If you are parents to a newborn child and are planning to travel, you may have some questions regarding the rules for traveling with infants on UAE-based airlines. Etihad, Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia have established guidelines for infants on board their flights. Additionally, most airlines offer special services for new parents, including complimentary strollers, discounted ticket rates, bassinets, and preferential boarding.
Requirements for traveling with infants on UAE-based airlines
Airlines in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have established age classifications for children, ensuring a safe and comfortable travel experience.
Emirates
According to the official website of Emirates Airlines – emirates.com, children under the age of two fall into the category of infant passengers. Emirates Airlines offers various options for infants, allowing them to travel on their parent’s lap while being securely fastened with a special seat belt. Alternatively, parents can request a bassinet during the online ticket booking process, providing a cozy and secure space for their little ones.
Emirates Airlines also provides specific guidelines for infants who are less than seven days old. In exceptional circumstances, such as emergency travel, medical reasons requiring an incubator, or compassionate grounds where the mother needs to travel, infants under seven days old will be permitted on board.
By adhering to these age classifications and guidelines, Emirates Airlines ensures the safety and well-being of all passengers, including the youngest travelers.
Etihad
According to the official website of Etihad Airways, infants are eligible to fly if they meet the following criteria:
- The infant must be at least seven days old.
- The infant should have been born without any complications.
- The infant should not have been born prematurely.
In the case where the infant was born prematurely or with complications, parents are required to complete the Medical Information Form (MEDIF) and provide a medical report.
It is important to note that infants do not require a separate seat and can comfortably sit on the lap of their parents throughout the flight. To ensure their safety, a special seat belt is provided. Additionally, while making your ticket reservation online, you have the option to request a bassinet. These bassinets are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
By adhering to these guidelines, Etihad Airways aims to provide a safe and comfortable travel experience for both parents and their infants.
flydubai
According to the official website of the airline, flydubai.com, it is permissible for adults to travel with a newborn who is at least seven days old.
Air Arabia
Children under the age of two are categorized as infant passengers by the airline. However, according to the airline’s website, infants below two days old will not be permitted to travel under any circumstances.
Air Arabia has established specific conditions for infants to travel, which are as follows:
- Infants below two days old will not be accepted for travel under any circumstances.
- Infants from the third day to the sixth day will only be allowed to travel if they possess a ‘Fit to Fly’ certificate for newborns or an indemnity form signed by the parent.
- Infants aged seven days or older are accepted for travel without any restrictions.
Please note that Air Arabia strictly adheres to these guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers, including infants.
Can one’s child travel alone on UAE Airlines?
If you are a parent of a child aged between five and 12 and wish for them to travel unaccompanied, you have the option to request the ‘Unaccompanied Minors’ service from UAE-based airlines such as Etihad, Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia.
Also Read: UAE: 7 reasons you could be banned from traveling