I was invited by Emirates Airways, with my family, for a movie at Nu Metro Hyde Park, along with other bloggers and journalists. The event was held to celebrate Emirates’ unbeaten 12-year record as winner of the World’s Best Inflight Entertainment award, and also to introduce us to their new family offerings. The red carpet was laid out for us along with snacks and drinks and miniature Emirates uniforms for the kids to dress up in. The kids had fun playing while we adults socialised and enjoyed the edible treats laid out for us.
Emirates kids
When it was time for the movie, we were led to one of the VIP Cinemas with our popcorn and drinks. It was the first time I had been there since it was revamped and I was truly impressed. We relaxed in luxurious, leather recliners with our legs up and tons of space around us. It was just what I needed after a hectic week. The kids were given blanket buddies and travel buddies by an air hostess, as they would be given on the plane. These were so soothing that some of the smaller kids fell asleep.
Popcorn and drinks laid out
Storks is an adorable movie about a baby delivery business which had been converted into a parcel delivery business. However, an unauthorised baby girl is produced and the company’s two staff members, who are responsible, have to deliver her before the boss finds out. There were lots of “Awww" moments and some of us even shed a tear to two during the emotional scenes. The kids and the adults loved it.
Nu Metro Hyde Park
About Emirates
I’ve flown Emirates a couple of times before – most recently on my trip to Italy. They certainly are one of my preferred airlines. The aircrafts are modern (and even have wi-fi in the sky), the entertainment is top-notch and the Dubai airport is comfortable enough for long layovers if need be.
Here is what kids can expect on board:
Fly With Me Animals (for pre-schoolers)
A range of 4 cuddly characters from the ‘Fly With Me Animal’ collection. Every six months, 4 new animals will be introduced giving children more to collect. They come in 3 product lines:
Meet Shane, the Koala Bear
Fly With Me Animals Magazine (for kids aged 3-8 years old)
Fly With Me Animals is a fun and colourful magazine produced exclusively for Emirates’ young flyers aged 3-8 years old. Each magazine includes a colouring set which features Emirates Little Travellers characters.
Fly With Me Lonely Planet Kids (for older kids)
Emirates has teamed up with the travel experts at Lonely Planet Kids to create travel packs to inspire older children to encourage a sense of adventure in young travellers. These include fold-out world maps, travel journals, plastic drink bottles, cards with world facts and various educational books exclusive to Emirates.
Meals and Special Products for Babies and Children
For babies and toddlers on all routes Emirates offers:
For children on all routes Emirates offers:
Emirates Family Offering
Children’s Entertainment
Young travellers on Emirates receive specially designed colourful headphones and they can enjoy a wide variety of children's movies, television shows and video games from Disney, Cartoon Network, CBeebies and Nickelodeon channels plus much more. These include
On the ground
Dubai airport
Lounges in Dubai (First Class and Business Class)
These Dubai lounges have dedicated kids areas with play areas offering entertainment and exciting interactive games suitable for kids of all ages, up to older teens. Little kids can also get a separate range of Fly With Me toys and activity kits which have been specially designed for the lounges.
Other special services for children and infants include:
Unaccompanied Minors Service
The unaccompanied minors service is available for children from 5 to under 12 years travelling alone or children under 8 years of age travelling in a different cabin class from their parents. This service includes separate check-in facilities, dedicated staff to accompany the minor throughout the journey and a dedicated lounge with toys and entertainment for kids.
Skywards Skysurfers
Skywards Skysurfers is our frequent flyer programme for young travellers aged two to 16. Skysurfers have their own membership card, earn Miles when they travel and move up through the tiers just like Emirates Skywards members. They can spend their Miles on treats like flights, toys, fun-filled day trips and more. More details are available at skysurfers.com.
Now I'm looking forward to fly Emirates with my family again...
#EmiratesICEJNB
See a comparison of Emirates Airways vs Qatar Airways.
See my review of Qatar Airways.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
I read Your blog. It's more informative and interesting than other blogs. I really enjoy it.
This is nice!
Glad you also enjoyed it!
Thanks Heather. I would have loved to have met you - if only we had name tags!
Wow amazing my daughter would enjoy this. Awesome event
Thanks Moipone. I would have loved to have seen you and your lovely daughter there