Emirates rolls out new check-in options to cushion travel rush
Emirates’ Airlines has re-assured its customers of stress-free check-in
experience despite the current surge in the number of passengers
expected to depart from its DXB’s Emirates Terminal 3 over the course of
the next two weekends.
More than 700,000 travellers are already
scheduled to depart through the terminal as they head off for their
spring break holidays.
With the lifting of COVID-19 related travel
restrictions in 16 countries, Emirates customers will be able to swiftly
check-in without the need to present Covid-19 related medical documents.
Emirates has said that customers may check in as early as 24 hours
before their flight departure using the 32 self-service bag drop
machines and 16 check-in kiosks available at Terminal 3, or at Emirates’
check-in desks.
Under the arrangement, passengers travelling to the US
can check in 12 hours before departure at Emirates’ check-in desks,
while customers using the self-service kiosk will receive their boarding
passes on the spot, although they are expected to still complete their
immigration formalities no later than 60 minutes before their flight
departure.
Other arrangements in place to ensure customer convenience include the
car park check-in facility located adjacent to the Terminal 3 car park
area in Zone C.
Passengers can also use the car park check-in facility
from 24 hours and up to six hours prior to departure. With zero parking
charges for using the drop-off lane adjacent to this facility, customers
who get dropped off at Terminal 3 Departures Car Park will have an
easier and more convenient check-in options to make their airport
journey smoother.
Also in place is the online check in arrangement, which gives customers
the convenient option to check in online up to 48 hours and until 90
minutes before their flight departure, on the Emirates’ website or the
mobile app, and download digital boarding passes on their mobile phones
for select destinations.
To further expedite their airport experience, Emirates has made it
possible for its customers to utilise Emirates’ biometric path in
Terminal 3 for a smoother and contactless journey from specific check-in
desks, Emirates dedicated lounges and boarding gates.
Without any
document checks or queuing, passengers can use the biometric path for a
fast and efficient process to complete their immigration formalities and
board their flights.
Apart from the travel restrictions, locator forms are also not required
in some countries. These countries include the UK, Portugal, Italy,
Jordan, Mauritius, Maldives, Austria, Bahrain, Denmark, Hungary,
Ireland, Norway, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Switzerland. Travel
restrictions however remain in place for other destinations.
In addition to departures from Dubai, close to 620,000 passengers will
be arriving on the flights during that same period, as many make
their way for their spring break holidays in Dubai, and to experience
Expo 2020 before it ends on 31st March.
The airline advises all customers to check that they have their documents
in order ahead of their flights on www.emirates.com/travelrequirements,
to ensure a smooth process at check-in.
It also urges passengers to
arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to their flight departure,
and ensure they have all the required documents as mandated by their
destination.
These tips are indeed helpful as customers who check in less than 60
minutes before departure will not be accepted for travel. Once checked
in, passengers are further advised to ensure they arrive to their
boarding gate on time.
Gates open 90 minutes before departure, boarding
starts 45 minutes before the flight and gates close 20 minutes before
departure. The airline will not be able to accept passengers reporting late
to the boarding gate for travel. Check-in and gate closure timings are
strictly followed by the company to ensure flights depart on schedule and
to avoid the impact on operations.
