Traveling alone can be a big adventure for children, but as parents or guardians, you want to ensure that they are safe and well taken care of during their journey. When booking flights for young travelers, it’s essential to choose an airline with a solid policy and excellent services for unaccompanied minors. Emirates, renowned for its world-class service, provides a comprehensive Emirates Unaccompanied Minor Policy, designed to ensure a smooth and safe journey for children traveling alone.

At Tour N Travel Pro, we understand how crucial it is to prepare for such trips, both for you and your child. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about the Emirates Unaccompanied Minor Policy, including eligibility, booking, in-flight services, and more.

What is the Emirates Unaccompanied Minor Policy?

The Emirates Unaccompanied Minor Policy is a specialized service designed to assist children between the ages of 5 and 15 who are traveling without an adult companion. This service ensures that young passengers are closely supervised throughout their journey, from check-in at the airport to the moment they are safely handed over to a designated guardian at their destination.

Emirates prioritizes the safety, comfort, and well-being of unaccompanied minors, which is why their policy is known for being both thorough and customer-focused. The airline ensures that children traveling alone are provided with attentive care, and this level of service gives parents the confidence to let their children travel independently.

Who is Eligible for the Unaccompanied Minor Service?

The Emirates Unaccompanied Minor Policy applies to children aged 5 to 15 years old. However, the policy distinguishes between the two age groups:

• Children aged 5-11 years: These children must travel as unaccompanied minors on all Emirates flights, regardless of whether it’s a domestic or international journey.
• Children aged 12-15 years: While this age group is not required to travel as unaccompanied minors, parents or guardians can still opt for the service to provide additional care and peace of mind.

It's important to note that children under 5 years old cannot travel alone with Emirates. This means that if your child is younger than 5, they must be accompanied by an adult throughout the entire journey.

How Does the Emirates Unaccompanied Minor Service Work?

The Emirates Unaccompanied Minor Policy is structured to ensure that children traveling without an adult have a seamless and safe experience. Here’s an overview of how the service works from start to finish:

1. Booking the Unaccompanied Minor Service

The unaccompanied minor service must be booked at the time of the flight reservation. This service is not available for later addition, so it's crucial to make the request as soon as possible. During the booking process, you’ll need to provide detailed information, such as:

• The child’s name, age, and passport details
• Flight details, including the departure and arrival locations
• Contact information for both the parent or guardian dropping off the child and the adult who will be receiving the child at the destination

The booking process ensures that Emirates has all the necessary information to guarantee a safe and smooth experience for the unaccompanied minor.

2. Check-In at the Airport

On the day of the flight, the parent or guardian must take the child to the airport. Emirates has a dedicated desk for unaccompanied minors, where they will check in the child and ensure all necessary steps are completed. The check-in procedure includes:

• Issuing Special ID Tags: The unaccompanied minor will be provided with a special wristband or ID tag to clearly identify them as a minor traveling alone.
• Escort Through Security: Emirates staff will escort the child through security and immigration (if applicable) to ensure the child is never left unattended during these processes.
• Priority Boarding: Unaccompanied minors are given priority boarding, allowing them to board the aircraft before other passengers. This ensures that the cabin crew can settle them into their seats and prepare them for the journey.

3. In-Flight Care and Supervision

Once the unaccompanied minor is onboard, Emirates flight attendants take full responsibility for their care and well-being. The airline is well-known for its impeccable service, and its flight attendants are specially trained to assist unaccompanied minors.

• Dedicated Seating: Unaccompanied minors are seated in a designated area of the aircraft where cabin crew can easily monitor them throughout the flight.
• Meals and Snacks: The child will receive meals and snacks during the flight, suited to their age and preferences. Emirates offers a variety of meal options to accommodate dietary requirements and preferences.
• Entertainment and Comfort: To keep the child entertained during the flight, Emirates offers a selection of child-friendly movies, games, and activities. The cabin crew also checks in regularly to ensure the child is comfortable and well looked after.

4. Arrival and Handover

Upon landing, Emirates staff will escort the unaccompanied minor off the plane and take them to a designated area for handover. The airline takes extra care to ensure that the child is only released to the designated adult who is authorized to pick them up. The handover procedure includes:

• ID Verification: The person picking up the child will need to provide a valid ID to confirm their identity. This step ensures that the child is handed over to the correct person.
• Escort to the Exit: Emirates staff will escort the child to the meeting point or the exit, ensuring they are safely transferred to the responsible adult.

Fees for the Unaccompanied Minor Service

The Emirates Unaccompanied Minor Policy is a premium service, and there is an additional fee associated with it. The exact fee varies based on the route, flight duration, and destination. Long-haul international flights generally incur higher fees than shorter regional or domestic flights.

It's essential to check the cost of the service when booking your child’s flight to avoid any surprises. At Tour N Travel Pro, we recommend that parents confirm the fees directly with Emirates or with us during the booking process to ensure they are aware of the costs involved.

Benefits of the Emirates Unaccompanied Minor Policy

The Emirates Unaccompanied Minor Policy offers several benefits, making it a popular choice for parents:

1. Safe and Secure Travel: From check-in to arrival, Emirates staff ensures that the child is always supervised and cared for.
2. Priority Services: The unaccompanied minor service includes priority check-in, boarding, and handling, making the journey as smooth as possible.
3. Comfort and Entertainment: Emirates provides age-appropriate meals, snacks, and entertainment to keep children comfortable and engaged during their flight.
4. Professional Staff: Emirates flight attendants are specially trained to provide excellent care to unaccompanied minors, offering reassurance and comfort during the journey.

Tips for Parents

To ensure that your child’s travel experience is as smooth as possible, here are some tips:

• Book Early: The unaccompanied minor service is subject to availability, so it’s essential to book early to ensure your child’s spot.
• Provide Accurate Contact Information: Double-check that all contact information for both the parent and the person picking up the child is correct.
• Prepare Your Child: Talk to your child about the flight process and reassure them that they will be well taken care of.
• Stay in Touch: Make sure you have a way to contact the person picking up the child at the destination, in case of any delays or issues.

Conclusion

The Emirates Unaccompanied Minor Policy is designed with the safety, comfort, and well-being of children in mind. With detailed services ranging from check-in assistance to in-flight supervision and handover procedures, Emirates ensures that unaccompanied minors are cared for every step of the way.

At Tour N Travel Pro, we understand how important it is to ensure your child’s safe journey when traveling alone. Whether you need help booking the service or have questions about the policy, we’re here to assist you.