10% of adult fare + taxes
- **Age Limit**: Under 24 months at time of travel
- **Documents**: Birth certificate or passport showing date of birth, Passport (required for all international travel), Visa as applicable per destination

Per Emirates' published policy, infants under 24 months at the time of travel may fly as lap infants paying 10% of the adult international fare plus applicable taxes. Emirates operates no UAE domestic routes — all flights are international.

**Source**: https://www.emirates.com/english/before-you-fly/families/

## Family Boarding
- **Available**: Yes
- **Boarding Zone**: Priority boarding with children under 5, before general cabin
- **Age Eligibility**: Children under 5 years old

Per Emirates' published policy, families traveling with children under 5 years old board in a priority wave alongside Skywards Platinum and Gold elite members, before the general cabin is called.

## Stroller & Car Seat
Per Emirates' published policy, one stroller and one car seat per ticketed passenger are checked free of charge. At Dubai International, jet-bridge return is universal across the A380 and 777-300ER fleet. Note: the 5 kg carry-on limit (55×38×20 cm) is strictly enforced at the boarding gate.

- **Standard Stroller** — Fee: Free, Check at: Gate or ticket counter, Size: Must be foldable for aircraft hold; no published weight limit for check. Jet-bridge stroller return is standard at Dubai (DXB); return may be at baggage claim at some outstations.
- **Car Seat** — Fee: Free, Check at: Gate or ticket counter, Size: FAA or UN-ECE R44/R129 approved for in-cabin use in a purchased seat. One per ticketed passenger checked free; bring FAA sticker if planning in-cabin use.
- **Booster Seat** — Fee: Free, Check at: Gate or ticket counter, Size: Treated as child safety device; note traditional booster seats are not FAA-approved for in-cabin use. Traditional backless or high-back boosters without harnesses may be checked free but cannot be used in-cabin during flight.
- **Pack-n-Play / Travel Crib** — Fee: Counts as part of checked baggage allowance, Check at: Ticket counter, Size: Standard checked-baggage dimensions; excess-size fees may apply if oversized. Not a free separate item; include in baggage planning to avoid at-airport fee surprises.

## Baggage by Age
- **Lap Infant (Under 24 months)** — Carry-on: Shares parent's carry-on allowance (5 kg, 55×38×20 cm strictly enforced); Checked: 1 free 10 kg piece + 1 free stroller or car seat; Personal: Diaper bag counts within carry-on weight limit. No separate carry-on ticket — infant shares parent's cabin allowance within the strict 5 kg weight enforcement.
- **Infant with Seat (Under 24 months)** — Carry-on: Full adult carry-on allowance per cabin class; Checked: Full adult checked allowance per cabin class + 1 free stroller or car seat; Personal: Full personal item per cabin class. Purchasing a seat grants full adult baggage rights and approximately 25% child fare discount.
- **Child 2+ (Child Fare)** — Carry-on: Full adult carry-on allowance per cabin class; Checked: Economy 30 kg / Business 35 kg / First 40 kg; Personal: Full personal item per cabin class. Per Emirates' published policy, child fares apply up to approximately 12 years of age; adult fare applies thereafter.

## Bassinet & Onboard
- **Bassinet Available**: Yes
- **Weight Limit**: 11 kg / 29.5 in (Economy and Business); 25 in × 11 in (First Class, where available)
- **Age Limit**: Under approximately 12 months or within the weight limit, whichever comes first
- **Fee**: Free — included with lap-infant booking

Per Emirates' published policy, bassinets are available on all A380 and 777-200LR/300ER aircraft. The system auto-allocates a bassinet bulkhead seat at booking when a lap infant is added — a feature matched only by Singapore Airlines globally. Bassinets are NOT available in First Class A380 due to the 1-2-1 suite layout.

## Child Fare
- **Discount**: Approximately 25% off adult Standard fare (ages 2–11 years (approximately))

Per Emirates' published fare structure, the child fare is auto-applied when 'child' is selected as the passenger type for ages 2 through approximately 11 years. The discount is approximately 25% off the adult base fare on Standard cabin classes across Economy, Business, and First. Parents booking on promotional fares or sale fares should verify the discount applies — some restricted promotional fares may not carry the child reduction. The discount does not stack with lap-infant pricing; each child who has purchased a seat is ticketed separately. Always verify the final booking total on emirates.com before purchasing.

