School’s out, bags are packed, and it’s time to take to the skies with Emirates, the GOAT of family-friendly flying. This summer, young flyers can make the most of their journey with a whole host of fun and practical travel hacks, designed especially with kids in mind.
First off, Emirates makes sure kids start their adventure right, Families get priority boarding at all international airports, so you’ll be first in line to hop on the plane.
Once onboard, foodies-in-training are in for a treat. Emirates’ kids meals hit different, with favourites like chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, mini burgers and pizzas.
You’ll also get healthy snacks, sweet treats, juice and water, all served on a special tray featuring fun Emirates crew and pilot avatars.
If you’re all about movies and music, Emirates brings major entertainment vibes. Kids can ask the cabin crew for purple headphones, designed with comfort in mind and enjoy the biggest inflight screens with the award-winning ice entertainment system. From Cartoon Network to CBeebies and Nickelodeon, there are over 100 kids’ movies to choose from, a full ‘Wizarding World’ collection with 16 Harry Potter titles, Marvel movies, and shows like Teen Titans Go, SpongeBob, The Amazing World of Gumball, TMNT, and Star Trek: Prodigy. And if you’re flying after 1 August, you’re in luck, Chicken Jockey lands onboard as the must-watch summer release.
Tired from all the excitement? Emirates provides kids in every class with cosy blankets and pillows for that elite snooze. If you’re looking to take a break from screens, the ‘Fly with Me’ activity packs are the perfect unplugged pastime , think puzzles, colouring, drawing tutorials, and a collectible card game. Into tunes?
Emirates also offers Spotify onboard and hundreds of music channels, with playlists for Swifties, Livies, Angels, Avocados and ARMY fans alike.
Gamers aren’t left out either , Emirates has up to 100 video games to explore, with multiplayer options available even if you’re sitting in different seats. For added drip, kids aged 7–12 can now collect newly launched Emirates travel bags, including backpacks, crossbodies and duffle bags. Younger travellers also have a separate range of bags and toys designed just for them.
If you’re all about capturing memories, Emirates cabin crew can snap your travel moment with an instant Polaroid and present it in a limited-edition photo frame, a souvenir worth flexing. Travelling with younger siblings? Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminal 3 has your back. Parents can pick up complimentary branded strollers, now with over 1,000 new Maxi Cosi models available to keep babies and toddlers comfy on the go.
At DXB, families can also enjoy dedicated check-in areas during peak times. Visit on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday between 12pm and 6pm until 20 July and score free Emirates ice-cream — with flavours like mango, chocolate, strawberry, passionfruit and raspberry sorbet. A W is a W.
If you’re waiting in the First or Business Class Lounge at DXB, you’ll find arcade- level games and PlayStations in the kids’ zones, perfect for burning off that sugar rush before boarding.
Travelling solo? Emirates offers an Unaccompanied Minors service for kids aged 5– 11 flying alone. From check-in to arrival, young travellers are guided by Emirates staff and cabin crew every step of the way. There’s even an exclusive Unaccompanied Minors Lounge at DXB with video games, Wi-Fi, snacks, and chill zones, plus child-only bathrooms for added ease.
Babies onboard get VIP treatment too. Emirates provides organic baby food, milk formula, bottles, and infant amenity kits including nappies, lotion, a bib and a changing mat. Parents can pre-book bassinets or bring approved car seats onboard. At DXB Lounges, dedicated mother-and-baby care rooms offer quiet feeding and changing spaces.
For the ultimate glow-up, browse EmiratesRED inflight shopping. Preorder goodies and use code RED10 for 10% off. Snag a kids’ camera, a Merlin smart band, Harry Potter bracelets or budget beauty from Sol de Janeiro and Tommy Hilfiger.
Young frequent flyers can also sign up for Emirates Skysurfers, the airline’s loyalty programme for 2–17 year olds. Earn Skywards Miles on Emirates and flydubai flights and redeem them for flights, upgrades, and kid-friendly experiences.
Flying has never looked so fun. This summer, Emirates makes the journey just as exciting as the destination, for kids, by kids.
