With the beginning of the summer holiday season, Emirates Airlines is preparing for the peak of travel through Dubai Airport

With the start of the summer holiday season, Emirates Airlines is preparing for a major peak in travel rates through Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport. The carrier expects an increase in the number of passengers departing from this weekend, from July 3 to 5, calling on customers to plan ahead to ensure a smooth travel experience. Travel traffic during weekends is expected to remain active throughout the summer holidays.

Emirates Airlines calls on its customers to allocate additional time due to the expected density of traffic on the roads near the airport, as well as the number of passengers inside the airport, and the time that passengers may take to reach the boarding gates. The carrier also advises customers to take advantage of the multiple check-in options it provides, which contributes to reducing waiting times at the airport.

To avoid delays, Emirates Airlines calls on its customers to be at the airport at least 3 hours before their flight departure times, to complete travel procedures and arrive at the departure gate one hour before the flight time.

Emirates Airlines tips for a smooth travel journey

Use the Dubai Metro to reach Dubai International Airport directly

To avoid traffic congestion, Emirates advises customers to allocate extra time to reach the airport, and use the Dubai Metro to reach Emirates Terminal 3 directly. The metro’s working hours are as follows: Monday to Thursday and Saturday: from 5 am to 12 midnight, on Friday from 5 am to 1 am, and on Sunday from 8 am to 12 midnight.

Online check-in or Emirates app and seat selection

The Emirates app allows customers to easily access flight details. The application provides booking and modification of flights, downloading the digital boarding pass for most destinations, receiving flight notifications, viewing the meals that will be served on board, pre-ordering a hot meal in business class, booking a car service with a driver, and even choosing movies and planning to watch them through the ice inflight entertainment system.

Customers can also check in via the website emirates.com, where the online check-in service and the app are available 48 hours before the flight departure time.

Check-in and baggage drop 24 hours before departure, or 12 hours before for flights to the United States

Emirates customers can drop off their luggage at the airport the night before travel at no additional charge. Passengers departing from Dubai can check in early and drop off their luggage up to 24 hours before departure, or 12 hours before departure if traveling to the United States. On the day of travel, customers can go directly to immigration procedures.

Check-in and baggage drop in DIFC and Ajman

Customers can save time at the airport by checking in at the Travel Shop and checking in in the city with Emirates at ICD Brookfield Place in the DIFC. Located in a prime location in the heart of the business district, the center allows Emirates customers to check in and drop off baggage up to 24 hours before flight time and up to 4 hours before departure. Customers can complete travel procedures daily between 8 am and 12 midnight until August 10, through self-service kiosks or through designated desks with Emirates employees.

The Emirates Airlines check-in center in Ajman, located at the Ajman Central Bus Station, also provides customers with remote check-in, up to 24 hours before departure and up to 4 hours before the flight. The Emirates Airline Center in Ajman operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Book a home check-in service

Emirates customers also have the option of home check-in in Dubai and Sharjah. Service staff complete travel procedures at the customer’s home, hotel or office, then transfer the luggage to the flight, allowing customers to later arrive at the airport carrying hand luggage only. This service must be booked at least 24 hours before the flight. The home check-in service is available free of charge for First Class customers and Emirates Skywards Platinum members.

Benefit from self-service solutions at the airport

Customers can use Emirates self-service kiosks for check-in and baggage drop, or Emirates check-in counters, for a faster and more convenient experience. These platforms are located near the entrance to the building, and are one of the fastest ways to deliver luggage.

Emirates Skywards members can also register for the Emirates biometric service via the Emirates app before traveling, to use facial recognition technology and seamlessly pass through airport procedures.

Use the transportation options within the airport

When moving between Concourse A and Concourse B, Emirates customers can use the free train inside Terminal 3. Emirates also provides a bus service between Concourse A and Concourse C 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The bus departs every 20 minutes, and the average journey time is also about 20 minutes.

Pick-up and drop-off points are located at clearly designated connecting desks, which are the arrival level next to the central connecting desk in Concourse A, and the connecting desk E on the duty-free level in Concourse C.

First class customers can also use dedicated Emirates airline trolleys upon request throughout the airport, while Dubai Airport trolleys, also known as “Dubai Taxi”, are available free of charge to all customers, with priority given to the elderly, families traveling with children, and people of determination.

Pack your luggage carefully to avoid delays

Emirates Airlines calls on its customers to be careful when preparing their baggage and to adhere to the procedures for prohibited and restricted items. Customers should take into account the baggage rules, including that portable chargers are allowed in hand luggage only, and are not allowed in checked baggage.


Emirates Airlines allows smart bags to be carried inside the cabin if the battery is removable, and the bag is within the size and weight limits allowed for hand luggage. The battery can remain installed provided that the smart bag is completely closed.

It should also be ensured that electronic cigarettes, including e-cigarettes, e-pipes, portable electric perfume vaporizers, and any other personal vaporizers that contain batteries, are stored in a safe way to prevent them from being accidentally started. These devices are only allowed to be carried in hand luggage.

Advance shopping

As for customers wishing to save more time, they can pre-order their purchases through EmiratesRED.com and benefit from exclusive products, which are later delivered to their seats on board. The pre-order service is available on most flights, and customers can shop 21 days before the flight and up to 40 hours before departure, with flight details entered when completing the order. The cabin crew delivers the order directly to the customer’s seat during the flight.

The new summer catalog from Emirates RED includes more than 200 products from brands such as Hermes, Cartier, Tom Ford, Creed and Jo Malone. Customers who pre-order can use code RED10 to get a 10% discount.

Supporting people of determination

People of Determination receive dedicated support from trained Emirates airline and airport staff. This includes a pre-planning guide for travel through Dubai International Airport, two hours of free airport parking, access to a dedicated priority lane for check-in, passport control, security screening, and priority boarding when needed.

Customers can visit the One-stop Travel Center page on emirates.com for more information, or contact the local Emirates office for inquiries.