Get to the airport early! Emirates says busy travel week ahead of holidays

Emirates expects this week to be its busiest of 2016, as travellers head home or abroad for the holiday season. A total of 307,000 passengers are expected to pass through Emirates’ Concourses and Terminal 3 between 14-17 December, according to the latest booking figures. The busiest day for the airline is expected on Friday 16 December.

To make the journey as seamless and trouble-free as possible at the airport, Emirates is deploying extra staff to assist customers.

Emirates is also reminding customers to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before flight departure, and plan extra time to get to the airport to avoid heavy traffic during the holiday period. Passengers can physically check in at the airport as early as six hours before departing on their flight. Emirates has car park check-in facilities, which operate around the clock at Dubai International Airport.  Equipped with 16 check-in counters, customers can check-in and drop their luggage at the car park check-in facilities from 24 hours to six hours prior to departure, easing their journey through the airport during peak travel periods. All passengers must be present at the time of check-in. Along with checked in baggage, passengers are strongly advised to adhere to carry-on baggage weight limits, which are 7kg for Economy Class and 14kg for Business and First Class.  Staff will be checking the weight of carry-on bags at various touch points before passengers board their flights.

Customers are also urged to check-in online before departure. This was recently extended to 48 hours to 90 minutes before departure. Customers can check in on their desktops, mobile devices or use the Emirates App, in addition to convenient Self Service Kiosks at the airport.  When checking in baggage, Emirates’ convenient online check-in baggage drop facilities at the airport will help passengers to expedite their airport experience. Customers who have checked in online are also required to check in their luggage 90 minutes before flight departure.

For families, Emirates has designated special check-in areas consisting of 20 economy check-in counters in Terminal 3 at Area 2, which are designed with their needs in mind.

In addition, all UAE Nationals and residents holding a valid Emirates ID card older than 18 years of age can take advantage of the automated immigration gates at departures in Terminal 3, ensuring a more efficient passenger experience. Families travelling with children below the age of 18 can approach the manned counters adjacent to the smart gates to complete their immigration formalities.

Passengers are requested to check in no later than 90 minutes prior to departure, regardless of class of travel. Customers who check in less than 60 minutes to their scheduled flight departure will not be accepted. Emirates passengers are also strongly advised to go through security checks no later than 60 minutes before their flight, as boarding on all flights begins 45 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. Gates in all concourses close 20 minutes prior to departure. Check-in and gate closure timings will be strictly followed to ensure flights depart on schedule.  These time checks will ensure minimal flight delays out of Dubai.