One of the largest international airlines, the Dubai-based Emirates, is preparing for more than 2.3 million departures and more than 2.5 million arrivals in the near future. The peak travel season is here and Dubai is going to become busier day by day. The Emirates travel advice for December 2025 peak winter season is immensely important as it is going to help you reach the Dubai International Airport (DXB) faster, glide through immigration earlier, indulge in some last-minute shopping at ease and manage your baggage better.
Emirates is asking all its customers at the Dubai International to plan their December travel as carefully as possible – preparing for the possibility of additional traffic on the road, busier carparks and a busier airport for the festive season. Fortunately, the airline has already put in place a number of amenities and services for the convenience of its passengers. December 2025 is going to be one of the best time to visit Dubai as the city prepares for a number of key events, such as Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies, Christmas Markets, Christmas brunches and dinners, NYE parties and NYE brunches and dinners. Isn’t it so exciting?
Emirates travel advice for December 2025 peak tourist season
1. Keep an eye on the timelines
You need to inform the entire family or the travel group about the recommended timelines from Emirates. During December 2025, the airline is asking its customers to reach the airport 3 hours before departure, pass through immigration 1.5 hours before departure and reach the correct boarding gate one hour before departure. These timelines are going to help you manage your journey through the bustling airport at ease and make the most of an array of airside attractions at DXB, such as Emirates lounges, restaurants, cafes, relaxation areas and duty free shopping.
2. Install the Emirates app to check in online
You can install the Emirates app to keep all the necessary information about your flights at your fingertips and check in 48 hours before departure. It is also possible to get your decision boarding pass for most destinations across the globe and notifications about your upcoming flight. You can pre-order your hot meal in Emirates Business Class, get a chauffeur drive service, pre-select on ice inflight entertainment and do a lot more.
3. Install the Emirates app for biometrics registration
This December 2025 peak travel season, it is recommended to install the airline’s app for the Emirates Biometrics Registration. Emirates has installed more than 200 biometrics-enabled cameras across Terminal 3 of DXB. You can easily pass through Check-in, Immigration, Boarding Gates, Lounges and board your flight at ease and speed – because of quick and easy facial recognition. There is no need to take out the passport or boarding pass at different points in the airport. These cameras can recognise your biometric profile from a distance of one metre. In addition to the Emirates app, the biometric registration can also be done at the Self-Service Kiosks at DXB or at Check-in desks.
4. Check in and drop luggage off at Emirates City Check In and Travel Store
This is an important Emirates travel advice for the busy December 2025 season. In order to spare more time on relaxation and shopping at the Dubai International and less on check-in, you can check in and drop luggage off at Emirates City Check In and Travel Store in ICD Brookfield Place, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). You can find free parking here and drop your luggage off as early as 24 hours and up to 4 hours before a flight. This place is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm on all days. But from December 15 to January 15, the opening hours are extended to 12 midnight. Emirates passengers choosing to check in and drop luggage at this location during this period can get 2,500 miles each. Isn’t it incredible?
5. Drop off your luggage a day before at DXB
Instead of bringing the hefty luggage to the airport and spending a lot of time on baggage check-in during the busy travel season, it is recommended to drop off your luggage at the airport the night before travel at no additional charge. Emirates passengers departing from Dubai can check-in early and drop off luggage 24 hours before departure (12 hours for those flying to the US). Then closer to the departure time of your flight, proceed directly to the immigration area.
6. Opt for Emirates Home Check-in
The Emirates Home Check-in option is accessible in both Dubai and Sharjah. The staff is going to come to your home, hotel or office to complete the quick check-in process and take your luggage to your flight. You only need to bring your hand luggage to the airport. You need to book this option at least 24 hours before departure. But in this busy season, it is recommended to book much earlier to avoid disappointment. For Emirates First Class customers, this service is absolutely complimentary.
7. Keep an eye on Emirates baggage rules
In order not to lose a lot of time this busy season at Dubai International Airport (DXB), here is another important Emirates travel advice. Keep an eye on the airline’s restricted items procedure. There are some updates related to Emirates power banks policy, smart bags, e-cigarettes, Electric Portable Incense (Perfume) Burners and other personal vaporizers containing batteries.
8. Pre-order your festive shopping on EmiratesRED.com
This festive season in Dubai, pre-order your gifts and more on EmiratesRED.com and get access to a number of incredible retail items. These items are going to be delivered directly to your seat in the air by the staff. The pre-order service is accessible on most Emirates flights and you can shop from 21 days up to 40 hours before flight. There are multiple brands to put your hands on, such as Cartier and Jo Malone. You can also use the code RED10 to save 10% on pre-order.
9. Make use of different transport options at DXB
The bustling Dubai International (DXB) is one of the busiest airports globally. You can make use of a number of transport options at DXB to move around seamlessly. For example, to reach Concourse A from Concourse B, Emirates passengers can use the complimentary train in Terminal 3. There is also a complimentary Emirates shuttle bus to and from Concourse A to Concourse C (24/7). First Class passengers can use dedicated Emirates buggies on request. Dubai Airport Buggies or Dubai Taxi, on the other hand, can be used by all passengers free of charge.
Hope this elaborate list of Emirates travel advice for December 2025 peak winter season brings you a lot of help in navigating through the airport at ease. The bustling Dubai International (DXB) has ranked first on both the Busiest Global Airports and Busiest International Airports lists for November 2025 by OAG. December is also going to be another incredible month for the transport hub as different airlines prepare for extra businesses. Dubai has already started to shine brighter and 15 December 2025 to 15 January 2026 is going to let the city put on a more special look. You can find different establishments, such as hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, shopping malls and more, putting in considerable efforts to make their customers’ experiences as memorable as it can.
Prepare better for December 2025. Pay attention to the aforementioned Emirates travel advice to glide through Dubai International (DXB) at ease.
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