Emirates Airline puts check-in kiosks in Metro stations

The airline has place self check-in facilities at the Mall of the Emirates, Burj Khalifa and Financial Centre stations.

Emirates Airline opens ones of its three new Metro station check-in kiosks at the Mall of the Emirates.

DUBAI // Emirates Airline is making it easy for passengers to check in for their flights before they get to the airport with kiosks at Metro stations. Travellers can check in up to 24 hours in advance at the Mall of the Emirates, Burj Khalifa and Financial Centre stations kiosks as the carrier extends its services available at Dubai International Airport.

The self-service devices are expected to provide added convenience and to reduce waiting time at the airport, Emirates officials said. Passengers will need their reservation code or ticket number to use the service, which will be available as late as two hours before departure. "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," said Mohammed Mattar, the Emirates divisional senior vice president of airport services.

Passengers travelling with only carry-on luggage will be able to proceed directly to immigration after using the devices. Passengers with check-in luggage can check those pieces at baggage drop counters after they reach Terminal 3. More kiosks may be installed at Metro stations depending on their popularity, said Anoma Manuel, the Emirates vice president of passenger services. "If we find a lot of passengers are using this and there is a need, we would go on to increase the number in other stations," Ms Manuel said.

British expatriate Chris Anniston said he would use the service under the right circumstances. "It's convenient if you're travelling alone," he said. "If you're travelling with kids and family it would make more sense to take a cab." [e-mail]