Emirates Infant Policy: Baggage, Bassinets, Booking And More

Flying with an infant requires special attention and planning, especially when it comes to understanding airline-specific policies. The Emirates infant policy is designed to offer maximum comfort, safety, and convenience to families traveling with babies. Whether you are a first-time parent flying internationally or a frequent traveler with a young one, knowing what Emirates offers can make your journey smoother and more manageable.

What Defines an Infant in Emirates' Policy?

According to the Emirates infant policy, an infant is a child aged under 2 years at the time of travel. If the child turns 2 before the return journey, they must have a separate seat booked as a child, not as an infant.

Booking Options for Infants on Emirates

Emirates provides two main booking options for infants:

• Lap Infant (No Seat): Parents can hold their infant on their lap during the flight. Emirates provides a special lap belt extension to secure the baby safely. This option is usually charged at 10% of the adult fare.

• Infant with Seat: You may choose to purchase a separate seat for your infant if you bring an approved car seat (child restraint device). The fare will be higher and usually corresponds to the child fare (typically 75% of the adult fare).

To ensure comfort, parents should contact Emirates in advance if they wish to book a seat for their infant or need special services such as a bassinet.

Bassinet Seats—Comfort for You and Your Baby

Emirates offers baby bassinets on most of its long-haul flights in Economy, Business, and First Class. These bassinets are available for infants under 11 kg (24.2 lbs) and up to 74 cm (29 inches) tall.

To use a bassinet:

• Request at the time of booking or by calling Emirates customer service.

• They are subject to availability and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Bassinet positions are available in bulkhead seats, which offer more legroom for parents too.

Please note: Bassinets cannot be used during taxi, takeoff, turbulence, or landing for safety reasons. Crew members will guide you during these times.

Baggage Allowance for Infants on Emirates

Emirates provides a generous baggage allowance for infants, even if they don’t have their own seat. The allowance depends on your destination and cabin class.

• Checked Baggage for Infants:

  • 23 kg in Economy Class for most routes (excluding piece concept routes).

  • One piece of luggage up to 23 kg where the piece concept applies (e.g., flights to/from the Americas).

• Cabin Baggage: One carry-on bag up to 5 kg (11 lbs) is allowed for infants.

Additionally, parents may carry one fully collapsible stroller or pushchair, infant car seat, or bassinet, which can be checked in or carried to the gate depending on the airport rules.

Onboard Facilities and Amenities for Infants

The Emirates infant policy ensures families enjoy a stress-free flight with a wide range of onboard amenities tailored for babies:

• Changing tables are available in most aircraft lavatories.

• Baby food jars, milk formula, and bottles can be warmed up upon request.

• Special baby meals can be pre-ordered at least 24 hours before departure.

• Complimentary diaper packs may be available on select flights.

The airline also provides infant seat belts and blankets, ensuring your baby is both safe and comfortable during the flight.

Stroller and Car Seat Guidelines

Parents traveling with infants are allowed to bring a foldable stroller or car seat free of charge. Emirates’ rules are as follows:

• Strollers: Can be taken to the boarding gate and checked in at the aircraft door. Alternatively, they can be checked in at the counter.

• Car Seats: Must meet specific FAA or EASA safety standards if they are to be used onboard in a booked seat. Otherwise, they will be checked in free of charge.

Infant Meals and Feeding Options

Understanding your baby's feeding needs is vital during travel. Emirates offers:

• Pureed baby meals are available on request.

• Options to warm milk or formula.

• Bring your own food, milk, or formula, which can be carried in reasonable quantities in hand luggage. Security may ask you to taste it during screening.

Pre-ordering baby meals is essential. It can be done by managing your booking online or calling Emirates’ customer service.

Emirates Skywards Miles for Infants

Infants traveling on Emirates are eligible to earn Skywards Miles under the parent's Emirates Skywards account when booked with a seat. For lap infants, miles are not earned unless a separate seat is paid for.

It’s a great way for families to start accumulating rewards early, especially for frequent flyers.

Travel Documents and Regulations for Infants

Even for lap infants, passport and visa requirements apply based on the destination. Emirates requires:

• A valid passport for the infant.

• Visa or transit documents (depending on destination).

• Birth certificate or consent letter if only one parent is traveling, as per specific country rules.

Always check the specific entry requirements of your destination, and carry all documentation to avoid issues at immigration.

Traveling with More Than One Infant

Under the Emirates infant policy, a single adult is allowed to travel with one infant only. If you’re traveling with two infants, you must:

• Purchase a separate seat for the second infant.

• Bring an approved car seat for the infant using the seat.

This rule ensures that both infants are secured properly according to international aviation safety standards.

Pre-Boarding and Priority Services for Families

Families traveling with infants benefit from priority boarding on all Emirates flights. You will be invited to board before general boarding, allowing extra time to settle in and prepare for takeoff.

At Dubai International Airport (DXB), Emirates also provides:

• Dedicated family check-in counters

• Stroller loan services

• Play areas at select terminals

These services aim to reduce the stress of navigating the airport with young children.

Conclusion

The Emirates infant policy is among the most comprehensive in the airline industry, offering everything from bassinet seats and Emirates infant baggage allowance to priority boarding and onboard baby meals. By offering thoughtful, detailed services to meet the needs of families traveling with babies, Emirates ensures a safer and more comfortable journey for both infants and their parents.

Whether you're flying for the first time or are a seasoned traveler, Emirates’ commitment to providing a premium experience for its youngest passengers makes it a preferred choice for families worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the age limit for an infant on Emirates flights?
An infant is defined as a child under 2 years of age on the date of travel. Children over 2 must occupy a separate seat.

2. Does Emirates provide bassinets for infants?
Yes, Emirates offers bassinets on most long-haul flights for infants under 11 kg and up to 74 cm in height. Advance booking is strongly recommended.

3. Can I bring a stroller or car seat for my baby on Emirates?
Yes, you can bring one fully collapsible stroller or an approved car seat for free. Strollers can be taken to the gate or checked in.

4. How much baggage is allowed for infants on Emirates?
Infants are allowed 1 piece of hand baggage up to 5 kg and checked baggage based on route and class—usually up to 23 kg in Economy Class.

5. Are there special meals for babies on Emirates?
Yes, baby meals can be pre-ordered at least 24 hours before departure. The airline also offers heating for milk or formula and complimentary jars of baby food.