Emirates expects one of its highest passenger traffic periods for 2018 this summer, with more than 220,000 travellers set to pass through Emirates Terminal 3 between June 29 and July 6.

The busiest weekend for the airline is expected to be from July 6, with the busiest weekend day being June 29.

To ensure smooth operations at the airport, Emirates is reminding customers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before flight departure, and customers are encouraged to plan extra time to avoid potential delays. 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 90 minutes prior to departure, regardless of class of travel. Customers who check in less than 60 minutes prior to their scheduled flight departure will not be accepted for travel. Customers can also check in online on both their desktops and mobile devices from 48 hours to 90 minutes before flight departure.

In addition to these online check-in services, Emirates also offers check-in facilities near its car park area. Customers can use these to check in and drop off their luggage from 24 hours to six hours prior to departure. Along with checked in baggage, passengers are strongly advised to adhere to carry-on baggage weight limits, which are 7kg for Economy Class and 14kg for Business and First Class.  Staff will be checking the weight of carry-on bags at various touch points before passengers board their flights.

For a more convenient way to check-in, especially for families, groups and passengers with tight schedules, Emirates also offers home-check in, allowing customers travelling across all classes to check in for their flights from anywhere in Dubai. The service allows customers to complete check-in from the comfort of their home, hotel or office and have their luggage transported to the airport prior to their flight and then straight to their destination.

An Emirates check-in agent will arrive at the preferred location to weigh and tag the bags as well as check-in the customers and issue boarding passes. Customers can then make their own way to the airport and head directly to immigration, bypassing the check-in desks at the airport.

All customers travelling should be present with their passports. Cost is Dh350 ($95.2) for up to 7 bags with an additional charge per bag after that.

For families, Emirates has designated special check-in areas consisting of 20 economy check-in counters in Terminal 3 at Area 2. For passengers accessing Emirates lounges in Dubai Airport, kids will be able to enjoy a dedicated play area. Across all classes, families can benefit from priority boarding to the aircraft.

In addition, all Emirates customers can enjoy complimentary Emperor ice cream during peak departure times every day this summer. Emirates is serving the frozen treat via its branded carts to all its customers at Dubai International Airport, and ice cream cups are being distributed to customers at Terminal 3 departure and transit areas. The Emperor branded ice cream is handmade locally by EKFC in five flavours: Chocolate, Vanilla, Date & Arabic Coffee, Mango Sorbet, and Lemon Sorbet. The Emperor ice-cream is also served to all First Class and Business Class customers in Emirates lounges in Dubai and onboard certain flights.

After checking in, passengers are also advised to make sure they get to their boarding gate on time. Boarding starts 45 minutes before each flight and gates close 20 minutes before departure. Check-in and gate closure timings will be strictly followed to ensure flights depart on schedule. - TradeArabia News Service