Unaccompanied minor services on Emirates and Etihad: A complete guide for children flying alone

Gulf News

17-04-2025

Dubai: Planning a trip where your child needs to fly alone? Whether it's for a family visit, school term, or an unexpected change of plans, both Emirates and Etihad Airways offer dedicated Unaccompanied Minor services to ensure young travellers are safe, supported, and comfortable throughout their journey. From booking requirements and age rules to airport procedures and in-flight care, this guide covers everything parents and guardians need to know before their child takes to the skies alone with the UAE's leading airlines – Emirates and Etihad
Emirates Unaccompanied Minor Service
For Emirates, the Unaccompanied Minors service is available for children aged between 5 and 11 flying alone. Children aged 12 and above can travel solo without the service, though parents can make a special request for children aged 12 to 15 to be accompanied as unaccompanied minors.
Airport support
A specialist Emirates staff member will meet your child at the Unaccompanied Minors check-in desk. They will assist throughout the airport journey, including security and immigration, and accompany the child to the aircraft door, where the cabin crew will take over.
Families and young flyers are given priority boarding, allowing children extra time to settle in. Cabin crew members will assist with stowing hand luggage and ensuring the child is comfortable for the journey.
Fare and cabin class information
Children aged 5 to 11 flying alone must pay an adult fare and will receive the Unaccompanied Minors service.
Children over 12 travel on an adult fare and do not require the service, though it can be requested for ages 12 to 15 for an additional fee of $50 per leg.
Children aged 5 to 11 can travel in a different cabin class from their parent on the same flight. However, they will still need to book an adult fare. In such cases, the child is considered accompanied and will not have access to Emirates' children's lounge or special services.
Booking the service
To book your child's flight:
Contact the Emirates customer service centre in your country
Or book through LiveChat on the Emirates website.
Alternatively, visit your local Emirates office.
The Unaccompanied Minors service must be arranged at least 12 hours before departure.
Connection rules
For connecting to another airline, the maximum connection time is 4 hours.
For transfers within Emirates flights at Dubai International Airport (DXB), the time can be up to 8 hours.
Longer connections require special approval from Emirates.
Overnight stays
Children cannot stay overnight at a transit airport unless a parent or guardian is present to care for them. This arrangement also requires Emirates' approval.
Required forms
A legal parent or guardian must complete and sign a Declaration of Indemnity form. These are available at Emirates Airport Offices.
Airport protocol for parents
The parent or guardian must remain at the airport until the child's flight has departed. They must also present identification when dropping off or picking up the child.
Etihad Airways Unaccompanied Minor Service
For the Abu Dhabi-based airline, Etihad's Unaccompanied Minor service supports solo travel for children aged 5 to 17, providing a safe and comfortable journey without a parent or guardian.
Age and fare guidelines
Children under 5 are not permitted to travel alone or use the Unaccompanied Minor service. They must be accompanied by an adult on the same flight and in the same cabin.
Children aged 5 to 11 can use the Unaccompanied Minor service free of charge, but must travel on a normal adult fare and pre-book the service before arriving at the airport.
Children aged 12 to 17 may travel independently on a standard adult ticket. However, parents can opt in to the Unaccompanied Minor service:
$100 each way for direct flights
$150 each way for connecting flights
Legal parents under the age of 18 can accompany infants or children, provided they show valid identification. However, children aged 12 to 17 are not allowed to escort younger unaccompanied minors.
Booking the service
Book an adult fare for the child.
Submit an Unaccompanied Minor request form via the Etihad website.
Etihad will review and confirm the request within 24 hours after reviewing documents and payment.
Print and sign the completed request form and bring it to the airport.
Airport check-in and boarding
Your child must check in at least two hours before departure.
A parent or guardian must stay at the airport until the flight departs.
An Etihad host will accompany your child until they board the flight.
If travelling in Business or First Class, children may access Etihad lounges in Abu Dhabi.