Friday, August 23, 2024 Emirates is currently managing a peak period for its Unaccompanied Minors Service as a large number of children are flying back to Dubai after their summer vacations abroad to commence the new academic year. This week alone, Emirates anticipates welcoming over 900 young solo travelers utilizing its renowned service tailored for families. In the last five years, Emirates’ services for Unaccompanied Minors and Young Passengers have been utilized by over 120,000 children.
Predominantly, these young passengers are 11 years old or younger. The most frequent users of this service hail from the UK, followed by India, the USA, the Philippines, and France. Emirates provides continuous support to these young travelers, ensuring a secure and engaging journey from start to finish.
Children aged between 5 and 11 are guaranteed a seamless and supervised experience, filled with enjoyable and memorable moments. What does the Emirates’ Unaccompanied Minors Service offer? A dedicated space for relaxation and entertainment – Emirates Unaccompanied Minors Lounge Upon arrival at Dubai International Airport (DXB), guardians can head directly to the Unaccompanied Minors Lounge located near the check-in area. It’s necessary for the adult dropping off the child to show identification and sign a permission form.
After a swift check-in process, children can unwind in a space equipped with video games, complimentary Wi-Fi, and cozy sofas. Supervised by Emirates staff, the lounge offers free refreshments and access to child-friendly bathrooms, providing a safe and fun environment for the children as they await their flight. Continuous care and supervision from Emirates-trained specialists At DXB, a skilled member of the Emirates team greets the child at the Unaccompanied Minors check-in desk.
This specialist accompanies the child throughout the airport procedures, handling their passport safely and aiding them through security and immigration. The specialist ensures the child boards early to settle comfortably, introducing them to the cabin crew who will look after them during the flight. Parents can specify dietary needs and seating preferences in advance, including arranging seats together for siblings.
Emirates’ cabin crew regularly checks on the child, assisting with meals, seat adjustments, and entertainment options. Engaging inflight experience with Emirates Cabin Crew While aboard, children enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, toys, and over 100 video games. The inflight entertainment system, ice, features new movies, classic Disney animations, Marvel Studios and Star Wars films, and the complete Harry Potter series, along with CBeebies, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network shows.
For birthdays, a special cake can be ordered 48 hours in advance, and Emirates cabin crew will celebrate the occasion, capturing the moment with a Polaroid photo as a memento. Upon arrival, the child is met by an Emirates specialist at the aircraft door and escorted through the airport until they are reunited with their guardian at the arrivals area, where identification verification is required. Additional support for older children and teenagers Children between 12 and 15 years old may fly solo without the Unaccompanied Minors Service, at the discretion of their guardians.
For those seeking extra reassurance, the service is available for an additional fee of USD 50 per flight segment, providing comprehensive care akin to that offered to younger travelers. Emirates’ Commitment to Safe and Secure Transfers Ensuring the safety of young travelers, especially during transfers, is paramount for Emirates. For connecting flights at DXB, the maximum allowable layover is 8 hours unless special approvals are granted.
Unaccompanied minors are accommodated in the lounge during layovers, with meals and activities provided under close supervision. Fees and Reservations for Emirates’ Unaccompanied Minors Service Children aged 5 to 11 traveling alone must book at adult fare rates to avail of the Unaccompanied Minors Service. Those within this age group may also travel in a different cabin class from their guardians but will be charged the adult fare and considered ‘accompanied’, thus not eligible for the lounge and additional services.
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