By Muby Asger, Staff Reporter www.gulfnews.com
Dubai: Passengers flying from Dubai airport on Emirates will soon be able to access self check-in facilities at select Metro stations, XPRESS can exclusively reveal.
Mohammad H. Mattar, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice-President, Airport Services, said: “Emirates is always looking at ways to add value and enhance the travel experience of our customers. Self-service check-in kiosks at some of Dubai’s Metro stations are an innovation that will allow Emirates’ customers the convenience to access their boarding pass before they get to the airport.
“The kiosks are currently being tested and commissioned, and customers will soon be able to avail of this new service.”
While Emirates has declined to disclose the official launch date of the service, or pinpoint the locations of the kiosks, the first self check-in facility will be available at the Mall of the Emirates Metro station.
Baggage issue resolved
Although initial rules at launch time in September 2009 banned Metro users from bringing luggage on board the train, those have now been overturned with users allowed to carry up to two luggage pieces each, provided the first piece does not exceed the size specification of 81cm in width and 58cm in height, while the second shouldn’t be larger than 55cm in width and 38cm in height, says a Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) spokesperson.
Accordingly, there is now an enclosed area on the train for luggage.
Self-service facilities enable passengers to check in for their flight and obtain a boarding pass without having to queue at the counter, explains the airline’s website. Emirates passengers holding e-tickets can use the kiosks at the Metro stations to check in, select their seats and print their own boarding passes. Those carrying only hand luggage can proceed directly to immigration, while those with baggage can check in their luggage at dedicated quick baggage drop off counters.
RTA declined to comment on the installation of the kiosks.