## Unaccompanied Minor
- **Available**: Yes
- **Fee**: AED 110 short-haul / AED 350–450 long-haul (~USD 30 / USD 95–122)

Per Emirates' published policy, the unaccompanied minor service is mandatory for children ages 5 to 11 traveling alone. The fee is AED 110 for short-haul routes and AED 350–450 for long-haul routes. Connections on Emirates-operated metal are permitted, with DXB hub support via a dedicated family lounge.

## Industry Comparison
### How Emirates stacks up against Middle East and global family-travel standards

Emirates leads the Middle East cluster (rl7b 7.8, segment leader) on the single most searched dimension in long-haul family travel: bassinet access. Per Emirates' published policy, the system auto-allocates a bulkhead bassinet seat at the moment a lap infant is added to any booking — a gold-standard feature shared globally only with Singapore Airlines. Every other carrier in the research set — Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, and all US legacy carriers — requires parents to request a bassinet separately, with no guarantee.

Per Qatar Airways' published policy, bassinet seats are visible in Manage Booking for lap-infant PNRs but are not automatically blocked from non-family passengers. Per Turkish Airlines' published policy, bassinets are available on 777-300ER/787-9/A350-900/A330 wide-bodies but require a USD 80–160 per-person bulkhead-row fee — meaning a family of four accessing the bassinet row may pay USD 320–640 extra. Emirates has no such surcharge.

Per Emirates' published policy, one stroller per ticketed passenger is checked free of charge, either at the ticket counter or at the boarding gate. At Dubai International (DXB), jet-bridge return is the standard procedure across the A380 and 777-300ER fleet — meaning the stroller is waiting for you at the aircraft door on arrival, rather than at baggage claim. At outstations outside DXB, jet-bridge return is standard on most Emirates routes but may vary at smaller airports; confirm with ground staff on arrival. The stroller must be foldable for loading into the aircraft hold. Emirates' strict 5 kg carry-on weight limit does not apply to gate-checked strollers or car seats — these are exempt from the cabin weight calculation. Verify the current stroller policy for your specific itinerary at emirates.com before travel.

## Family Pros & Cons
**Pros:**
- Per Emirates' published policy, the system auto-allocates a bulkhead bassinet seat at booking for any PNR with a lap infant — the only carrier outside Singapore Airlines globally that eliminates the gate-only first-come scramble for bassinet access.
- Per Emirates' published onboard amenities, ready-to-feed whey formula is stocked onboard long-haul flights — a feature unique in the 28-airline research set that removes the need to carry formula through airport security.
- Per Emirates' published onboard provisions, Fly With Me Animals plush toys and Lonely Planet Kids activity kits are distributed to children on long-haul flights, providing structured in-flight entertainment for multiple age groups.
- Per Emirates' published policy, sizes 3 and 4 diapers plus an infant kit (diaper cream, bibs, wipes) are stocked free on long-haul flights — reducing what families need to pack for the journey.
- Per Emirates' published policy, families with children under 5 board in a dedicated priority wave before the general cabin, with auto-allocated bulkhead seating ensuring minimal in-cabin transit with strollers.
- Per Emirates' published policy, ticketed children receive the full adult checked baggage allowance per cabin class (30/35/40 kg in Economy/Business/First), and lap infants receive one free 10 kg checked piece plus a free stroller or car seat.

**Cons:**
- Per Emirates' published policy, JetKids BedBox, Plane Pal, and Fly Tot are banned onboard — only the CoziGo bassinet cover is permitted — which restricts families who have already purchased third-party in-flight sleep aids used on other carriers.
- Per Emirates' published policy, bassinets are NOT available in First Class A380 cabins due to the 1-2-1 private suite configuration, meaning premium-cabin families with lap infants cannot use a bassinet on A380 first-class flights.
- Per Emirates' published fee schedule, the carry-on weight limit is strictly enforced at 5 kg (55×38×20 cm) at the boarding gate — bags are actively weighed — which frequently catches families off-guard when a stocked diaper bag is included in the allowance.
- Per Emirates' published policy, the 10% international lap-infant fare plus fuel surcharges and taxes results in a real cost of 20–30% of the total adult ticket price on major long-haul routes, which adds meaningful cost on premium cabin itineraries.
- Per Emirates' published policy, UM service for long-haul routes is priced at AED 350–450 (approximately USD 95–122) — a mid-range fee compared to peers like Turkish Airlines' domestic TRY-denominated rate and higher than some European-legacy carriers.

