If you are a transit passenger at Dubai International Airport, there are several essential things you should know to make your experience smooth and comfortable, Here’s a guide for your next journey through this Middle Eastern superhub.
- Boarding passes and document checks :Terminal 3 is wholly operated by Emirates, so most passengers there tend to have all their boarding passes in advance. Terminals 1 and 2 offer transfer desks for international airlines and flydubai/regional carriers respectively.Terminal Information: Dubai International Airport has three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Check your connecting flight details and the terminal you will be arriving at and departing from.
- Transit Visa: Depending on your nationality and the length of your layover, you may require a transit visa. Check the visa requirements well in advance and ensure you have the necessary documents if needed.
- Time Between Flights: Ensure you have sufficient time between flights to make the connection comfortably. Dubai Airport can be busy, so having a reasonable layover time is essential to avoid missing your onward flight.
- Transferring Flights: Follow the signs for “Transfers” upon arrival. You may need to clear security checks, but you will not need to go through immigration if you’re a transit passenger.
- Baggage: If your luggage is checked through to your final destination, you don’t need to worry about it during the layover. However, if you have to claim and re-check your baggage, follow the signs for Baggage Claim, then proceed to the check-in counter for your connecting flight. At Terminal 1, which is used by most airlines, the Marhaba service will transfer your bags for a fee from the first flight to the next. For this, follow the signs to Flight Connections and go to the desks, where agents will scan your bag tag to locate your suitcase.
- Airport Facilities: Dubai Airport offers various facilities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, prayer rooms, rest areas, and more. Check the airport map to locate services you may need during your layover.
- Duty-Free Shopping: Dubai is known for its extensive duty-free shopping. If you plan to make purchases, be aware of the duty-free regulations and restrictions of your final destination.
- Currency Exchange: If you need local currency for your layover, you’ll find currency exchange counters throughout the airport.
- Internet Access: The airport provides free Wi-Fi. Connect to the airport’s Wi-Fi network to stay connected during your layover.
- Flight Information: Stay updated with your flight’s status and boarding gate. You can find flight information screens throughout the airport or use the airport’s mobile app.
- Rest and Relaxation: If you have a long layover and need rest, consider booking a lounge. Dubai Airport has several lounges that offer comfortable seating, food, and beverages.
- Transportation: If you want to explore Dubai during your layover, plan your time wisely and consider the travel time to and from the airport. Taxis, metro, and other transportation options are available.
Remember to stay within the airport premises during your layover if you don’t have the necessary visa to enter the UAE. Enjoy your time at Dubai Airport, and safe travels to your final destination!
Baggage Policies of Dubai International
1.Carry-on baggage: Passengers are allowed to bring one piece of cabin baggage with a maximum weight of 7 kg and dimensions not exceeding 55 x 38 x 20 cm.
2.Checked baggage: The baggage allowance for checked baggage varies depending on the airline and the class of travel. Generally, the allowance ranges from 20 kg to 40 kg.
3.Excess baggage: Passengers who exceed their baggage allowance will be charged an excess baggage fee. The fee varies depending on the airline and the destination.
4.Prohibited items: Dubai International Airport prohibits passengers from carrying certain items in their baggage, including weapons, explosive materials, and illegal drugs.
5.Special baggage: Passengers traveling with special baggage, such as sports equipment or musical instruments, should contact their airline in advance to arrange for proper handling.
6.Duty-free items: Passengers are allowed to bring duty-free items purchased at the airport into the cabin, but they must be sealed in a tamper-evident bag.
7.Lost baggage: Passengers who have lost their baggage should contact their airline’s baggage services department as soon as possible. The airline will assist in locating and returning the lost baggage.
Dubai Airport Banned Items List
According to the guidelines set by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, the following is a table showing permitted and banned items during air travel:
Dubai International Airport (DXB), issued a reminder to passengers, stating that spare batteries or power banks mustn’t be carried inside their checked-in luggage due to safety hazards.
| Items | Carry-on | Checked-in | Conditions |
| Baggage with installed lithium batteries | Yes | Yes | Batteries mustn’t have over 0.3 g lithium metal or lithium-ion must not exceed 2.7 Watt-hour (Wh). Removed batteries must be carried in the cabin if baggage is to be checked in. |
| Gas cylinders for mechanical limbs | Yes | Yes | Non-flammable and non-toxic. Same-sized spare cylinders are allowed. |
| Hair styling equipment with hydrocarbon gas cartridge | Yes | Yes | 1 cartridge per person. Packed in safety cover. Spare gas cartridges aren’t allowed. |
| Lithium Batteries | Yes | Yes | The lithium-metal batteries must have a minimum of 2g lithium metal content, while lithium-ion batteries must’ve a Watt-hour rating not exceeding 100 Wh. All devices in checked baggage should be turned off. |
| Lithium battery-powered electronic devices | Yes | Yes | Must be between 100-160 Wh. Devices in checked baggage must be completely switched off. |
| Non-radioactive medicinal or toiletry articles (including aerosols) | Yes | Yes | No other hazardous substances. |
| Oxygen or air, gaseous, cylinders | Yes | Yes | Mustn’t be over 5 kg. Liquid oxygen systems are prohibited. |
| Batteries (spare or loose) | Yes | No | Maximum lithium metal content mustn’t be over 2g with a maximum 100Wh. 20 spare batteries are allowed per person. Non-spillable batteries can’t be over 12V and 100Wh. 2 spare batteries are allowed per person. |
| Fuel cells | Yes | No | Fuel cells must be contained in the device it is powering. |
| E-cigarettes | Yes | No | E-cigarettes must be protected to prevent accidental activation. Smoking is prohibited inside a plane. |
| Mobility Aids (lithium-ion batteries) | Yes | No | – |
| Mobility Aids (non-spillable wet batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, or dry batteries) | No | Yes | – |
| Battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility devices with spillable batteries or lithium-ion batteries | No | Yes | – |
| Thermometer, medical or clinical, (containing mercury) | No | Yes | 1 per person. |
Note here that the above-mentioned list may vary. Travelers are advised to contact Dubai Airports or the General Civil Aviation Authority for further confirmation.
Baggage Services
Dubai International Airport offers a variety of baggage services, including baggage wrapping, baggage storage, and lost and found. Passengers can have their baggage wrapped in plastic for security and protection. Baggage storage is available for those who need to store their bags for a short period of time. The airport also has a lost and found service for passengers who have lost or misplaced their baggage. Additionally, there are several baggage delivery services that can be used to have baggage delivered to the passenger’s destination.
