Emirates Infant Policy (2025 Guide): Flying with Babies & Toddlers

Introduction

Flying with a baby or toddler can stir up a mix of excitement and anxiety, but Emirates has long prioritised family travel with thoughtful policies that soften the edges of long‑haul air journeys. From complimentary bassinets that keep under‑2s comfortable to priority boarding and dedicated check‑in counters at Dubai International, the airline shapes an experience that recognises parents need practical support. Whether you are planning a short regional hop or a marathon trip across continents, knowing every angle of the Emirates infant policy will help you choose the right ticket, pack strategically, and keep your child settled from gate to baggage reclaim. This 2025 guide brings together the official rules, cabin‑specific quirks, and tried‑and‑tested advice so you can concentrate on the adventure rather than the logistics.

Before you book, always verify the latest fare conditions. Search engines like Aviasales let you compare prices and highlight infant fare details, while Emirates’ dedicated infant travel page contains the most current restrictions. Policies can shift around peak seasons, and new cabin products are rolled out regularly, so a quick check a few days before departure is wise.

Infant Age Rules and Definitions

Newborns and Medical Clearance

Emirates accepts infants as young as seven days old on most routes. For a baby younger than seven days, boarding is only permitted for medical necessity and with a doctor’s certificate issued within ten days of travel. The certificate must explicitly state that the newborn is fit to fly. Premature infants or those with ongoing health concerns often require additional documentation, and you should contact Emirates’ medical desk well in advance to avoid check‑in refusals. Even for older babies, if your child has recently had surgery or battled a significant infection, a “fit‑to‑fly” letter can smooth boarding and alert cabin crew to any special needs.

The Two‑Year Birthday Cutoff

For tickets, an “infant” is any child who has not celebrated their second birthday on the date of departure. If your baby turns two at any point during the itinerary—for example, on the return leg—the whole booking will be priced as a child fare. The system does not split a trip into infant and child segments, so a child ticket must be purchased from the start. This rule catches many families by surprise, so it pays to plan around the birthday if flexibility allows. Once a child reaches two, they are entitled to their own seat and the same checked baggage as the adult fare class, which can make the higher fare feel a little less painful.

Emirates Infant Fares and Ticketing

Infant pricing depends on whether the baby shares an adult’s seat or travels in their own seat with an approved car seat. The table below outlines the typical 2025 fare structure, though taxes and carrier‑imposed charges vary by route and season.

Ticket Type	Seat Arrangement	Typical Cost
Lap Infant (0–2 years)	Baby sits on an adult’s lap, secured with an infant extension belt.	10% of the adult fare (plus applicable taxes).
Infant in Own Seat	Baby in an FAA‑ or TÜV‑approved car seat, strapped into a purchased seat.	75–80% of the adult fare.
Child (2+ years)	Full‑fare child ticket with own seat.	75–100% of the adult fare, depending on route, demand, and cabin class.

Lap‑infant tickets include no seat, so the baby must remain on a parent’s lap with the provided belt during taxi, takeoff, landing, and turbulence. On ultra‑long sectors this can become uncomfortable for both baby and adult, which is why many parents purchase a separate seat even before the child’s second birthday. When booking through aggregators, check the fare conditions carefully for infant pricing and any cabin‑specific restrictions.

Airlines generally allow only one lap infant per adult passenger. If you are travelling with twins or two small children under two, you will need to buy a seat for at least one of them. Book early to secure adjacent seats, and be prepared for the higher fare. Contacting Emirates directly can sometimes yield sensible solutions, especially on lightly loaded flights.

Booking Strategy: Securing the Right Seat

Seats that accommodate bassinets disappear quickly on popular routes such as Dubai–London, New York–Dubai, and Sydney–Dubai. Booking six to nine months ahead gives you the best shot. If your travel dates are flexible, midweek and off‑peak flights usually have more availability. When the website does not show bassinet seats, calling the contact centre can occasionally release them, as not all inventory appears online. Some families also use award tickets or upgrades to position themselves in a cabin where family seating is more generous.

