Dubai peak travel alert: Emirates reveals key timings to note

Dubai airport

As peak travel season approaches, Emirates airline has issued an alert for travelers departing from Dubai International Airport (DXB). With over 2.6 million passengers expected to travel through the airport in just one month, the airline anticipates the busiest times to be just before the Eid Al Adha holiday on Saturday, June 15, and again on Saturday, July 6, as many families embark on their summer holidays. 

To ensure a smooth travel experience during this busy period, Emirates has provided key timings and guidelines for passengers. Typically, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport three hours before departure. However, during peak travel times, it is recommended to arrive four hours early, depending on the specific airport. Travelers should check their tickets for the most accurate arrival times for their journeys.

Here are some key timings to keep in mind:
- Arrive at the airport: 3 hours before departure
- Pass through immigration: 1.5 hours before departure
- Reach the correct boarding gate: 1 hour before departure

Emirates urges customers to plan for extra traffic on the roads approaching the airport, expect more people going through immigration, and account for the time it may take to travel between concourses and reach boarding gates.

To facilitate a more convenient check-in process, Emirates offers several options. Customers can check in online via Emirates.com, with online check-in and app check-in available 48 hours ahead of flight departure time. A digital boarding pass can be obtained for most destinations through the app, which also provides notifications about flights, meal reviews, pre-ordering hot meals in Business Class, booking chauffeur drive service, and pre-selecting movies to watch via the ice inflight entertainment system.

For those who prefer to drop off their luggage the night before their flight, Emirates allows customers to do so at no additional charge. Passengers 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. This allows customers to proceed directly to the immigration area closer to their departure time.

Additionally, Emirates offers a City Check-in and Travel Store located in ICD Brookfield Place, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Here, passengers can check in and drop off luggage as early as 24 hours and up to 4 hours before a flight. This service is available daily from 8 am to 10 pm through self-check-in kiosks, dedicated desks with Emirates agents, or via the robot check-in agent, Sara.

For ultimate convenience, Emirates customers in Dubai and Sharjah can opt for home check-in. DUBZ agents will complete the check-in process at the customer's home, hotel, or office, and take the bags to the flight. This allows customers to arrive at the airport later with only their hand luggage. The home check-in service must be booked at least 24 hours before the flight and is complimentary for First Class passengers and Platinum Skywards members.

Emirates also provides various transport options within the airport. Customers moving between Concourse A and Concourse B can use the train in Terminal 3, while a shuttle bus service runs between Concourse A and Concourse C every 20 minutes. First Class customers can use dedicated Emirates buggies available on request throughout the airport, and Dubai Airport Buggies are available for all customers free of charge, with priority given to the elderly, families with children, and People of Determination.

For those looking to save time on duty-free shopping, Emirates offers a pre-order service through EmiratesRED.com. Customers can shop for duty-free products from 21 days up to 40 hours before their flight and have their orders delivered directly to their seat during the flight.

Lastly, Emirates provides special assistance for People of Determination, including dedicated support from trained staff, a pre-planning guide for DXB for those with hidden disabilities, two hours of complimentary parking at the airport, and access to a dedicated priority lane for check-in, passport control, security, and priority boarding if required.

By following these guidelines and taking advantage of the available services, Emirates passengers can ensure a more seamless and stress-free travel experience during the peak travel season.