Emirates expects a busy travel weekend starting 8 Sept. 2016 onwards

During the upcoming weekend starting from Thursday 08 September, leading airlines Emirates announced it expects high passenger traffic on its flights as travellers take advantage of the long Eid Al Adha weekend. Over 160,000 travellers will be passing through Emirates Terminal 3 this upcoming weekend (Thursday – Saturday), with consistently high passenger loads from Dubai also expected on 11 and 12 September.

Emirates is expecting more than 250,000 passengers to travel during the upcoming Eid Al Adha period as travellers head home or abroad for short holidays. Close to 90,000 customers will travel on Friday 09 September with Emirates, according to the airline's latest booking figures. This year, the top destinations that travellers are heading to are Karachi, Mumbai, London Heathrow, Amman and Beirut.

On all Emirates flights, all passengers benefit from a generous baggage allowance of up to 35kg in Economy Class, 40kg in Business Class and 50kg in First Class. Passengers travelling to visit friends and family, or even on short shopping breaks have come to expect ample allowances when travelling with Emirates.

For families, Emirates has designated special areas for families consisting of 10 Economy Class check-in counters in Terminal 3, Area 2, that are designed with their needs in mind. In addition, special stroller services both upon departure and arrival enable parents access to prams heading to their gate and immediately upon leaving the aircraft. Families also enjoy priority boarding to ensure a seamless experience all the way to departure. In the Emirates Dubai lounges, special children’s play and entertainment areas with arcade quality games ensure that they never get bored. Play areas for children can also be found at Dubai International Airport.

The waitlisted economy passenger check-in Area 6 is now served by a dedicated Costa coffee kiosk as well.

As with any busy travel period, Emirates is reminding customers to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before flight departure, and plan extra time to get to the airport. Online check-in is available 48 hours before flight departures while check-in counters in Dubai open six hours before flight departure. The airline also operates check-in facilities at the car park terminal around the clock at its hub in Dubai. Customers can choose to check in and drop their luggage at the car park check-in facilities from 24 hours to six hours prior to departure easing the crowds during peak travel periods.

Customers are also urged to use the convenient Self Service Kiosks or baggage drop facilities to expedite their airport experience. Those checking in online are required to check in their luggage no later than 90 minutes prior to departure. Customers holding an e-boarding pass and travelling with carry-on bags only, can proceed directly to passport control and security clearance.

Customers who check-in less than 60 minutes to their scheduled flight departure will not be accepted. These time checks will ensure minimal delays and missed connections. Transit passengers from flights arriving late into Dubai will be escorted by Emirates’ airport staff to ensure they make their onward connections.

Those travelling to the United States, Canada and the UK are reminded to charge their electronic devices before getting to the airport, as they will be required to switch on these devices at the relevant boarding gates where screenings will take place, or risk being denied access to fly.

Key time checks for Emirates passengers:

• Online check-in is available from 48 hours to 90 minutes before flight departure
• Emirates check-in counters in Dubai are open six hours before flight departure
• Check in no later than 90 minutes prior to departure, regardless of class of travel
• Customers who have checked in online are also required to check in their luggage 90 minutes before flight departure
• Customers are advised to go through security checks no later than 60 minutes before flight departure
• Boarding on all flights begins 45 minutes prior to departure, and gates in all concourses close 20 minutes prior to departure