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It will be very challenging for many travelers around the world, especially this weekend, but also over the next two weeks. Various Middle East and Asian news sources are publishing figures ranging from 220,000 passengers in Abu Dhabi to 2 million in Dubai in the lead up to Eid al-Fitr. Whether you’re flying for vacation or casually, there are a few tips that will make the travel experience easier.
1 Remote or online registration
Most airlines have a customized smartphone app for your chosen platform and typically allow you to check in 24 hours in advance. If you opt out of these services, they may send you an email or message containing a link that allows you to log back in. Although this is easy and even if you have checked bags at the airport, it is still a good idea to check in before you arrive for a number of reasons.
Photo: Antonio Salaverry / Shutterstock.com
If you already have your boarding pass, the airline can trust that you’re there even if you run into traffic and are one of the destinations. And if you have bags, you’ll spend less time talking to the ticketing agent, freeing you up to help others who have more pressing concerns than finding a large bag. Some services and carriers can arrange remote bag drop or pick up depending on where you live. For example, Emirates offers such a program, which makes the process even easier.
2 Use the self-check-in kiosks at the airport
If you’re up to speed if you’re not checking in before arriving at the airport, most airlines at major airports have kiosks, again, to free up the few ticket agents around. The kiosks allow you to do anything you can ask for, such as adding extra bags to reservations, choosing a seat (depending on the airline), and adding a loyalty number to collect points and miles. And with self-service bags like the one featured in the Finnair ad below, there’s a good chance you won’t need to interact with any staff to complete the entire check-in process.
Whether it’s a gift for yourself or someone special, many airlines and duty-free carriers now offer remote or in-flight pre-order options. While it may be tempting to look around for duty-free specialty airline products, whiskey or perfume, browsing from your mobile device while waiting at the gate or boarding during busy travel season can save you stress as well as money.
4 Be smart with biometrics
Some airports have rolled out biometric systems en masse, while others are still testing them. However, depending on your route, it may be an option, and if it is, it allows travelers to board in a completely unrelated way. While high-spending passengers with Emirates can enjoy this technology when traveling through Dubai, US-based Spirit Airlines tested the same system at Chicago ORD and New York LGA and saw 30% faster movements, according to OAG. And, as part of the Los Angeles International Airport construction project, biometric boarding is being tested at the Tom Bradley International Terminal.
Photo: The_Molostock / Shutterstock
5 Smart Gates
Smart gates or “eGates” linked to biometric check-in and boarding processes are also available at a growing number of major airports worldwide. It is a significant migration process, characterized by airports scattered across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. Using facial recognition, fingerprints and passport chips, international travelers can use immigration kiosks to complete the process without having to meet an officer. Countries and airports with such programs at least allow citizens to use them, but depending on the region, certain foreign residents, visa holders, and sometimes travelers under the Visa Waiver Program may also use eGate.
Do you have more tips for traveling during the busy holiday season? Please share in the comments below!
Sources: Emirates, OAG
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