Emirates goes digital: Passengers to use mobile boarding passes

Emirates Airlines announced on Friday that starting May 15, nearly all its passengers will have to use mobile boarding passes instead of physical ones, in line with the airline's digitization strategy to reduce paper waste.

While the mobile boarding passes are great for passengers as they are harder to misplace or lose, passengers may face issues in case their phone dies or their internet connection stops working.

The airline has recommended that passengers download the Emirates app, which has a section called 'My Trips' from where they can easily access their digital boarding pass without downloading it. The pass becomes available as soon as they check-in.

Alternatively, passengers can download the pass onto their phone and access it offline, or use pre-installed phone 'wallets' apps that store boarding passes. However, for passengers traveling with infants, travellers to the USA, or those requiring special assistance, a printed boarding pass is still required.

Checked-in baggage stickers will be sent as digital attachments to the passenger's email address, and passengers can also use self check-in kiosks to avoid lines at the counters.

Additionally, Emirates recently entered into an agreement with Abu Dhabi's Etihad that will allow customers of each airline to purchase a single ticket to fly into either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, with a seamless return via the other airport, providing convenient baggage check-in and a flexible journey for travelers planning to explore the UAE.