With a focus on care, comfort, and attention to detail, Emirates has established policies and services to guarantee a smooth travel experience for minors flying solo.

Who Qualifies as an Unaccompanied Minor?

Emirates  unaccompanied minor policy defines as any child aged between 5 and 11 years who is traveling without a parent, guardian, or someone aged 18 or older. Additionally, the airline offers optional assistance for young travelers between 12 and 15 years, although they are not categorized as unaccompanied minors by default.

Children under the age of 5 cannot travel unaccompanied with Emirates. They must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old.

Booking Process for Unaccompanied Minors

Booking for an unaccompanied minor must be done through Emirates' call center, ticket office, or a travel agent. Online booking for this service is not available. During the booking process, parents or guardians must provide detailed information, including:

• The child’s personal details.
• Information about the person dropping off the child at the departure airport.
• Details of the person designated to meet the child at the destination airport.

Once booked, Emirates ensures every step of the child's journey is pre-arranged and supervised.

Services Offered for Unaccompanied Minors

Emirates provides a host of services to ensure that unaccompanied minors feel at ease throughout their journey:

1. Dedicated Check-In Counters
   At the airport, unaccompanied minors have access to specialized check-in counters where staff will assist with their boarding and documentation process.

2. Trained Staff and Escorts
   Emirates assigns trained staff to accompany minors from the check-in counter through immigration and security checks. They will also escort them to their seat on the aircraft.

3. Comfortable In-Flight Experience
   During the flight, the cabin crew provides special attention to unaccompanied minors. They ensure the child is comfortable, entertained, and has everything they need, including meals tailored to their preferences.

4. Supervision During Layovers
   For flights with layovers in Dubai, Emirates offers a secure lounge specifically for unaccompanied minors. Trained staff will supervise the children, ensuring their safety and entertainment during the transit period.

5. Safe Handovers
   At the destination airport, Emirates ensures a smooth handover process. The child will only be released to the designated person whose details were provided during booking. This person must present valid identification to confirm their identity.

Cost of the Unaccompanied Minor Service

Emirates charges a fee for unaccompanied minors traveling alone. This fee varies depending on the route and class of travel. For minors aged 12 to 15 years, opting for the service is voluntary, and an additional fee may apply if the service is requested.

Key Considerations for Parents and Guardians

1. Required Documentation
   Parents or guardians must provide all necessary travel documents for the child, including passports, visas, and any additional paperwork required by the destination country.

2. Arrival and Pickup Timing
   The adult dropping off the child should arrive at the airport well in advance to complete check-in and documentation. Similarly, the person picking up the child should arrive early to avoid delays.

3. Contact Information
   Ensure accurate contact details are provided for both the departure and arrival guardians to facilitate communication in case of any issues.

Conclusion

Emirates Airlines prioritizes the safety and comfort of unaccompanied minors, providing a comprehensive service that eases the concerns of parents while making the journey enjoyable for the child. With meticulous planning, trained staff, and secure procedures, Emirates ensures that young travelers feel at home in the sky.

For parents considering unaccompanied travel for their children, Emirates' policies and services make it a reliable choice for peace of mind.