Emirates opens new store to drop off passenger bags

 

DUBAI:

Emirates, the top airline in the world, is taking passenger comforts a notch up. The airline has opened a store in the city that would allow passengers to check in and drop off their bags without having to go to the airport.

The store, which opened in Dubai on April 27, is located in the city’s financial district, which is 15 minutes from the airport by car, and around 30 minutes by public transport.

This is yet another check-in option on the list of things airlines are experimenting with to make passengers spend less time at the airport, hoping to increase customers’ satisfaction and reduce overcrowding, according to a recent press release.

The city location will allow passengers to check in and drop off their bags up to 4 hours before their flight is set to take off, and up to one day in advance. Much like an airline desk at any airport, it will also give passengers the option to book travel, according to Emirates.

Emirates’ robot check-in assistant is called Sara and is equipped to match faces with scanned passports and give passengers instructions.

In addition to a regular check-in desk and self-service kiosks, Emirates plans to introduce a robot check-in assistant called Sara, which should be equipped to match faces with scanned passports and give passengers instructions.

 

Emirates already offers a similar city check-in service at Ajman Central Bus Terminal, in Dubai, and a home-check in service in Dubai and Sharjah where agents come collect bags at a home or hotel.

 

Other airlines have also recently introduced changes to reduce the time passengers spend at airports. In Europe, airlines Easyjet and Air France are allowing some passengers at some airports to drop off their bags the night before their flight is scheduled, but they still have to travel to the airport.