Dubai: Dubai Airports has introduced a new baggage rule to help improve service, reduce the risk of mishandlings and enhance the performance of its check-in and baggage operation at Dubai International.
Customers are being asked to not bring round bags to Dubai airport as they can jam the baggage system, delay baggage delivery and inconvenience other passengers.
These rules are applicable if you are travelling to Dubai or from Dubai as all airports and am sairlines have been informed about the changes in baggage regulations
“Please ensure baggage has at least one flat surface,” Dubai airports said.
“Dubai International provides some of the most sophisticated baggage systems in the world,” said Ali Angizeh, Vice President of Terminal Operations at Dubai International.
“However, even the most technologically advanced systems can be disrupted by irregular shaped or oversized bags. Bags that are round or do not have a flat surface of any kind are by far the largest source of baggage jams. These jams can shut down sections of our system, delay baggage delivery to the aircraft and inconvenience our customers.”
Accordingly, the new rule will see bags without flat surfaces rejected at check-in effective March 8, 2017. Dubai Airports has advised all airlines operating into DXB of the imminent change and has updated its website, mobile app and signage across the airport to help raise awareness.
“We are trying to get the message out there as much as possible,” added Angizeh. “Passengers, who show up at the airport with non-compliant baggage, will also be given the option to have it repacked in boxes for a fee.”
Stretching 140 kilometres and covering a surface area of 75 football fields, DXB’s baggage handling system is among the largest in the world. It has 15,000 trays and is powered by 21,000 motors. DXB handled approximately 9.3 million bags in January this year. A bag spends an average of 29 minutes in the baggage system at DXB.
Tips:
- Do not carry round bags.
- Carry bags which have at least one flat surface.
- Baggage larger than 90cm long, 75cm high and 60cm wide, or that does not have a single flat surface, will need to be checked in at the oversized baggage counter. You need extra time to check-in oversize baggage, so reach early.
- Excess baggage must be repacked. Excess baggage fees apply.
- Avoid using cardboard boxes. They need to be processed manually, which takes longer. And they’re not as durable. There is no regulation against it.
- Also avoid using plastic wires to secure the boxes, use tape.
- Do not carry liquids over 100ml in your hand luggage.
- Place containers in a clear, resealable plastic bag.
- Put the resealable bag in your hand luggage.
