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Dubai-based airline giant Emirates has extended its online check-in window from 24 to 48 hours before departure.

The change is effective immediately and so can, for example, already be used on all Emirates flights from the UK to Dubai.

The move was apparently as the result of communication from customers, with Alex Knigge, Senior Vice President Corporate Communications Marketing & Brand (Digital), explaining:

We have always taken into account feedback to improve the customer journey and the extension of online check-in is a result of that. 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

Exceptions

There is a minor exception to the new 48 hour policy. If you travel to the USA, you can check-in online, but the electronic boarding pass will not be available until 24 hours prior to departure.

Hold My Fare

What’s interesting is that Emirates has decided to also extend their “Hold my fare”concept to a maximum of 72 hours. It costs a small fee to use this option, but it can be a very convenient way to secure a cheap ticket without having to pay for it in full immediately (e.g. you spot a great value ticket, but need to clear the holiday position with your employer).

Most other airlines that operate similar schemes have a 24 hour payment policy, subsequent to the reservation.

Read the full announcement from Emirates here.

This article was first published on insideflyer.dk by Hendrik Olsen.