Emirates Rolls Out New Check-In Options Over Expected Travel Rush
OpenLife Nigeria reports that 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 Emirates 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.
Emirates 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. Emirates 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 Emirates to ensure flights depart on schedule and to avoid the impact on operations.
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