Emirates is urging passengers to prepare for heavy airport traffic in December, as the airline expects one of its busiest travel periods of the year with more than 2.3 million departures and 2.5 million arrivals forecast over the coming weekends.
December travel rush
The airline said peak tourist season, major city events and updated KHDA school schedules will push travel numbers higher than usual. Emirates advised customers to plan ahead for longer road travel times, crowded carparks and a busy Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Recommended timings
Emirates is reminding travellers to follow its suggested schedule to avoid delays:
Arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure
Complete Immigration 1.5 hours before departure
Reach the correct boarding gate 1 hour before departure
Using the Emirates app
The airline encouraged passengers to use the Emirates app for online check-in, flight updates, meal previews and entertainment planning. Customers can also register through the app to use DXB’s biometric path for faster access through smart gates, boarding gates and Emirates lounges. Online check-in is also available on Emirates.com starting 48 hours before departure.
City check-in options
Travellers can save time by checking in and dropping off bags at the Emirates City Check In & Travel Store in DIFC, open from 8am to 10pm, with extended hours to midnight from Dec 15 to Jan 15. The service offers free parking and early check-in from 24 to 4 hours before a flight.
Customers using this facility between Dec 15 and Jan 15 will receive 2,500 Skywards Miles each, including children.
Passengers can also use the 24-hour Emirates City Check In Ajman at the Ajman Central Bus Terminal.
Early and home check-in
Customers departing from Dubai can drop off bags at DXB the day before travel, free of charge. Early drop-off is available 24 hours before departure, or 12 hours for US-bound flights.
Home check-in is also available in Dubai and Sharjah, where Emirates agents handle formalities and collect baggage. The service is complimentary for First Class travellers and Platinum Skywards members.
Baggage reminders
Emirates reminded passengers about updated baggage rules, including:
Only one power bank under 100Wh is allowed and must be carried in the cabin.
Smart bags must have removable, switched-off batteries.
E-cigarettes, portable incense burners and similar devices must be carried in hand luggage and individually protected.
Additional travel tips
Passengers can pre-order duty-free items on EmiratesRED.com, with products delivered to their seat on board. Orders can be placed from 21 days up to 40 hours before departure, and customers can use code RED10 for a 10% discount.
The airline also highlighted its new Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub, offering information on special assistance, airport navigation tools, mobility support, family travel and services for people of determination.
Getting around DXB
Inside the airport, travellers can use the following transport options:
Train: Free train service from Concourse B to Concourse A for Emirates customers.
Bus: Shuttle buses between Concourses A and C operate 24/7, every 20 minutes.
Buggy taxis: Available for First Class passengers on request and for other travellers based on availability, with priority given to families, elderly passengers and people of determination.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
