Emirates have confirmed they are expecting a peak travel period from Saturday, July 6, as many families head out on their summer holidays.
But fear not, because the airline have released some insider tips and tricks on exactly how you can beat the crowds.
Issuing urgent advice to passengers, Emirates stated that anyone, especially families heading to Dubai International Airport should allow extra time to get to DXB to to increased traffic.
In addition, you should think about leaving more time to get through immigration, and to get to your concourse and boarding gate.
But aside from extra time, Emirates have offered up some family-friendly hacks on how to make travelling at DXB a breeze – and it even involves free ice-cream.
Make sure you’ve got your timings right
If you’re heading to DXB in peak travel times, you should:
- Arrive to the airport 3 hours before departure
- Pass through immigration 1.5 hours before departure
- Reach your boarding gate 1 hour before departure
Have a quick check-in
Families should think about checking in at home using the Emirates Home Check In service, where agents can complete the process at your house and then take the bags onto the flight for you (if your business or first class, this service is free).
As well as using the app or website to check-in, you can even drop of your luggage at the airport up to 24 hours before the flight so that you don’t need to worry on the day of your flight.
There’s even a Check-In Store at ICD Brookfield Place where you can leave your luggage from 24 hours before your flight if that is easier to get to than the airport.
Enjoy the perks of the airport
First of all, you can treat the little ones to a free ice-cream from one of the Emirates carts popping up around the airport. Running between noon and 6pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the sweet treats will all be found in Terminal 3.
If you like reading this: How to entertain kids at Dubai International Airport
Emirates also provides free strollers if the kiddos are getting tired, and you can even use a Dubai airport buggy for free, if you need to get somewhere quickly.
Or if you need the children to let off some steam before flying, you can let them have a go on some of the kids play areas in the First and Business Class Lounges in Dubai Airport, Concourse A and B, where they can try out the arcade games.
Mother and baby care rooms are also inside the lounges, as well as baby changing facilities and feeding areas.
For those travelling with children with autism or other hidden disabilities, the airline offer advice and information on what to expect at the airport so you can prepare your little one.
Make the most of the flight
Once you’re on the flight, you’re half way there, so be sure to make the most of Emirates in-flight kids perks.
Sharing another travel hack, Emirates issued a reminder that they offer a selection of toys and giveaways on board, as well as a magazine filled with puzzles, activities and jokes.
Children even get free Wi-Fi messaging onboard, you just need to sign up to the Emirates Skysurfers loyalty programme.
Don’t forget to make sure cabin crew snap your polaroid photo too, as a reminder of your smooth airport experience.
Travelling soon?
How to entertain kids at Dubai International Airport
The pre-flight food and fun they’ll thank you for!
Travelling soon? Top lounges anyone can access at Dubai International Airport
Plan extra time ahead of your flight
10 things to do at Dubai International Airport
Manicures, workouts, gaming, great food and more
