Stress-free travel with Emirates and flydubai
Traveling long distances can seem challenging, but choosing the right airlines and carefully planning every detail can make all the difference. Emirates and flydubai, two of the leading airlines in the Middle East, offer excellent connections from Italy to Asia, Oceania, Africa and the Americas, with fast and well-organized transits in Dubai.
Here is a practical and complete guide to travel without stress.
Book the entire itinerary on a single ticket
One of the most effective ways to avoid complications during a long-haul trip is to book the entire itinerary (from Italy to the final destination) in one go.
This simple precaution guarantees you:
- single check-in: check in only on departure in Italy, receiving all the necessary boarding passes.
- baggage to your destination: Your bags are tagged and transported directly, without having to pick them up in Dubai.
- assistance in case of delays: the companies will take care of any re-routing, meals or overnight stays.
Plan your layover times in Dubai well
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is efficient and modern, but transit time should still be carefully evaluated:
- connections in the same terminal (Emirates Terminal 3): it takes 90 minutes.
- connections between different terminals (flydubai - Terminal 2): at least 120 minutes are recommended.
In general, a layover time of between 3 and 4 hours is ideal: enough for a smooth change, perhaps with a break in the lounge or a relaxing snack, without unnecessary runs between gates.
Use the Dubai Connect service for long layovers
If your stopover in Dubai exceeds 8 hours (in Economy) or 6 hours (in Business/First), Emirates offers you the Dubai Connect service, which includes:
- free overnight stay in selected hotels;
- meals and drinks included;
- airport transfers;
- temporary visa for entry into the Emirates if required.
An excellent solution to turn a potentially long wait into a moment of relaxation, perhaps with a shower and a few hours of sleep before the next flight.
Organize check-in and baggage handling well
Always check that the reservation is made in such a way as to allow:
- single check-in: simplifies airport procedures;
- automatic baggage transfer: Avoid the need to pick it up mid-trip.
Even on combined flights (Emirates + flydubai), the systems are integrated to ensure continuity in the journey.
Check visa and document requirements in advance
Dubai is one of the busiest cities in the world, but it is essential to check the entry regulations:
- no visa is required for simple transit at the airport, if you are staying in the international area.
- to go out and visit the city during an extended layover, some nationalities have facilitated access or free temporary visas.
- the passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the intended date of entry.
- check for any updated health requirements, especially for intercontinental travel.
Thanks to international agreements, Italian citizens can take advantage of a free visa on arrival, which allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that, whether it's a holiday, a business trip or even a long stopover during an intercontinental flight, entering Dubai is simple and immediate.
For those who transit briefly and do not leave the airport, no visa is required: you will remain in the international area until your next flight. If, on the other hand, you want to take advantage of a long stopover to discover the wonders of the city (perhaps admire the Burj Khalifa or stroll along the Marina) simply show up at passport control, where you will receive an entry stamp without further formalities.
The only basic requirement is that the passport has a residual validity of at least 6 months from the intended date of entry.
Turn your stopover into an opportunity
If your layover is more than 6 hours and you have time and energy, consider taking advantage of it for a mini-experience in Dubai:
- book an express tour: Many local agencies offer excursions designed specifically for transit passengers.
- spend a few hours shopping duty-free or enjoying a gourmet dinner at the airport's restaurants.
- if you prefer to rest, consider access to a paid lounge or book a room at one of the airport hotels.
- everything is designed to offer comfort and services even during short stops.
Planning a long-haul trip doesn't have to be stressful. With good planning, choosing the right flights, and the reliability of airlines like Emirates and flydubai, even the most challenging routes can turn into enjoyable and smooth experiences. Dubai is confirmed as an ideal hub, not only for operational efficiency, but also for the services and opportunities it offers to passengers in transit.
