Travelling is known for being a tad, stressful, and nobody wants that at the start or the end of their holidays.

Lucky for you, if you’re heading in or out of Dubai International Airport this summer, there’s some great DXB travel hacks you’ll want to put into practice.

The coming weeks are known to be a busy time at the airport, and DXB have already given some summer guidance for passengers.

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But there are some other handy things you should know when jetting off, from how to get through security in seconds to which lounges you can redeem.

So if you’re gearing up for a flight, here are the top DXB travel hacks to know about.

DXB travel hacks – Departures

Hop on the Dubai Metro

Depending on the time you’re heading to the airport, the traffic heading towards DXB could be pretty crazy.

To avoid frantically refreshing your phone to check your gates still open while in a traffic jam, you might want to consider the metro. There are Metro stations in Terminals 1 and 3, meaning you can glide along Sheikh Zayed Road in no time.

Grab a free shower in the airport

If you’re on a connecting flight or just feel like you need a freshen up, don’t sit and feel gross, hop in a free shower before take-off.

For those flying from Terminal 3, head on over to the facilities between gates B13 and B19 for a quick spruce-up before you board.

Terminal 3, Concourse B

Check your credit card benefits

It’s always worth checking your credit card benefits before you head to the airport, especially when it comes to airport lounges. As well as discounts you can redeem in certain restaurants, there are a host of DXB lounges that you can access for free if you have specific cards.

From the Marhaba lounges to even the Emirates lounges (if you have the right credit card), make sure you’re waiting for your gate in the most luxurious set up possible.

Register for Smart Gates

This DXB travel hack can let you swoon through passport control in seconds without getting out a single document. Operational for both departing and arriving passengers, simply register for Smart Gates online, then pass through the electronic gates by looking at the green light.

Open to UAE/GCC nationals, UAE residents and visa-on arrival guests with biometric passports, you should register in advance on the GDRFA website.

DXB travel hacks – Arrivals

Choose an RTA taxi over Uber

Flying into DXB airport and planning to get an Uber? The way you hail one has changed. Using a ‘pin and queue’ system, you request a vehicle on your phone, receive a pin number, and join a queue to meet a driver at one of the pick-up zones (which are signposted).

While the system makes exiting the airport quicker during off-peak times, during busier periods (such as 11pm, midnight and 1am) you can expect a queue similar to DXB’s regular taxi ranks, which may make the latter the faster option.

Park in the car park when picking up guests

If you’re picking up guests from DXB, you’ll need to park the car and meet them at the Terminal. Access to the Arrival area in Terminal 1 and 3 are now only for public transport pick-ups so don’t waste time trying to pull up there.

Use the dedicated kid’s passport control counters

Children aged four to 12 years can get their passports stamped at the dedicated control counters in Terminals 1, 2 and 3. This will help save you time and please little ones who can get their passport stamped on their own.

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