ISIDORA CIRIC (ABU DHABI)

UAE carriers Etihad Airways, Emirates and flydubai have issued travel advisories ahead of the Eid Al Adha holiday, urging passengers to reach airports early, complete check-in ahead of time and use digital or off-site services where available to avoid delays during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

The warnings come as private sector employees in the UAE prepare for a four-day paid holiday from Tuesday to Friday, while federal government employees will have a longer break from Monday to Friday.

Etihad Offers Miles and Extra Baggage
Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways advised passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure. It also urged travellers to use its expanded check-in options, digital services and seasonal travel benefits to make the airport experience smoother.

Etihad's mobile app check-in option will remain active from 30 hours before departure, with access to digital boarding passes, real-time flight and gate updates, and baggage tracking on selected routes.

From May 19 to August 16, passengers using any Etihad City Check-in location in Abu Dhabi through the Morafiq app or website for Dh40 per person will receive 1,000 Etihad Guest Miles and an extra 3kg baggage allowance.

Etihad's City Check-in locations include Cruise Terminal 1, Mussafah, Madinat Zayed and Lulu Hypermarket in Al Ain, allowing passengers to check in and drop their bags up to 24 hours before departure to avoid airport queues.

Passengers using Home Check-in in Abu Dhabi during the same period will also receive 1,000 Etihad Guest Miles and an extra 3kg baggage allowance. The service, available through the Morafiq app and website, allows passengers to complete check-in from their home, hotel or office, with baggage collection, seat selection and boarding pass delivery included.

Etihad also offers Early Bag Drop at Zayed International Airport up to 24 hours before departure, or 12 hours before flights to the US.
Passengers checking in at Zayed International Airport during selected off-peak periods will receive an extra 3kg baggage allowance. The eligible periods are 9.30am to 11.30am, 2.30pm to 6.30pm, 9.30pm to 11.30pm and 2.30am to 6.30am.

Dubai Airport Expects Heavy Departures
Emirates urged passengers travelling through Dubai International Airport to arrive at least three hours before departure and to be at their boarding gate at least 60 minutes before take-off.

Emirates advised passengers to use early and digital check-in services before heading to the airport, as "it may take longer than usual to pass through security and immigration".

Travellers can check in online through the Emirates app or website, or in person via Emirates Check-in Ports, self-service check-in and bag-drop kiosks.

The airline also offers Home Check-in, where Emirates agents complete the process at a customer's location. First Class passengers and Platinum Skywards members are eligible for complimentary Home Check-in.

Emirates Skywards members can register for Emirates Biometrics on the Emirates app before travelling to use facial recognition services at the airport.

Passengers flying to the US, or those who have booked assistance services, must check in at the airport in person. Emirates Check-in Ports are not available for US flights.

Its City Check-in points in Dubai and Ajman remain temporarily closed. Passengers needing in-person support can visit Emirates' Terminal 3 reservations and ticketing desk, Emirates World at Jumeirah Town Centre, or the Emirates Group Technology Centre near the Clock Tower in Deira.

The airline said its First Class Lounge in Concourse C is being upgraded, with First Class passengers able to use the Concourse B lounge while work continues.

Passengers have also been encouraged to use public transport where possible to avoid road congestion near airport terminals.

flydubai, meanwhile, advised travellers to arrive at the airport at least four hours before their flight, reminding them that check-in closes 60 minutes before departure.

The airline urged those travelling from DXB to check in online between 48 hours and 75 minutes before their scheduled departure. Travellers can also use its home check-in service or the city check-in facility at flydubai's Travel Shop in Sharjah.

Flydubai encouraged passengers to monitor flight information screens for gate updates and reach their departure gates in good time for boarding.