Emirates calls for early check-in to cut holiday delays

Emirates is warning passengers in Dubai to check-in early as traffic hits a holiday peak from December 14 and says it will strictly enforce rules to minimize delays An estimated 420,000 passengers will pass through Emirates Terminal 3 over the weekend as holidaymakers head home and locals head abroad. The Gulf carrier expects its busiest day to be Friday but warns that work around the airport means passengers need to build in extra time to their journeys to avoid potential delays. Read: World's Best Airlines for 2018 Those that check-in less than 60 minutes before departure will not be accepted for travel. “Emirates reminds customers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flight departures,’’ the airline said. “Passengers can physically check in at the airport as early as six hours before departing on their flight. “They are requested to check in no later than 2 hours prior to departure, regardless of class of travel.” The Gulf carrier pointed to alternatives which could help smooth the way such as online check-in available from 48 hours to 90 minutes before departure. It also offers car park check-in facilities where customers can use 16 counters to check-in and drop off their luggage. This is in addition to 46 dedicated economy class bag drop counters in T3 as well as separate first and business class facilities. Passengers have been “strongly advised” to adhere to carry-on baggage weight limits of 7kg for economy class and 14kg for business and first. “Staff will be checking the weight of carry-on bags at various touch points before passengers board their flights,’’ it said. Transit passengers should also be aware the airline will be strictly enforcing gate closures 20 minutes prior to departure, refusing to accept latecomers in a bid to ensure flights depart on schedule from the busy international hub. US travelers also face a busy Christmas as home airlines move a forecast 51 million passengers over the 21-day holiday travel period. That’s up 3.5 per cent on last year and US airlines will fly an additional 93,000 seats a day to cope with the additional traffic.