Emirates, the Dubai-based airline, quietly implemented a new policy that restricts how young children can access seats in its ultra-luxe first class cabins.
The new policy, first reported by One Mile at a Time, isn’t a blanket ban on kids in first class, but restricts young children from getting a first class seat using frequent flyer miles or by getting an upgrade.
Jordan Team, a press representative for Emirates in the U.S., confirmed the rule to USA TODAY in an email, highlighting the airline’s policy on its website.
According to Emirates, children ages 8 and below are ineligible to redeem miles for first class seats, and children must be at least 9 years old to receive an Emirates Classic Rewards upgrade into first class.
Children of all ages can still fly in first class if their ticket is purchased as a cash fare (cash or credit cards).
If you’re not flying Emirates first class and still want to avoid having a crying kid as a seat neighbor, there are no guarantees, but you can consider flying during the week when school is in session to reduce your chances of having a child on your flight, among other strategies.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Emirates restricts first class miles redemption for kids