What Is Emirates Airlines Infant Policy?

Traveling with infants requires extra planning and preparation, but Emirates Airlines has designed its policies and services to make family travel as smooth as possible. Recognized globally for its luxury and customer care, Emirates also takes pride in ensuring that even its youngest travelers are comfortable, safe, and well-catered for.

The Emirates Airlines infant policy covers age requirements, seating, baggage, in-flight services, and several family-friendly features. Whether you are flying domestically within the Middle East or embarking on a long-haul international journey, knowing the rules for infant travel on Emirates helps avoid surprises and ensures a stress-free trip.

Who Qualifies As An Infant On Emirates?

According to Emirates, a child under two years of age on the date of travel qualifies as an infant. Parents can choose between traveling with the baby on their lap or booking a separate seat for the infant with an approved car seat.

If the child turns two years old before the return flight, they will need a separate seat for that part of the journey.
Only one lap infant per adult is permitted. For families with multiple young children, each additional infant must have their own seat and travel in a car seat that meets Emirates’ safety standards.
Special accommodations, such as bassinets and priority boarding, are available, but they must be reserved early due to limited availability.

Booking Rules for Infants

When making a reservation, passengers should inform Emirates that they are traveling with an infant. This ensures that the airline can provide the necessary seating arrangements and onboard amenities.

Infant fares: Emirates charges roughly 10% of the adult fare plus applicable taxes and fees for lap infants.
For international flights, fees vary depending on the route and class of service.
Infants traveling in their own seat will be charged the child fare, which is lower than the adult fare but higher than Emirates lap infant pricing.
During booking, parents can also request bassinets, family seating, and other special services.

Seating And Bassinet Options

Emirates provides a range of seating options designed to meet the needs of parents traveling with infants.

Bassinet seats are available in the bulkhead rows of most Emirates aircraft. They are suitable for babies up to 11 kg (24 lbs) and a maximum length of 74 cm (29 inches).
Bassinets must be pre-booked through customer service or during ticket purchase, as they are limited in number.
Families may also use FAA- or EU-approved car seats if they purchase a separate seat for the infant. Car seats must be installed according to Emirates’ guidelines and can be forward- or rear-facing depending on the child’s age and weight.
In some cases, families are seated in priority rows to ensure easy access to bassinets and additional legroom.

Baggage Allowance for Infants

Emirates is generous with its infant baggage policy compared to many airlines. The route and type of ticket determine the allotment.

Lap infants are usually entitled to:
- 1 checked bag up to 10 kg.
- 1 cabin bag up to 5 kg (11 lbs).
Infants in a separate seat: The standard child baggage allowance applies, which typically mirrors the adult allowances for that fare class.
In addition, parents may check in one stroller, car seat, or carrycot at no extra charge.
Lightweight strollers can often be used until the boarding gate, after which they will be stowed in the hold and returned upon arrival.

In-Flight Services for Infants

One of the biggest reasons families choose Emirates is its extensive range of infant-friendly services onboard.

Baby bassinets: Available upon request, providing a safe and comfortable place for babies to rest on long-haul flights.
Infant meals: Parents can pre-order baby food, including puréed options, at least 24 hours before departure. Breast milk and formula may also be carried onboard.
Changing facilities: Most Emirates aircraft are equipped with changing tables in multiple lavatories.
Amenity kits: On long flights, Emirates provides complimentary kits containing essentials such as diapers, wipes, bibs, and baby lotion.
Cabin crew assistance: Staff are trained to support families, from helping warm bottles to offering extra supplies when needed.

Safety Guidelines for Infant Travel

Safety is a top priority for Emirates, and the airline enforces strict rules when it comes to infant seating and restraint systems.

Infants traveling on a parent’s lap must use a special seat belt extension provided by the crew.
Car seats brought onboard must meet international aviation safety standards. Booster seats and harness devices are generally not permitted.
Bassinets cannot be used during turbulence, takeoff, or landing for safety reasons.
Parents should always carry proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport, to comply with international safety and immigration rules.

How to Book Infant Travel on Emirates?

Booking travel for infants is straightforward but should be done early to secure the best options.

During reservation, select the option for traveling with an infant.
Request any additional services, such as bassinets or special meals.
Confirm baggage allowance for your route.
Arrive at the airport early to allow enough time for check-in, stroller drop-off, and priority boarding.

Parents are also advised to keep essential items such as diapers, snacks, and toys in their carry-on for quick access during the flight.

Tips for Parents Flying with Emirates

Traveling with infants doesn’t have to be stressful when you plan ahead. Consider these helpful tips:

To relieve ear pressure, feed your infant both during takeoff and landing.
Pack familiar toys, blankets, or pacifiers to keep your child comfortable.
Use Emirates’ family boarding service to get settled before general boarding begins.
Choose flights that align with your infant’s nap schedule when possible.
Keep a baby carrier handy for easy airport navigation.

Additional Family Assistance

Emirates goes beyond standard infant travel requirements by offering additional support for parents and guardians:

Family check-in counters at major international airports.
Dedicated boarding lanes for families with young children.
Priority seating areas are designed to accommodate bassinets and car seats.
Cabin crew are trained to assist with special family requests during the flight.

Note: If you notice an error in your booking details, the Emirates name change process allows passengers to correct mistakes before travel. Ensuring your name matches your official ID is essential, especially when traveling with infants, to avoid boarding issues or last-minute delays.

Emirates Skywards Family Program

Unlike many airlines, Emirates allows families to combine loyalty miles under the Skywards Family Program. This unique feature benefits parents traveling with infants:

Miles from adult, child, and infant tickets can all be pooled together.
Accumulated miles can be redeemed for seat upgrades, extra baggage, or future tickets.
This program helps frequent travelers with children maximize rewards and enjoy added savings.

Entertainment for Young Travelers

While infants may not directly use in-flight entertainment, Emirates provides resources to help parents keep their little ones comfortable:

Kids’ channels with lullabies, cartoons, and nursery rhymes.
Complimentary toys, activity books, and coloring kits for toddlers.
Noise-reducing baby headsets on select aircraft.
Soothing cabin lighting to help infants adjust to long-haul flights.

Emirates Commitment to Family Travel

What sets Emirates infant policy apart is its long-standing commitment to making family travel enjoyable. Beyond bassinets and meals, the airline invests in features that make a real difference: