Emirates highlights extra busy December with over 2.3 million departures and 2.5 million arrivals
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The airline advises customers to take advantage of an array of options to facilitate a speedier and more seamless travel experience this December.
Emirates is advising all customers of a significant travel surge throughout the month of December. With peak tourist season in full swing, a myriad of local events and recent changes to the KHDA calendar ensuring schools are closed for most of December - Emirates is planning for more than 2.3 million departures over the next few weekends, and more than 2.5 million arrivals.
Emirates strongly recommends that customers plan their travel carefully this December - preparing for the likelihood of additional traffic on the way to the airport, busier carparks, and a bustling airport for the festive season.
Emirates’ top 5 ways to minimise waiting times at Dubai International (DXB) this December.
1)Tell everyone the timelines.
Avoid debates and confusion in advance and ensure the whole family or group is aware of the recommended travel times from Emirates. During December, you should arrive to the Airport: 3 hours before departure. Ensure you pass through Immigration: 1.5 hours before departure. Ensure you reach your correct Boarding Gate: 1 hour before departure. Then, start your trip off in the best way with time to enjoy the array of airside attractions at Dubai International (DXB) from Emirates Lounges to restaurants and cafes, world class shopping and relaxation areas.
2.) Download the Emirates App to check in online and register for Biometrics to breeze through the airport.
Download the Emirates app for flight details at your fingertips and check in 48 hours in advance. Get your digital boarding pass for most destinations and notifications about your flight, check what meals will be served, pre-order your hot meal in Business Class, book a chauffeur drive service and even pre-select and plan what to watch via ice inflight entertainment. Customers can now also use their Emirates app to register to use the Biometrics path at Dubai International (DXB). The registration takes only a few minutes and enables customers to move quickly through the airport using airport smart gates, biometric boarding at Emirates gates and biometric entry to Emirates Lounges.
Customers can also check in on Emirates.com 48 hours ahead of flight departure time.
3.) Check in and drop luggage off at DIFC - Emirates City Check In & Travel Store and get free Skywards Miles.
Save time at the airport and check in at Emirates City Check In and Travel Store in ICD Brookfield Place, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) instead. Conveniently located in the heart of the business district, Emirates customers can avail free parking to check in and drop off luggage as early as 24 hours and up to 4 hours before a flight. Customers who check in and drop luggage at this location between December 15 to January 15, will be rewarded with 2,500 Emirates Skywards Miles each - including children, meaning that a family of 4 could claim 10,000 miles just by checking in at the state-of-the-art venue. Emirates City Check in and Travel Store is open from 8am to 10pm daily, and from December 15 to January 15, the opening hours of the venue have been extended to 12 midnight.
Customers can also check in remotely in at the 24-hour Emirates City Check In Ajman, located in Ajman Central Bus Terminal as early as 24 hours and as late as 4 hours before the flight departs.
4.) Drop off your luggage at the airport the day before, or enjoy a stress-free Home Check In.
Emirates customers can make more room in their car and minimise tasks at the airport by dropping off luggage at the airport the night before travel, at no charge. Passengers who are departing from Dubai can check-in early and drop off their bags 24 hours before departure, or 12 hours before departure if flying to the US. Then closer to departure time, customers can proceed directly to the Immigration area at the airport.
Emirates customers can also opt to check in at home in Dubai and Sharjah. Emirates’ Agents complete the quick check-in process at the customer's home, hotel, or office, and take their bags on to the flight, so that the customers can arrive at a later time with just hand luggage. The service needs to be booked at least 24 hours before a flight, and Emirates recommends booking early to avoid disappointment. The Home Check-In service is complimentary for First Class customers and Platinum Skywards members.
5.) Make sure your baggage meets Emirates’ requirements.
Emirates requests that customers are vigilant while packing bags and follow the restricted items procedures. Take note of new rules such as - Emirates customers may only carry one power bank that is under 100 Watt Hours and must have capacity rating information available. Power banks must now be placed in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you and are not allowed in checked baggage. Smart bags are allowed in the cabin if the battery is removable, powered off, and within the cabin baggage size and weight limits. E-cigarettes including e-cigars, e-pipes, Electric Portable Incense (Perfume) Burner or other personal vaporizers containing batteries must be individually protected to prevent accidental activation and are only allowed as carry-on luggage.
