Emirates Airlines Special Assistance

(updated:08-03-2018)

Any special assistance required for the disabled shall be communicated to airlines at the time of making the booking and reasonable time (generally 48 hours) shall be given to it for making the arrangements.

Hearing Impaired

For the hearing impaired there are sufficient on-ground and on-board arrangements for ensuring that there is no gap of communication. Monitors on the airports display the flight information, flight attendants provide the updates, on board entertainment also has English and Arabic captioned movies and even the on board headphones are compatible with the standard hearing aids.

Visually Impaired

Proper assistance is provided to the visually impaired for being guided to and from the airport gate. Individual briefings are also given to these passengers for safety procedures and exiting points. Flight attendants read out the menu and assist in identification and placement of meals items.

Wheelchairs

Assistance is provided from the check in to boarding gate, connecting flights and arrival from airplane to hall. Motorised and non-motorised wheelchairs are permitted. Manual collapsible wheelchairs are allowed to be stored in the cabin but this is subject to availability of space and dimensions and weight of the chair. Else these are put in the hold. Certain types of wheelchair such as non-collapsible, electric and power scooters are accepted as checked baggage. It is also important to note that you are required to check in at least one hour ahead of scheduled check in time.

Infants, Unaccompanied Minors and Children

Emirates classifies children between the age of 5 and 11 as minors and when these are not accompanied by an elder person, they are called unaccompanied minors. However, it shall be remembered that for the purpose of fares, a person of 2 years and above is considered to be an adult. Even the passengers with 12 and 17 years of age would need to be accompanied by a person of age 18 years and above.

Children between 12 and 15 years are classified as Young Passengers. They can also be given the Unaccompanied Minor service on request of parent or guardian.

If it happens that children below the age of 8 years are traveling in one cabin and their parents in another one, then the children would be considered the unaccompanied minors.

Children of less than 5 years of age are not accepted for Unaccompanied Minor Service.

Pregnant Women

Emirates gives importance to whether yours is a case of single or multiple pregnancies while traveling.

In case of multiple pregnancies or with complications, air travel is not permitted after the 32nd week.

Single, uncomplicated pregnancies are not allowed to travel after 36th week without a clearance from their own Medical Department.

In case having moved into the 29th week of pregnancy, a medical certificate from doctor or midwife is required which shall clearly state:

a. whether pregnancy is single or multiple.

b. that pregnancy is progressing without complication.

c. approximate time of delivery.

d. that you are in good health.

e. If you are not fit to travel, then the approximate date by which you would be fit for traveling.

Pre-existing medical conditions

If you are suffering from diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, heart disease or any other chronic disease, then, you are required to:

a. consult your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before the date of travel.

b. seek a letter describing the condition and required medications and dosages.

c. have all immunizations done. Carry your card with you.

Service Dogs

There is a requirement of UAE that all the animals shall enter the region as manifested cargo but an exception is made in case of service dogs for the blind passengers which are allowed in cabin without any extra charges. However, there is a need to notify the carrier about 48 hours before the scheduled flight for this purpose.

Fit to Fly Certificates (timelines)

1. A medical report from the qualified doctor must be produced no later than 48 hours from scheduled flight. This report shall not be older than 10 days from the date of flight.

2. The MEDIF form shall be presented not later than 48 hours before flight.

3. A FREMEC certificate is to be produced at least 96 hours before flight.