## Parent Tips
- **Beat the 5 kg carry-on enforcement**: Per Emirates' published fee schedule, every carry-on bag is weighed at the boarding gate — the 5 kg limit (55x38x20 cm) is enforced. Diaper bags count separately as one personal item. Pack the heaviest items (formula, jars, wipes) in the diaper bag to keep the carry-on under 5 kg and avoid overweight fees.
- **Add infant immediately to unlock bassinet**: Per Emirates' published policy, the auto-bassinet allocation only triggers when the infant is added to the booking via 'Manage your booking' or by guest services at least 24 hours before departure. Walk-up bassinet requests are not honored. Confirm the bassinet seat assignment in the booking record before airport arrival.
- **Bring CoziGo, leave BedBox at home**: Per Emirates' published policy, JetKids BedBox, Plane Pal and Fly Tot are banned onboard — only the CoziGo bassinet cover is permitted. Pack these accessories in checked baggage if you bought them. The CoziGo cover is allowed because it does not modify the seat geometry or interfere with seat-belt deployment.
- **Pre-order SPML baby meals 24 hours out**: Per Emirates' published policy, baby food jars and children's special meals (SPML) are available on long-haul flights but must be ordered at least 24 hours before departure via Manage Booking. Walk-up requests after check-in are not honored. Place the SPML order at the same time the seat assignment is confirmed.
- **Confirm jet-bridge stroller return at outstation**: Per Emirates' published policy, jet-bridge stroller return is the standard procedure at Dubai International (DXB) across all terminals and most outstation airports. On smaller US/EU outstations or A380-served gates with dual-bridge boarding, return may be at the carousel — confirm with the gate agent before deplaning to avoid a search.

## FAQ
### Are infants charged a fare on Emirates?

Per Emirates' published policy, lap-infant fare is 10% of the adult fare on all international routes plus applicable taxes. Emirates operates no UAE domestic flights — every flight is international. The 10% base rate is charged on the adult base fare; fuel surcharges, government taxes, and airport fees are added separately, making the real total cost closer to 20–30% of the full adult ticket price on high-demand routes such as DXB–LHR or DXB–JFK. Parents booking Business or First Class should note that 10% applies to those cabin fares as well, so the nominal cost can be significant on premium itineraries. Always verify the final infant fare amount on the booking summary at emirates.com before completing the purchase.

### Does my infant need their own seat on Emirates?

Per Emirates' published policy, infants under 24 months at the time of travel may fly as lap infants without a purchased seat, paying 10% of the adult international fare plus taxes. However, purchasing a separate seat for an infant qualifies the infant for the child fare discount (approximately 25% off the adult Standard fare), the full adult baggage allowance per cabin class, and the option to use an FAA-approved or UN-ECE R44/R129-certified car seat installed in the aircraft seat. On long-haul flights exceeding 8 hours — typical for DXB–US or DXB–Australia routes — purchasing a seat to use an approved car seat is the safer option for the infant and allows the parent to rest more effectively. Verify car-seat approval requirements at emirates.com.

### Can I reserve an Emirates bassinet?

Per Emirates' published policy, no separate bassinet reservation is required. The system automatically allocates a bassinet-capable bulkhead seat at the moment a lap infant is added to the booking — either during initial booking or via 'Manage Your Booking' afterward. This auto-allocation behavior is matched globally only by Singapore Airlines; every other major carrier requires parents to separately request a bassinet with no guarantee. The assigned bulkhead seat is blocked from non-family passengers until online check-in opens 48 hours before departure. Bassinets are available on all A380 and 777-200LR/300ER aircraft with an 11 kg / 29.5 in cap in Economy and Business. Bassinets are NOT available in First Class A380 due to the 1-2-1 private suite configuration. Always verify at emirates.com.

