About Emirates

Emirates was founded in 1985, following the decline of Gulf Air paving the way for a new airline to thrive in the Middle East. Backed by the royal family of Dubai, Emirates became the state-owned flag carrier airline of the United Arab Emirates.

Widely regarded as a high-end option for luxury travel, the airline has gone from strength to strength. The airline now sees over 3,600 flights depart every week from its Dubai International Airport hub. Its mixed fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft serve over 150 cities across 80 different countries.

A survey in 2018 showed that Emirates was the fourth-largest airline in the world, based on the total distance it flew passengers in the preceding year. With the total number of passenger-kilometres flown in 2017 reaching nearly 300,000,000,000, this ranked Emirates as the largest non-US airline. It was also the second-largest freight transporter that year, losing out only to FedEx Express.

IATA Code	EK
Airline Hub	Dubai International Airport
Fleet Size	269
Number of Destinations	157
Airline Punctuality	'8 out of 10' rating
Alliance	None
Loyalty Program	Emirates Skywards
Inflight Magazine	Portfolio
Airline Website	www.emirates.com

Further information

Check-in information

Passengers can check-in on the airlines' website or at the airport.

Online Check-in:

Online check-in opens 48 hours before scheduled departure time and closes 90 minutes before flight time.

Airport Check-in:

Airport check-in times vary, depending on the passenger's airport of departure. Passengers can check with the airline.

Food on board

Emirates serves a wide range of gourmet meals with flavors of the local destinations it flies to. The airline is renowned for its comprehensive beverage catalogue, including assorted wines, beers, juices, tea/coffee as well as soft drinks.

Cabin classes

Emirates offers Economy, Business and First Class cabins.

Economy Class:

This is an affordable way of flying in a comfortable cabin, offered in two fare classes - Special or Saver fare. Its facilities include inflight entertainment (for adults and children), WI-FI and in-flight meal (two choices on medium-haul services, at least two main meal offerings plus a snack service on long-haul flights and a meal on short-haul flights).

Business Class:

The airline offers maximum comfort in its Business Class cabins. Passengers are treated to a chauffeur-driven airport drop-off if flying in its A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft from Dubai. Other perks include priority check-in, live sports entertainment, onboard WIFI, access to Emirates lounge and champagne bar. Travellers on basic Business Class may purchase some of the earlier-mentioned perks like lounge service, chauffeur drive, and more. Moreover, the cabin offers maximum privacy and ample legroom, topped with 180 degrees-reclining seats.

First Class:

The most luxurious way of flying on Emirates Airlines, including a ride to the airport in a Mercedes Benz-S class. Its facilities include First Class lounge in Dubai, with access to a cigar bar, personal widescreen TV, live sports show, WIFI. The cabin space is personalised with an enclosed door and onboard shower spa and lounge.

Baggage information

Hand Luggage:

Economy class passengers are permitted one item of carry-on baggage, which must not exceed 55 x 38 x 20cm, and not exceed 7kg in weight. First or Business Class travellers are permitted two pieces of carry-on baggage; one briefcase (max 18 x 14 x 8 inches) plus either a handbag (max 22 x 15 x 8 inches) or garment bag (max 8 inches thick when folded). The weight of any item must not exceed 7kg.

Checked Luggage:

Passengers can enter their itinerary and cabin class in a baggage allowance calculator offered by the airline to confirm the exact allowance for their flight.

Infants and Children:

Infants are allowed one piece of checked baggage, weighing 10kg. Also, passengers are permitted a carry-cot or a fully collapsible stroller as carry-on baggage if there is room.