Family first: Emirates' philosophy behind its world-class Economy experience

With the start of a new year, Emirates closed January as its busiest month ever for family bookings, solidifying its position as the international airline of choice for group travelers. Throughout 2025, 84% of all Emirates bookings were for Economy Class passengers, with groups and families accounting for 64% of all Economy Class passengers.

January is positioned as the top month for family vacation planning. Economy travelers booked well in advance, especially groups and families: over 65% of group bookings were made at least three months ahead of time, and over 65% of family bookings were made at least two months prior to their trip.
The most popular destinations for groups were Dubai, Jeddah, Medina, Istanbul, and Rome, while families prioritized Dubai, Bangkok, Jeddah, Malé, and Mauritius.

In 2026, declared the “Year of the Family” in the UAE, Emirates observes that booking trends align with the school calendar. Trips for the spring and summer holidays were primarily booked in January, while a second wave of bookings is expected during the summer for travel later in the year.

Emirates Economy, recognized globally as best in class for families

Emirates operates one of the world's largest long-haul networks, with Economy Class accounting for the majority of passengers. The airline has consistently invested in its Economy experience, maintaining world-class standards in cabin design, seating, catering, entertainment, comfort, service, and safety.
The strength of this offering lies in its consistency and scale: nearly 500 daily flights adhere to these same standards, reflecting the brand promise of "Fly Better."

More than a seat

Emirates' wide-body fleet—Airbus A380s, A350s, and Boeing 777s—is designed for long-haul flights, offering more spacious cabins, wider aisles, larger overhead bins, and improved pressurization.
Passengers enjoy ergonomic seats with adjustable headrests, increased legroom, individual entertainment screens, and ambient lighting designed for relaxation.

In the new A350, Economy offers up to 259 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration, with six-position adjustable headrests, more storage space, 13.3-inch 4K screens, in-seat power charging, higher ceilings, and premium-designed bathrooms.

Much of the fleet has already undergone a $5 billion renovation program, with completely refurbished interiors and state-of-the-art seating.

Travel with peace of mind as a family

Emirates offers priority boarding for families at all international airports, in addition to its policy of seating families together. Parents can book seats next to bassinets for babies up to 2 years old and 11 kg, and bring approved car seats on board.

Global network and operational reliability

Emirates' network spans Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Australasia, with numerous direct flights that reduce connections and complexity. Its hub model in Dubai allows for fewer stopovers, standardized products, and a lower risk of lost luggage.

The airline handles nearly 3 million bags per month, with a 99.9% success rate in baggage handling from its hub in Dubai. The lost or delayed baggage rate is only 1.8 per 1,000 bags, one of the lowest in the world.

Expert and multicultural crew

Emirates employs crew members from over 140 nationalities who speak more than 70 languages. Their training focuses on safety, hospitality, and cultural awareness, with specific procedures for families, unaccompanied minors, and passengers requiring assistance.
As a special memento, the crew often captures onboard moments with Polaroid cameras and presents the photos in exclusive Emirates frames.

Generous and high-quality gastronomy

Emirates offers complimentary meals and beverages on all its Economy flights. The menus reflect regional flavors and are served in multi-course meals, including alcoholic drinks.
The airline invests significantly in its food program, adding touches like popcorn, ice cream, or warm cookies on select flights.

Special meal options are available (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, among others), in addition to children's menus. Organic food, formula, and bottles are provided free of charge for babies.

World-class entertainment with ice

Emirates' ice system boasts over 6,500 channels, including nearly 3,000 movies in 50 languages, TV series, documentaries, music, podcasts, games, and live streams.
For children, there's content from Disney+, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and more, with dedicated headphones. It also includes multiplayer video games and an extensive music library.

Emirates is incorporating Wi-Fi with Starlink connectivity, which will allow streaming, online gaming, video calls and social networking on board, free of charge.

Complimentary amenities

On long-haul flights, passengers receive amenity kits, with versions for children and babies. These include comfort items and collectible designs.
Restrooms have changing tables, and children are provided with blankets and pillows.

Additional support

At Dubai Airport, Emirates offers complimentary strollers and an Unaccompanied Minor service for children aged 5 to 11, with dedicated lounges and assistance throughout the journey.
For passengers with accessibility needs, the airline provides an information center, sensory products, and a wide range of content with subtitles and audio description.

Rewards in Economy

Passengers can join Skywards, Emirates' loyalty program, with four tiers: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Children aged 2 to 17 can join Skywards Skysurfers and collect miles in a family account.

Source: Emirates.