Emirates Puts Families First with Best-in-Class Economy Experience
Emirates has marked its busiest January for family travel bookings, cementing its position as the airline of choice for families. In 2025, 84% of bookings were for Economy Class, with group and family travel accounting for 64% of all Economy passengers.
January is a peak planning period for families looking to book annual holidays. Over 65% of group bookings were made at least three months ahead, while more than 65% of family bookings were secured at least two months in advance. Popular group destinations included Dubai, Jeddah, Medina, Istanbul and Rome, while families most often booked trips to Dubai, Bangkok, Jeddah, Malé and Mauritius.
As 2026 is celebrated as the UAE’s ‘Year of the Family’, Emirates notes that bookings reflect school holiday schedules, with many families securing Spring and Summer break trips in January and further bookings expected in summer.
Emirates operates one of the world’s largest long-haul networks, delivering a consistently high standard of comfort and service. Economy Class passengers enjoy ergonomically designed seats with adjustable headrests, generous legroom, personal 4K entertainment screens, mood lighting, spacious cabins, and aircraft designed for long-haul comfort, including the Airbus A380, A350, and Boeing 777.
The airline offers priority boarding for families, seating together for children and parents, bassinets for infants, and the option to bring approved car seats onboard. A $5 billion retrofit programme has refreshed interiors, upgraded seating, and enhanced cabin comfort across the fleet.
Economy passengers receive complimentary multi-course meals and beverages, including options for children, infants and special dietary requirements. Children’s meals are served on colourful trays featuring Emirates’ Little Travellers, while infants are provided organic baby food, bottles, and amenity kits.
Emirates’ ice inflight entertainment offers over 6,500 channels, including nearly 3,000 movies in 50 languages, children’s content from Disney+, CBeebies and Nickelodeon, music, podcasts, language courses, and up to 100 video games. Wi-Fi connectivity is being upgraded with Starlink, providing ultra-fast internet at 40,000 feet.
Economy passengers also receive complimentary amenity kits in partnership with United for Wildlife, including soft socks, eye masks, earplugs, and dental kits. Children’s and infant kits include toys, puzzles, diapers and changing mats. Aircraft bathrooms are equipped with baby changing tables, and pillows and blankets are provided for additional comfort.
Emirates handles almost 3 million bags monthly with a 99.9% on-time success rate. Cabin crew, representing over 140 nationalities, are trained to provide personalised service, prioritising families, unaccompanied minors, and passengers with special needs. The airline’s Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub provides information and onboard support for passengers with disabilities, including sensory products and hundreds of movies with closed captions or audio descriptions.
Economy passengers can join Emirates Skywards, earning rewards, flight upgrades, hotel stays, and exclusive experiences. Young travellers aged 2–17 can enrol in the Skywards Skysurfers programme, pooling miles in family accounts.
With unmatched comfort, service, and family-focused amenities, Emirates continues to deliver a best-in-class Economy experience for travellers worldwide.