Reserving a Bassinet: What You Need to Know

Emirates’ complimentary bassinets mount to the bulkhead wall on long‑haul aircraft, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777. They are designed for babies who weigh no more than 11 kg (24 lbs) and measure less than 75 cm (29.5 inches) in length. These limits are strictly enforced for safety; if your child exceeds them, the crew cannot install the bassinet.

How to Request a Bassinet

Requests are accepted through “Manage Booking” on the Emirates website or by phone. While you can ask at any time, the earlier the better. If all bassinet positions are already allocated, you may still be assigned a bulkhead seat without the bassinet. The extra floor space there makes lap‑holding more manageable, and you can also ask at the gate if a bassinet seat has opened up due to no‑shows.

When the Bassinet Is Not an Option

If your baby is too heavy or tall, or if all bassinet seats are taken, you have two choices: hold the baby on your lap throughout the flight or buy an extra seat and bring an approved car seat. Some parents use inflatable footrests or soft travel pillows to create a makeshift bed on the floor, but these are not officially permitted and may be removed by the crew. A compact travel bassinet that fits between seats is also not sanctioned. Always have a backup plan—a comfortable baby carrier, a pacifying toy, and a strategy for upright sleeping.

Baby Baggage Allowance

Emirates’ infant baggage policy is generous by global standards. Here is what you can expect in 2025:

Lap infant checked baggage: One piece up to 10 kg (22 lbs), plus a cabin bag up to 5 kg (11 lbs) with nappies, wipes, and clothing.
Infant with own seat checked baggage: The same allowance as the adult fare class, which in Economy is typically 25–35 kg depending on the route and fare type.
Strollers: A fully collapsible stroller or pram can be checked free of charge at the gate or with your luggage. Gate‑checked strollers are returned at the aircraft door on arrival, though during peak hours you may wait a few minutes. Consider a lightweight travel stroller that folds quickly through security.
Car seats: If you have purchased a separate seat, an approved car seat can be used on board. Otherwise, it travels as checked baggage at no extra cost.
Liquid exemptions: Breast milk, formula, sterilised water, baby juice, and jarred food are permitted in quantities beyond the 100 ml limit. Security staff may request you open or taste them, so keep these items easy to reach.

Onboard Feeding, Comfort, and Amenities

Breastfeeding and Bottle Warming

The airline fully supports breastfeeding at any stage of the flight. Cabin crew can offer a blanket for privacy or suggest moving to an empty galley area without being intrusive. If you prefer bottle‑feeding, attendants can provide hot water for warming, though they cannot guarantee a precise temperature. Many parents bring an insulated bottle bag and ask for a cup of hot water to warm the milk themselves.

Pre‑Ordered Baby Meals

Complimentary jarred baby meals are available on flights over two hours when requested at least 24 hours before departure. You can specify the meal during booking or via “Manage Booking.” The galleys carry a small emergency stock, but supplies may run out, so families with allergy concerns or picky eaters should pack their own. Emirates does not have sterilising equipment on board, but crew can rinse bottles with hot water. A battery‑powered UV steriliser is a smart addition for long journeys.

Nappy Changing and Amenity Kits

Every Emirates aircraft has at least one lavatory with a fold‑down changing table. On the A380 the table is relatively roomy, while on the 777 it can be snug. The airline does not routinely provide free nappy packs or wipes, so carry enough for the flight duration plus unexpected delays. A small tube of barrier cream and a couple of disposal bags will also keep the experience tidy. The cabin crew can usually dispose of soiled nappies in a sanitary manner.

Seating Policies Across Cabins

Economy Class

Economy is the most family‑friendly cabin layout. Bassinet seats are located in the bulkhead rows, and even without a bassinet these seats give you legroom to stand and soothe a restless baby. Families with infants are invited to pre‑board, which provides extra minutes to settle in and stow gear before the cabin fills. If you cannot secure a bassinet seat, consider paying for an extra‑legroom seat or a seat in a less crowded section.

