Emirates expects a record number of travellers to take to the skies as this upcoming weekend is expected to be one of its busiest for 2015. On 18 December alone, over 34,000 people will check into Emirates’ dedicated Terminal 3 facilities.
Over 535,000 people will be travelling with Emirates over the period between 17-19 December. This represents an increase of almost 14% over last year during the same period.
Overall, the busiest day for the airline is expected on Friday 18 December although high passenger traffic is expected to start from today, 14 December, and remain at peak levels until the end of this month. This year, top destinations out of Dubai include Beirut, London, Bangkok, Istanbul, Karachi and Cairo. Emirates also expects large passenger volumes to come into Dubai from London, Karachi, Mumbai, Milan and Delhi.
Emirates is reminding customers to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before their flight departs, and factor in extra time to arrive to the airport in case they experience heavy road traffic. Check-in counters open 6 hours before departure however passengers can check-in from 24 hours to 6 hours before departure at the car park check-in area. All passengers must be present at the time of check-in.
Customers who check-in less than 60 minutes to their scheduled flight departure will not be accepted. These time checks will ensure the minimization of delays and missed connections.
Customers are also urged to check-in online and then use the convenient 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.
For families, Emirates has designated special areas for families consisting of 10 economy check-in counters in Terminal 3 at Area 2, which are designed with their needs in mind. Additionally, special stroller services both upon departure and arrival enable parents access to prams when 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 are entertained even before boarding their Emirates flight.
To celebrate the recent launch of on-board and lounge toys, Emirates will be conducting a number of activities at the family check-in area from 18 to 19 December.
Passengers are also urged to check the permitted list of carry-on and checked-in items for safe travel this holiday season. Spare lithium batteries used for electronic devices such as cameras, mobiles phones and laptops are restricted from checked-in baggage. Emirates also restricts all smart balance wheels – with or without lithium batteries removed – from checked-in or carry-on luggage. Customers are asked to ensure they make arrangements for ‘hoverboards’ ahead of travelling.
Passengers also need to make sure that liquids, gels and aerosols, pastes, lotions, creams, drinks and other items must be in containers with a capacity not exceeding 100ml.
Customers travelling to the United States, Canada and the UK are reminded to charge their electronic devices before arriving at the airport, as they will be required to switch on these devices on at the relevant boarding gates where screenings will take place, or risk being denied access to fly.
Key time checks for Emirates passengers:
· Emirates check-in counters are open six hours before flight departure
· Car park check-in is available from 24 hours to 6 hours before 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