### What is the child baggage allowance on Emirates?

Per Emirates' published policy, ticketed children receive the full adult checked baggage allowance per cabin class: 30 kg in Economy, 35 kg in Business, and 40 kg in First Class. Lap infants who have not purchased a seat receive one free 10 kg piece of checked baggage in addition to the accompanying adult's allocation, plus one free stroller or car seat checked separately. Carry-on allowance for lap infants is shared within the parent's allocation, subject to the strict 5 kg gate carry-on weight limit (55×38×20 cm) that Emirates enforces at boarding. Bags are actively weighed at the gate — parents should weigh carry-on luggage at home to avoid last-minute surprises. Verify the current allowance for your specific booking and fare class at emirates.com.

### What are Emirates' unaccompanied minor rules?

Per Emirates' published policy, unaccompanied minor (UM) service is mandatory for children ages 5 to 11 traveling alone. The fee is AED 110 for short-haul routes (approximately USD 30) and AED 350–450 for long-haul routes (approximately USD 95–122). Children under 5 are not permitted to travel alone under any circumstances. Children ages 12 and older may travel as standard adult passengers or optionally request escort service. Connections on Emirates-operated metal via Dubai (DXB) are permitted — the DXB hub has a dedicated family lounge for UM transfers. UM service must be booked through Emirates reservations by phone; online self-serve booking is not available. The receiving adult at the destination must present government-issued identification before the child is released. Verify current terms at emirates.com.

### Does Emirates auto-allocate bassinet seats at booking?

Per Emirates' published policy, yes — the system auto-allocates a bassinet-capable bulkhead seat at the moment a lap infant is added to any booking via 'Manage Your Booking' or during initial ticket purchase. This is a globally distinctive behavior: among the 28-airline universe researched for this guide, only Singapore Airlines matches it. Every other carrier — including Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, and all US-legacy carriers — requires parents to separately request a bassinet seat, often with no guarantee of availability. The auto-allocated bulkhead seat is blocked from non-family passengers until online check-in opens 48 hours before departure. Bassinets are available on A380 and 777-200LR/300ER aircraft; not in First Class A380. Always confirm at emirates.com.

### Does Emirates carry ready-to-feed infant formula onboard?

Per Emirates' published onboard policy, ready-to-feed whey-based infant formula is stocked onboard Emirates long-haul flights. This is a unique provision in the research set — no other airline among the 28 carriers studied carries ready-to-feed formula as a standard onboard item. The practical implication for parents: you do not need to carry formula through airport security on Emirates long-haul routes. Cabin crew can also warm bottles on request. However, families with infants who require specialist formula — such as hypoallergenic, extensively hydrolyzed, or soy-based formula — should bring their own supply, as only standard whey-based formula is stocked. Confirm onboard provisions with Emirates before travel at emirates.com.

### Can I bring a JetKids BedBox on Emirates?

Per Emirates' published policy, the JetKids BedBox, Plane Pal, and Fly Tot are banned onboard Emirates flights. These third-party in-flight infant sleep aids, which extend across the seat-back tray or foot area to create a flat sleeping surface, are not permitted in the Emirates cabin. The only third-party bassinet accessory permitted per Emirates' published policy is the CoziGo bassinet cover, which attaches to the aircraft-supplied bassinet. Parents who own a BedBox or Plane Pal for use on other carriers — such as Etihad Airways, which uniquely permits these products in the Middle East cluster — should not pack these items for Emirates flights. If caught at the gate, the item may be gate-checked. Confirm the current accessory policy at emirates.com before traveling.

### How strict is Emirates' 5 kg carry-on weight limit for families?

Per Emirates' published fee schedule, the carry-on weight limit is 5 kg within dimensions of 55×38×20 cm, and it is actively enforced at the boarding gate — bags are physically weighed by gate agents. Unlike many carriers where the weight limit is published but rarely enforced, Emirates' policy is consistently applied. For families, this creates a practical challenge: a fully stocked diaper bag combined with snacks, a tablet, a change of clothes, and travel documents can easily exceed 5 kg. The recommended approach is to weigh the carry-on bag at home before departure, and redistribute heavier items into coat pockets, the stroller basket (which is gate-checked separately and not subject to cabin weight limits), or check an additional bag at the counter. Gate-checked strollers and car seats are exempt from the 5 kg cabin calculation. Verify at emirates.com.