Premium Economy

Emirates’ Premium Economy, now available on select A380 aircraft, offers wider seats, deeper recline, and enhanced meal service. Bassinet positions may be available in the first row; however, the configuration varies by aircraft. If you plan to fly Premium Economy with a lap infant, verify with the airline that the specific seat accepts an infant extension belt.

Business and First Class

Business Class on the A380 upper deck often restricts lap infants because the suite‑style seats and seat‑belt geometry cannot safely accommodate an infant extension belt. The Boeing 777 Business Class is more forgiving, but always confirm during booking. In First Class suites on the A380, parents frequently take advantage of the fully flat bed to co‑sleep with their baby, though officially the infant must remain secured with the lap belt whenever the seat belt sign is on. Across all premium cabins, if you want a separate seat for the baby, the car seat must be installed in a window position to avoid blocking emergency exits.

Safety and Car Seat Guidelines

Emirates approves car seats that meet FAA (U.S.) or German TÜV standards. The seat must be forward‑facing, have a five‑point harness, and fit within an aircraft seat width of approximately 42 cm (16.5 inches). Booster seats, backless harnesses, and belly belts are not allowed. Crew members may check the approval label at boarding, so keep the sticker visible. When installing a car seat, place it in a window seat and ensure it is secured according to both manufacturer instructions and the cabin crew’s guidance. The standard lap belt routing through the car seat is usually sufficient, but do not hesitate to ask for assistance.

Infants travelling on a lap receive a dedicated infant seat belt that loops through the adult’s seat belt. This belt is required only during taxi, takeoff, landing, and turbulent periods. During cruise, soft baby carriers such as wraps or structured front packs are permitted, but they must be removed for critical flight phases. Inflatable cushions, bed boxes, and any device that attempts to convert a lap baby into a flat sleeper are not approved.

Travel Documents for Infants

Just like adults, babies need a valid passport for international travel. A birth certificate alone is rarely accepted for air travel unless a specific bilateral agreement is in place. Entry visa requirements apply to infants as well, so consult the IATA Travel Centre or the embassy website of your destination well before departure. If your child holds dual nationality, use the passport that matches the visa or entry conditions.

When one parent travels alone with a child, some countries require a notarised letter of consent from the absent parent, especially if surnames differ. Even where not legally mandated, carrying such a letter can bypass long questioning at immigration. Emirates ground staff do not routinely request this document, but border officers may. Divorced or separated parents should also carry a copy of any custody agreement that governs international travel.

Health and Wellness During the Flight

Managing Ear Pressure

Babies struggle to equalise ear pressure consciously, so encourage swallowing during ascent and descent by nursing, bottle‑feeding, or offering a dummy. Keep your child awake through these phases; a sleeping baby may not swallow enough, leading to sharp pain upon waking. If your child has a cold or ear infection, consult a paediatrician before flying. Pressurised cabins can turn mild congestion into a truly miserable experience for little ears.

Jet Lag and Hydration

Help your baby adjust by gradually shifting sleep and meal times a few days before departure. Keep them hydrated with frequent feeds during the flight, as cabin air is very dry. On arrival, expose them to natural daylight as much as possible. Some parents find that a battery‑operated white‑noise machine helps maintain a familiar sleep association in the unfamiliar environment.

Vaccinations and Medical Certificates

Some destinations require proof of vaccination—yellow fever, for instance—for infants as young as nine months. The airline does not check this; it is your responsibility to meet health entry requirements. A “fit‑to‑fly” certificate is mandatory for newborns under seven days, and it is highly recommended for infants recovering from illness. The Emirates medical desk can provide guidance if you have any concerns.

Emirates Skywards for Little Travellers

You can enrol your baby in Emirates Skywards as soon as they have a passport number. This gives them a head start on miles that can be used once they turn two and begin travelling on a paid child fare. Lap‑infant tickets do not earn miles, but a separate‑seat infant ticket will. Family pooling is not available, but you can transfer miles to a child’s account for a fee, making it feasible to combine points for a family award ticket in the future. Consider linking your child’s account to a partner hotel programme to earn miles on family stays as well.

