Emirates extends online check-in to 48 hours

The change, which is effective immediately, means customers can check in online on both desktop and mobile devices from 48 hours to 90 minutes before their flight departs. The increased check-in window offers greater flexibility in choosing seats, while reducing waiting times at the airport, the airline said in a press release. Passengers can also drop their luggage at online check-in counters before heading through to immigration and security. For flights to and from the United States, while online check-in is available 48 hours before departure, boarding passes will only be issued 24 hours in advance. "We have always taken into account feedback to improve the customer journey and the extension of online check-in is a result of that,” explained Alex Knigge, Senior VP of Corporate Communications Marketing & Brand, Emirates. “By allowing check-in from 48 hours before departure we are providing our customers added flexibility to choose their preferred seats for a more comfortable journey. This is just one of the many initiatives we are implementing to enhance our customers' experience online," he continued. The expanded check-in window is one of many features that Emirates hopes will improve customer experience, including the recently introduced ‘Hold my fare’ option, which gives customers the opportunity to hold their reservations and lock in competitive fares for a nominal fee. This feature has now been extended to 72 hours.