Dubai Airport: Efficient Check-In For A Smooth Journey

Checking in at Dubai Airport is a straightforward process, with several options available to travellers. Online check-in is available 48 hours prior to your flight and closes 75 minutes before departure. If you check in online, you may still need to go to the airport check-in counter for verification of travel documents and to receive your boarding pass. Check-in desks at the airport open 3 hours before departure and close 60 minutes before. It is recommended that travellers arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure to allow enough time for travel procedures.

Check-in desks and kiosks

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has check-in desks and kiosks available for passengers to use. Check-in desks are manned by check-in agents from the airline, such as Emirates or flydubai, and kiosks are available for passengers who prefer a self-service option.

Check-in desks

Check-in desks are available at both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport. The check-in desks are separated by travel class and membership tier, with dedicated check-in areas for Emirates Skywards Silver, Gold, and Platinum members. The check-in desks open 3 hours before departure and close 60 minutes before departure.

Check-in kiosks

Self-check-in kiosks are available at the Economy check-in area in Terminal 3. These kiosks allow passengers to check-in, receive their boarding pass, choose their seats, and drop off their bags. The kiosks are fully self-service, allowing passengers to proceed directly to immigration. Emirates has also introduced touchless self-check-in kiosks that can be controlled by mobile phones, eliminating the need to touch the screens.

It is important to note that the self-check-in kiosks are not available for passengers travelling to the US, Canada, China, India, and Hong Kong due to additional requirements from these destinations.

Check-in times

Checking in for your flight at Dubai International Airport (DXB) can be done online, at the airport, or at home. Check-in times vary depending on the airline and terminal. For example, for Emirates flights, check-in usually opens three hours before departure, but at some airports, it can be up to four hours. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two to three hours before their flight to ensure a smooth check-in process.

For those flying with Virgin Atlantic, check-in starts four hours before departure and closes one hour before. Boarding passes can be printed at home or at the airport, and there is no designated check-in area, so passengers are advised to check the information displays once inside the terminal.

If you are flying from Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport (DXB) with flydubai, check-in opens three hours before departure and closes one hour before. At Terminal 3, Emirates Skywards Silver members can check in at the dedicated Silver members' area, while Gold members can check in at the Business Class counters. Platinum members can check in at the First Class counters, regardless of their class of travel.

Online check-in is also available for many airlines and can be done up to 48 hours before your flight. This allows passengers to choose their seats, add baggage, and make other changes to their booking. However, at some airports, passengers may still need to go to the check-in counter for verification of travel documents and to receive their boarding pass.

Baggage check-in

Checking in baggage at Dubai International Airport (DXB) depends on the terminal and class of your flight.

Terminal 2

If your flight is from Terminal 2, you can check in your baggage at one of the flydubai check-in desks. If you are flying in Economy Class, you can go to bag drop desks 17 to 21. If you are flying in Business Class, you can go to the flydubai Business Class check-in area near Entrance 3.

Terminal 3

If your flight is from Terminal 3, the process is slightly different. If you are flying in Economy Class, you can go to any economy class check-in counter in all areas. If you are flying in Business Class, you can go to any check-in counter in areas F and J. Please note that some areas are assigned for specific flights, such as Area 5, which is for US flights check-in only.

Baggage Allowance

It is important to note that there are guidelines for checked baggage. Each passenger can check in up to 3 pieces of baggage, as long as their combined weight does not exceed the allowance in the booking confirmation. Each bag must weigh less than 32 kg and not exceed maximum dimensions of 159 cm (height + width + depth). Checked baggage must have at least one flat surface and must be robust, well-packed, and secured. Irregular-shaped baggage without a flat surface must be placed inside a box with total maximum dimensions of 159 cm. A tag or sticker containing the passenger's name, full address, and telephone number must be added to and inside each item.

Online Check-in

Online check-in is also available for flydubai flights and can be done through the website or mobile app. Online check-in opens 48 hours prior to your flight and closes 75 minutes before departure. After checking in online, you may still need to go to the airport check-in counter to verify your travel documents and receive your boarding pass.

Boarding times

Dubai International Airport (DXB) recommends that passengers arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before their flight's departure time. This is to ensure that you have enough time to check in, get your boarding pass, and go through security.

Check-in opens 3 hours before departure and closes 60 minutes before departure. If you are checking in at the airport, go to one of the check-in desks with your travel documents. There you can check your bags, choose your seat, and get your boarding pass.

If you have checked in online, you may still need to go to the airport check-in counter to verify your travel documents and receive your boarding pass. Online check-in is available from 48 hours to 75 minutes before departure.

Boarding starts 45 minutes before your flight. Make sure you have your boarding pass and travel documents ready for inspection at the gate. The boarding gates close 20 minutes before flight departure. If you arrive after this time, you will not be accepted onto the flight.

Security checks

Dubai Airport security aims to enhance safety and ensure that guests and partners feel happy and secure. High-tech tools are used to inspect guests, following the best practices and global standards in the field.

• Avoid wearing metal objects, and if you do, take them off before passing through the inspection device. Place them in the designated box, then through the security machine.
• The maximum number of mobile phones you may pack in your luggage is 15. They must be in the manufacturer's packaging, excluding a personal mobile device, or they may be confiscated. Lithium batteries in mobile phones pose a security risk to airport facilities and aircraft.
• Avoid carrying liquids in hand luggage unless necessary. The container should not exceed 100ml, and a maximum of 10 containers, equivalent to one litre, are permitted. Place liquid containers in a clear, resealable plastic bag within your hand baggage. Exemptions apply for medication, baby milk/foods, and special dietary requirements for use during the trip.
• Do not carry prohibited items in your hand luggage, such as lighters, flammable containers, and toy weapons of any kind.
• Do not leave your luggage unattended, or it may be confiscated in accordance with international laws and regulations.
• Do not carry baggage for people you do not know, as you may be used to smuggle prohibited or dangerous materials, making you legally accountable.
• If you have any medication that you need to carry, ensure you have a prescription. If you have a metal medical device in your body, you must have a doctor's certificate.
• Keep your passport and boarding pass ready for inspection at checkpoints.
• Place loose items like mobile phones, wallets, watches, and keys in a security tray.
• Belts with metal buckles, boots, or shoes with heels need to be removed and placed in a security tray.
• Laptops and tablets must be placed in a separate security tray.
• Proceed through the walkthrough metal detectors or body scanners. Some guests may undergo an enhanced security screening process.

For the safety and security of all guests, please refrain from carrying any prohibited items. All guests arriving at Dubai Airport must pass through customs. Certain items, particularly narcotics, may result in fines or imprisonment. If unsure, declare goods upon arrival and visit the Dubai Customs website for updated requirements before travelling.

Frequently asked questions