Why Our First Emirates Flight Left Us Questioning “Family-Friendly” Claims
We’d heard the buzz: Emirates, the Dubai-based airline, is renowned for its luxurious cabins, gourmet meals, and top-tier service. As a family planning our first trip to the Middle East, we were excited to finally experience the airline’s much-praised hospitality. But what we encountered left us puzzled—and, at times, frustrated—about its reputation as a family-friendly carrier. Here’s why our Emirates journey didn’t quite hit the mark for traveling with kids.
The Hype vs. Reality of Priority Boarding
Emirates markets itself as accommodating families with young children, offering priority boarding to make the process smoother. Sounds great, right? At Dubai International Airport, however, this perk felt like an afterthought. While families were technically called to board first, the process lacked clear signage or staff guidance. Confusion erupted as business-class passengers and frequent flyers merged into the same line, leaving parents juggling strollers and toddlers scrambling to navigate the chaos.
Once onboard, we faced another hurdle: limited overhead bin space near our seats. Though we’d paid extra to select seats together, the cabin crew redirected us to store carry-ons rows away—a stressful scenario when you need quick access to diapers, snacks, or toys mid-flight.
Kids’ Entertainment: Quantity Over Quality
Emirates’ ICE entertainment system boasts hundreds of movies and shows, including a dedicated kids’ section. But here’s the catch: much of the children’s content felt outdated or culturally mismatched. Our 6-year-old quickly grew bored with repetitive cartoon options, while older kids nearby complained about the lack of recent blockbusters or interactive games.
Compare this to other airlines we’ve flown, where tablets or activity packs are handed out to keep little ones engaged, and Emirates’ offering fell short. Even the child-friendly headphones provided were awkwardly sized for younger kids, slipping off repeatedly during the flight.
Meal Time Meltdowns
Airplane meals are rarely gourmet experiences, but Emirates’ family meal service missed the mark in practical ways. Though children’s menus are available, they weren’t automatically offered during booking or at the gate. We only received kid-friendly meals (chicken nuggets and fries) after proactively requesting them days in advance—a step many busy parents might overlook.
When the meals arrived, the presentation was lackluster. No fun packaging, no small surprises like stickers or puzzles—just a basic tray that mirrored the adult meals. For a premium airline, this felt like a missed opportunity to add a touch of magic for younger travelers.
Cabin Crew Interactions: Polite but Passive
The flight attendants were courteous, but their approach to families felt transactional rather than supportive. When our toddler spilled juice, the response was a quick clean-up with minimal interaction. No offers to help reorganize our seats, no check-ins during the flight to see if we needed extra snacks or supplies. On a 9-hour journey, this impersonal service left us feeling like we were managing the chaos alone.
Compare this to a recent Qatar Airways flight, where crew members proactively engaged our kids with coloring books and offered to hold infants while parents ate, and the difference in family-focused service became stark.
The Bassinet Dilemma
For families with infants, Emirates’ bassinet policy added another layer of frustration. While bassinets are available, they’re only offered on a first-come, first-served basis—even if you’ve pre-booked seats. On our flight, two families were left without bassinets despite requesting them months in advance, leading to exhausting hours of baby-holding. Worse, the bassinets themselves were cramped and positioned in high-traffic areas near restrooms, making it impossible for parents or infants to rest undisturbed.
Cultural Considerations: A Mixed Bag
Emirates’ multicultural cabin crew is one of its strengths, but this diversity didn’t always translate to family-friendly accommodations. For example, when we asked for milk to be warmed for our toddler, the crew seemed unfamiliar with the request (common on many family-focused airlines). Similarly, child-sized cutlery or spill-proof cups weren’t readily available unless specifically demanded.
The Silver Linings (Yes, There Were a Few)
To be fair, not every aspect of the flight was problematic. The spacious Airbus A380 cabins and smooth ride minimized ear-pressure discomfort for our kids. The onboard Wi-Fi, while pricey, allowed us to stream our own child-approved content when the entertainment system failed to impress. And the airline’s signature chocolate truffles handed out after meals? A hit with adults and kids alike.
Lessons Learned for Future Flights
Our Emirates experience taught us that “family-friendly” labels require scrutiny. Here’s what we’d do differently next time:
1. Double-check seat assignments: Opt for bulkhead seats even if it costs extra, as they offer more legroom and easier bassinet access.
2. BYO entertainment: Pack tablets loaded with favorite shows and kid-friendly headphones.
3. Pre-order everything: From meals to bassinets, assume nothing is guaranteed unless confirmed in writing.
4. Manage expectations: Research airline-specific policies rather than relying on general “family-friendly” claims.
Final Thoughts
Emirates undeniably excels in luxury and global connectivity, but its family services feel underdeveloped compared to competitors like Singapore Airlines or Qantas. For parents traveling with young kids, the airline’s current offerings require extra planning and patience—resources already in short supply during family trips. Until Emirates rethinks its approach to practical parenting needs (think: intuitive meal ordering, truly prioritized boarding, and engaged crew training), families might find better value elsewhere.
Have you flown Emirates with kids? Share your experiences below—we’re all in this sky-high parenting adventure together!
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