Emirates has opened a new check-in area at Dubai International (DXB), to offer a more luxurious and exclusive airport experience for its First Class customers and Skywards Platinum members. The check-in area, named ‘Emirates First’, has been upgraded with a private seating area, offering a comfortable and exclusive check in process at Terminal 3.
Emirates is the world’s largest operator of international First Class travel, offering 26,800 seats a week and the largest inventory of international First Class seats in the industry. This latest investment is intended to help ensure the customer experience on the ground matches that in the air.
From the moment customers reach the dedicated Emirates Terminal 3 departures area, and then take just a few steps inside, a grand golden entryway now signifies the entrance to the private space, where a host verifies guest eligibility for entry – and then gives either a warm welcome or directions to a more appropriate area, depending on the guest’s status.
The area has been decorated in a neutral palette of warm earth tones subtly blended with accents of Emirates’ signature rich bronze and gold tones, to provide the feeling of a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the airport. The design team has also used contrasts, with grand columns flanking the space, floors made from woods and marble, soft carpeting in the seating areas, and plush leathers and soft fabrics for the armchairs and sofas.
In a nod to Emirates’ premium First Class Lounges, the feature wall behind the welcome podium has an extravagant fresh flower arrangement, with Rolex clocks indicating the time in major world cities. Echoing the interior cabins of Emirates’ newest aircraft, a backlit Ghaf Tree graphic honours the national tree of the UAE. Within the new area, all digital screens and advertising have been removed to create a more calming space, with soft integrated lighting to ensure a tranquil ambience, complemented by natural greenery.
Recognising the importance of time to premium customers, the check-in formalities for Emirates First can be performed by crew using iPads while guests are seated. Families can relax in the seating areas, while one member is assisted with the check-in process for the party. Customers can also use the counters to check in if they prefer and drop baggage at the marble and brass desks, where they are loaded onto dedicated First Class baggage belts.
Customers can then breeze through security and immigration and proceed to one of the three dedicated Emirates First Class Lounges in Terminal 3, DXB to enjoy chef-crafted à la carte meals, fine wines, spirits and Champagne, complimentary spa treatments, business centres and kids’ areas, and concierge duty-free shopping.
Adel al Redha, Emirates’ deputy president & COO said of the revamped area: “We invest heavily in upgrading our ground products, and Emirates First is one of the areas that will offer a unique and private environment to our First Class customers and Skywards Platinum members. We know our customers value privacy and convenience, and this will provide another level of hospitality to the check-in experience, as part of our efforts to continuously uplift the overall travel journey.
“Now our customers can enjoy a sleek transfer with our Chauffeur Drive Service, a swift check-in at the exclusive Emirates First, explore a world-class lounge before boarding, and relax into a multi award-winning inflight experience with Emirates.”
