Emirates

Emirates is the international airline of Dubai and one of the world’s largest long-haul carriers. Almost every Emirates journey either starts, ends or connects at Dubai International Airport, where the airline runs a huge transfer operation linking Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and the Americas. It flies an all wide-body fleet that includes the Airbus A380, and it is not a member of any of the three global airline alliances, though it has partnerships with several carriers.

Hub and network

The hub is Dubai International Airport (DXB), where Emirates operates from Terminal 3. Because so many itineraries connect in Dubai, the airline is a common choice for Europe–Asia and Europe–Australia trips, and for travellers who want a stopover in Dubai on the way. If your ticket includes a flight operated by another airline, check which carrier’s rules apply to bags and check-in.

Baggage allowance

Cabin baggage, according to Emirates’ official baggage FAQ:

• Economy: one bag up to 55 x 38 x 22 cm, maximum 7 kg. You must be able to lift it into the overhead locker yourself.
• Premium Economy: one bag of the same size, maximum 10 kg.
• Business and First: two pieces (a briefcase up to 45 x 35 x 20 cm plus a handbag up to 55 x 38 x 22 cm or a garment bag), each up to 7 kg.
• Infants: an extra handbag of up to 5 kg plus a collapsible stroller or carry-cot.

Checked baggage depends on your route and fare. Emirates uses a weight concept (a total kilo allowance) on most routes, and a piece concept (a number of bags with a per-bag weight limit) on flights to and from the Americas and Africa. Your exact allowance is shown in Manage your booking and on your e-ticket; extra allowance can be bought in advance on the additional baggage page.

Check-in

• Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure and closes 90 minutes before departure (official page).
• If your first flight is operated by a partner airline, you check in with that airline instead.
• At Dubai, Emirates offers early bag drop for departing passengers; the page above lists the current time windows, which are shorter for flights to the US.

Seats, meals and onboard service

Meals and soft drinks are included on Emirates flights in every cabin, and most aircraft have seat-back screens with the airline’s “ice” entertainment system. Whether seat selection is free, paid or only available at check-in depends on your fare and loyalty status: the options are shown when you manage your booking. Emirates Skywards is the airline’s frequent-flyer programme.

Changes, cancellations and refunds

Change and refund conditions are set by the fare you buy: flexible fares cost more but allow changes or refunds, while the cheapest fares are restrictive. Check the fare conditions before paying, and make changes through Manage your booking or the Emirates help centre. On flights departing the EU or UK, EU or UK passenger rules may also give you rights in case of cancellation or long delay.

Practical tips

• Weigh your cabin bag. 7 kg in Economy is less than many travellers expect, and bags over the limit can be moved to the hold at excess rates when departing Dubai.
• Leave enough time for the Dubai connection. DXB is large; read our Dubai International Airport guide and use the Layover Planner if you are thinking about leaving the airport.
• Plan for jet lag on long sectors with our Jet Lag Calculator.
• Check entry rules before a stopover: see our United Arab Emirates guide.

Official links

• Booking: emirates.com · Manage your booking
• Baggage: Baggage and lost property FAQ · Checked baggage
• Help and contact: Emirates help centre

Rules and services checked against official sources in October 2026. Airlines and airports change their policies, fares and services regularly: always confirm the details for your own booking on the official pages linked here before you travel.

Header photo: Malokkii / Wikimedia Commons, CC0