### Does Emirates offer family boarding priority?

Per Emirates' published policy, families traveling with children under 5 years old board in a dedicated priority wave alongside Skywards Platinum and Gold elite members, before the general cabin is called. This threshold — under-5 — is broader than the under-2 cap applied by most US-legacy carriers and is consistent across the A380 and 777 fleet. No additional fee applies; priority boarding is included with all cabin classes when a child under 5 is on the booking. The auto-allocated bulkhead bassinet seat further extends the boarding advantage by placing the family in the front of the Economy cabin, reducing the distance and time needed to settle in with infant gear. Confirm boarding procedures for your specific flight at emirates.com.

### Is the Emirates bassinet available in First Class on the A380?

Per Emirates' published policy, bassinets are NOT available in First Class on the A380. The First Class configuration on the A380 uses a 1-2-1 private suite layout with no structural mounting points for bassinet attachments. Bassinets are available in Economy and Business Class on the A380 and on 777-200LR/300ER aircraft in both Economy and Business. The weight limit in Economy and Business is 11 kg / 29.5 in; a separate dimension specification applies for the First Class bassinet on aircraft where it is available (not the A380). Families with lap infants who intend to travel in First Class on the A380 should plan accordingly — a purchased seat with a car seat is the recommended safety option in the First Class cabin. Always verify current configuration at emirates.com.

### What children's amenities does Emirates provide onboard?

Per Emirates' published onboard amenities, children on long-haul Emirates flights receive a Fly With Me Animals plush toy and a Lonely Planet Kids activity kit, distributed by cabin crew after boarding. Sizes 3 and 4 diapers are stocked free, along with an infant kit containing diaper cream, bibs, and wipes. Ready-to-feed whey formula is uniquely available onboard — the only carrier in the research set to carry this. Baby food jars and children's special meals (SPML) are available when pre-ordered at least 24 hours before departure via 'Manage Your Booking'. The ICE entertainment system includes a dedicated multilingual kids' channel with age-appropriate content for toddlers through early teens; child headphones are available on request. Confirm availability for your specific flight at emirates.com.

## Related Airlines
- [Qatar Airways](https://www.velivolotravel.com/okf/airlines/qatar-airways.md) (family score 7.8/10) — Gulf rival with 4-bassinet-per-cabin capacity and Hasbro Oryx Kids Club at Hamad's family lounge with indoor pool.
- [Etihad Airways](https://www.velivolotravel.com/okf/airlines/etihad-airways.md) (family score 7.7/10) — Abu Dhabi neighbor with Norland-trained Flying Nannies on every long-haul; uniquely permits JetKids BedBox.
- [Singapore Airlines](https://www.velivolotravel.com/okf/airlines/singapore-airlines.md) (family score 8.6/10) — Highest-scored airline globally — 14 kg bassinet cap and auto-allocated Forward Zone seats, matched only by Emirates.
- [Virgin Atlantic](https://www.velivolotravel.com/okf/airlines/virgin-atlantic.md) (family score 7.2/10) — Codeshare partner on DXB–LHR routes; 5-point-harness bassinet allows turbulence-stay — unique in European cluster.
- [Japan Airlines](https://www.velivolotravel.com/okf/airlines/japan-airlines.md) (family score 8.2/10) — Emirates codeshare partner; free UM service for ages 6–11 and free Britax/Evenflo car-seat rental on ticketed children.

## Related Concepts
- [Back to Airlines Catalog](https://www.velivolotravel.com/okf/airlines/index.md)
- [Flying with a Baby item × airline guides](https://www.velivolotravel.com/okf/flying-with-a-baby/index.md)

## Sources
- [Emirates — Families Page (2026): Lap-infant, bassinet, boarding, and family amenities policies](https://www.emirates.com/english/before-you-fly/families/)
- [Emirates — Baggage Policy (2026): Carry-on, checked baggage, and child-specific allowances](https://www.emirates.com/english/before-you-fly/baggage/)
- [Emirates — Unaccompanied Minors (2026): Age requirements, fees, restrictions, and booking process for UM service](https://www.emirates.com/english/before-you-fly/special-passengers/unaccompanied-minors/)
- [Emirates — Cabin Baggage Rules (2026): Carry-on weight and dimension limits enforced at boarding gate](https://www.emirates.com/english/before-you-fly/baggage/cabin-baggage-rules/)
- [FAA — Flying with Children (2026): FAA car seat certification and child restraint requirements for air travel](https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children)

**Last Updated**: 2026-06-03
**Author**: Lia Tuso — Founder & CPST