Family First: Emirates Economy Class
With record family bookings, a global network via Dubai and an Economy experience designed for all ages, Emirates strengthens its position as a favourite airline for family travellers in 2025 and 2026.
In fact, it records the best month of January ever for family bookings, confirming itself as one of the most chosen international airlines by families with children. In 2025, 84% of total bookings were made in Economy Class , and group or family travel accounted for 64% of passengers in this class.
January, traditionally dedicated to planning annual holidays, proved to be a key period: more than 65% of group bookings were made at least three months before departure, while more than 65% of families booked at least two months in advance. Among the most popular destinations for groups are Dubai, Jeddah, Medina, Istanbul and Rome, while families have favored Dubai, Bangkok, Jeddah, Malé and Mauritius.
In 2026, proclaimed "Year of the Family" in the United Arab Emirates, Emirates notes that bookings follow the school calendar: spring and summer holidays have been planned as early as January, with a new peak expected in the summer months for travel in the second half of the year.
Economy Class: comfort designed for families
Emirates operates one of the world's most extensive long-haul networks, with the majority of passengers travelling in Economy Class. The airline constantly invests in cabins, seats, catering, entertainment and comfort, applying uniform standards on almost 500 daily flights.
The fleet includes Airbus A380, A350 and Boeing 777, aircraft designed to ensure comfort even on intercontinental flights: wider cabins and aisles, large upper compartments, better pressurization and air circulation.
On the latest Airbus A350s, Economy Class offers up to 259 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration, with a 6-way adjustable headrest, 13.3-inch 4K screen, high-voltage charging ports and higher ceilings. Many aircraft have already been refurbished as part of the $5 billion retrofit program, with fully upgraded interiors.
For those travelling with children, Emirates guarantees priority boarding, seats close to bassinets for infants up to 2 years old (weighing less than 11kg), the ability to sit together and the use of approved child seats.
Global network and operational reliability
With its Dubai hub, Emirates connects Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas and Australasia with numerous direct flights, reducing stopovers and complexity on long family journeys. Every month, almost 3 million bags are handled at Dubai Airport, with a success rate of 99.9%: only 1.8 bags out of every 1,000 are delayed or lost.
Multicultural crew and attentive service
Emirates crew comes from over 140 nationalities and speaks more than 70 languages, ensuring support for a global clientele. The service on board is structured in detail: from the timing of meals to the management of lighting, up to personalized attention for families and children. Special moments are often immortalized with Polaroid photos delivered as a souvenir of the trip.
Meals included and attention to the little ones
In Economy Class, meals and drinks are always included, regardless of the duration of the flight. The menus reflect regional flavours and include full courses with soft drinks and, on request, alcoholic drinks. Emirates offers a wide choice of special meals (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free) already included in the price of your airfare.
Dedicated menus are provided for children, served on colourful trays, while free organic meals, formula milk and bottles are available for babies.
ICE: Globally Award-Winning Entertainment
The ice entertainment system offers over 6,500 channels, including almost 3,000 films in 50 languages, documentaries, Arabic content, Bollywood and Asian productions. Thanks to partnerships with HBO Max, Disney+, Paramount+, BBC and others, it also offers podcasts, language courses, sports and live news.
For the little ones, Disney+, CBeebies, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network content is available, with dedicated headphones. Video game fans can choose from 100 titles, while music lovers have access to 3,000 albums and 600 playlists.
The company is also introducing Starlink Wi-Fi connection, which allows streaming, video calls and free in-flight browsing.
Comfort and support every step of the way
On long-haul flights, passengers receive complimentary toiletry kits, including those for children and infants. Bathrooms are equipped with changing tables and pillows and blankets are available for the little ones.
At Dubai International Airport (DXB), Emirates offers free strollers and a dedicated service for unaccompanied minors (5-11 years old), with a fully equipped lounge and full assistance. For passengers with specific needs, the Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub is active on Emirates.com, as well as sensory products and accessible content (over 600 films with subtitles and 200 with audio description).
Skywards: benefits for young people too
Families can join the Skywards programme, with four membership levels (Blue, Silver, Gold, Platinum) and the ability to earn Miles on flights, hotels and partners. Children aged 2 to 17 can join Skywards Skysurfers, earning Miles on every Emirates and flydubai flight, including through a family account.
