Dubai Airports issue advisory to ease holiday rush

Dubai:

Dubai Airports on Thursday issued an advisory for passengers to ease their travel through the airport as the seasonal rush is expected to hit the peak at Dubai International this weekend. Between Thursday and Sunday, the airport is expecting one million passengers, making it one of the busiest periods in the airport’s history.

By arriving early to the airport and using the smart traveller tips, passengers can beat the rush and breeze through travel formalities to reach their gates, a statement from the airport said.

Passengers are advised to double check their departure terminal ahead of time and should leave a minimum of three hours for check-in and passport control. They should also take into consideration daily rush hours and identify available routes to the airport, it said.

Information on baggage allowance should also be inquired about with the airline ahead of time. However, passengers should keep in mind that a single unit of baggage weighing more than 32kgs will not be accepted at check-in.

When it comes to packing liquids, it is always simpler to place the items along with sprays and gels in the check-in baggage. However, if a passenger wants to carry liquids in their hand luggage, they should ensure that the items are placed in a clear resealable plastic bag. Each item should not be more than 100ml and the total content of all items should not be more than one litre.

Another tip that will help passengers beat the queues at check-in is using the online checking-in option or the self-service check-in kiosks in the departures hall. Customers with baggage can make use of the quick-baggage drop counters, while those carrying only hand luggage can proceed directly to Immigration.

Using the e-Gate card also helps avoid queuing at passport control, both while arriving and on departure. An eGate Card can be obtained from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigner Affairs (immigration) for a fee. GDRFA have an eGate office in the departure areas of all terminals.