Airport and Boarding Assistance

Dubai International (DXB) Family Services

Emirates’ hub at Dubai International offers family check‑in counters that cut down wait times during peak departure waves. After security, airside baby care lounges provide changing stations, nursing chairs, and supervised play areas. In Terminal 3, free stroller rental is available near the gates, and kid‑friendly rides such as the indoor playgrounds can burn off energy before a long flight. Families with infants are invited to board first, giving you enough time to install a car seat, stow hand luggage, and get comfortable.

Navigating Connections and Long Layovers

If you have a lengthy layover in Dubai, consider booking Dubai Connect, which may provide complimentary hotel accommodation, meals, and transfers for eligible itineraries—giving your baby a real bed and a break from the cabin. Even without the package, the airside sleep pods in Terminal 3 are a quiet, private space to nap. Many gates have baby‑changing facilities, but not all, so locate one on the terminal map ahead of the connection.

Expert Tips for a Stress‑Free Flight

Time your flight: Whenever possible, book a departure that overlaps with your baby’s regular sleep window. Night flights often lead to longer sleep stretches.
Pack a “blow‑out kit”: A spare adult top, two sets of baby clothes, a wet bag, and a pack of wipes in a single zip‑lock bag can save you from hours of discomfort after a messy incident.
Prime the feeding schedule: Have a bottle or solid snack ready before the seat belt sign illuminates, because cabin crew cannot heat water during turbulence.
Embrace the pre‑board: Use the extra ten minutes to settle in, wipe down the tray table and armrests, and install any travel gear without the rush.
Take galley walks: When the seat belt sign is off, a stroll to the galley can calm a fussy baby. Crew members often appreciate the company and may offer a small treat or extra napkin.
Label everything: DXB’s baby lounges can get busy; a brightly coloured luggage tag on your diaper bag and stroller avoids mix‑ups.
Download offline content: Load a tablet with a few favourite shows or a white‑noise app in case the in‑flight entertainment system fails to keep your child engaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a breast pump on board?

Yes, both manual and battery‑operated pumps are allowed in your hand baggage. Emirates cannot guarantee power sockets in Economy, though Business and First Class seats usually have universal outlets. If you plan to express during the flight, carry a self‑cooling storage bag or a flask of ice to keep milk fresh until you land.

Does Emirates supply nappies or wipes?

No, the airline does not hand out complimentary diaper kits. You must pack enough for the entire journey plus unexpected delays. At Dubai Airport, basic baby supplies are available in the duty‑free shops, but onboard stocks are minimal.

What if I need a bassinet but none are available?

If all bassinet seats are taken, you can either hold the baby on your lap or purchase an extra seat and bring an approved car seat. Ask at check‑in or the gate whether a bulkhead seat without bassinet is open—the extra floor space can make lap‑holding more comfortable.

Can I fly with two infants under two years old alone?

Emirates generally permits only one lap infant per adult. If you are alone with twins, you must buy a separate seat for at least one child and bring an approved car seat. Book early and call Emirates to arrange adjacent seats.

Are car seats mandatory if I buy a separate infant seat?

Yes, if you purchase a seat for a child under two, they must be secured in an approved car seat. The airline will not allow you to hold the child on your lap in that purchased seat; it must remain empty unless a car seat is used.

Is there any special assistance for parents travelling alone with multiple children?

While Emirates does not provide a dedicated nanny service, crew members often go out of their way to help—offering extra meal boxes, watching a sleeping baby while you visit the lavatory, or simply providing a warm smile. If you are exceptionally overwhelmed, speak with the purser, who can usually arrange small acts of support.

Final Thoughts

Emirates has woven family‑friendly thinking into nearly every step of the travel experience, from flexible infant ticketing and generous baggage allowances to onboard bassinets and caring crew. The differences between a draining journey and an enjoyable one often come down to advance planning: understanding the two‑year birthday rule, requesting a bassinet early, packing more than you think necessary, and double‑checking documents. With this guide, the policies are clear and the decisions are simpler. Armed with knowledge and a well‑stocked bag, you can walk onto that aircraft ready to create memories that far outlast any in‑flight fussing.