For most of the travellers, the date and reasonable flight fare matter the most while booking an international trip to Dubai from Chennai. But those two should not be the only considerations before booking a flight.
Whether you’re flying to Dubai for work, a family visit, or a short holiday, you need proper planning before airport check in. To make a trip feel much smoother and more hassle-free, here’s something worth considering before you make the final choice.
Choose a Flight That Matches Your Dubai Itinerary
Picking the cheapest flight option is one of the easiest options. But a flight that saves 800 rupees or something near to that isn’t much of a win if it lands you in Dubai at 2 AM with a hotel check-in that doesn’t open until 2 PM, or a client meeting scheduled for 9 AM.
Think about how your arrival time will affect the rest of your schedule. This is where the right landing window always matters.
- Early morning arrivals usually help you settle into the day faster
- Midday arrivals mean heavier airport traffic and slower movement, affecting the rest of the day’s plan.
- Late-night arrivals may affect hotel check-in timing and transport availability
While booking a Chennai to Dubai flight, these are some of the key aspects that need your serious consideration, other than just looking for the cheapest flight fare.
Check What’s Included Before You Book
Flight fares with different airlines that look identical on the surface can be very different after you check the details. One might include checked baggage and a meal, while the other charges extra for both. Before you pay, check:
- Rules for extra baggage allowance
- Whether seats are free to select or you need to pay for them additionally
- Confirm if the meals are included
- Check out the airline’s policy on schedule changes, cancellations and refunds before you book.
Knowing exactly what you’re paying for means no surprises at the check-in counter or on board.
Give Yourself Enough Time Before Departure
Getting to Chennai International Airport may seem an easy option, but when your plan is for an international departure, there could be delays due to immigration and security procedures.
This takes additional time beyond the usual airport check-in for domestic flights. Hence, it is advisable to keep a few points in mind.
- Reach the airport around three hours before departure.
- Keep the passport, visa, and boarding pass ready and within easy reach.
- Consider some extra time for completing the formalities, rather than assuming everything will be in time.
- Consider Chennai traffic, especially during the evening and peak travel hours.
- Before heading to the airport, check the live flight status to see if there are any schedule changes.
Before that day arrives, confirm that your passport, visa, and boarding pass are ready, and build in enough time for formalities so you don’t feel rushed at the last moment.
A Well-Packed Cabin Bag Makes Travel Easier
Packing for an international trip is always about smart packing. When you care more, it adds an extra load to the suitcase. Before you leave, make sure your cabin bag has:
- Charger and power banks
- Medicines
- Valuables
- All the essential travel documents, such as your passport and visa
- One change of clothes (optional)
When everything is organised, it saves you time and lets you enjoy a hassle-free trip.
Save Time with Online Check-In
Doing your flight web check in from home changes your entire airport experience. Since it is available on your phone, you can take your time and complete the procedure rather than rushing. Completing it early lets you:
- Choose your seat where available
- Reduce the time spent at the airport check-in counter
- Move faster toward document verification and security
If you’re flying Air India Express, eligible passengers can complete the web check-in online before reaching the airport, which helps reduce queues and keeps the departure process moving.
The window opens 48 hours before the departure and closes 2 hours before the scheduled departure time. Hence, it’s worth doing before rather than waiting for the last moment.
Keep Your Travel Essentials Organised
International travel involves more paperwork than just having a domestic flight. Keep the following together in a single pouch:
- Keep the passport and visa ready
- Return ticket
- Hotel confirmation
- Travel insurance, if you have one
- Note of emergency contacts, if any
This isn’t just about keeping things organised, but also about ensuring the immigration process goes smoothly. When an immigration officer asks for something, having it ready in seconds rather than minutes keeps the whole line moving faster, including yours.
Your Journey Doesn’t End When You Land
Once your Chennai to Dubai flight lands, you have to complete a few formalities before you head to your hotel or meeting. Knowing what to expect can help you plan your schedule more effectively while allowing you to avoid unnecessary delays.
- Proceed to the immigration process first
- Collect your checked baggage
- Clear customs if required
- Plan your onward transport
During busy travel periods, these things need some additional time, or else you might need to stand in long queues. A little patience after arrival and a clear idea of the airport process can help you start your stay in Dubai on a smoother note.
Final Thought
Booking an international flight requires many steps along with careful planning. Knowing what your fare includes, planning your airport journey, packing only the essentials and completing your web check-in before you leave will help you to enjoy a smoother trip during online booking of the right flight.
A little preparation before your Chennai to Dubai flight means less time on airport formalities and more time to make the most of the trip.