Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website
As part of its continued drive to simplify travel and enhance operational efficiency, Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) launched the initiative on November 10, allowing passengers to complete all check-in formalities from the comfort of their homes. The move reinforces the airport’s reputation for adopting technology-driven services that prioritise speed, comfort, and ease.
The new service enables passengers flying through Sharjah Airport to finalise check-in procedures before leaving home, from boarding pass issuance to luggage collection, and then proceed directly to passport control upon arrival. According to a WAM report, this innovation aims to “save passengers’ time and effort” while maintaining the airport’s high service standards.
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Bookings can be made via the Sharjah Airport website, by calling 800745424, or through the “SHJ Home Check-In” mobile app. Passengers must book the service at least eight hours before their flight’s departure.
A specialised Sharjah Airport team will manage all aspects of the process, issuing boarding passes, weighing, tagging, and transporting luggage directly from the passenger’s home, hotel, or workplace.
To cater to different passenger needs, SAA has introduced a tiered pricing structure:
- Coral Package: Dhs145 for one to two bags.
- Silver Package: Dhs165 for three to four bags.
- Gold Package: Dhs185 for up to six bags.
An additional Dhs20 fee applies per extra bag, aligned with the operating airline’s baggage policy.
Initially, the service will cover various areas within Sharjah City, marking the first phase of its rollout. SAA said it plans to expand coverage gradually as adoption grows, highlighting that the feature is particularly beneficial for families, business travelers, and frequent flyers seeking speed, reliability, and convenience.
Aligning with UAE’s smart airport vision
The launch underscores Sharjah Airport’s commitment to aligning with the UAE’s broader aviation innovation goals. The airport has steadily integrated smart services and automated systems to streamline operations and enhance the passenger journey, consistent with international travel and safety standards.
SAA noted that the new initiative “reflects its ongoing commitment to passenger satisfaction,” positioning Sharjah among the growing number of UAE aviation hubs offering at-home convenience as part of their digital transformation strategy.
Sharjah Airport’s move follows a similar trajectory seen across leading UAE carriers, each introducing home check-in or baggage collection options to reduce airport congestion and boost traveler comfort.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways offers its Home Check-in service for passengers departing from Zayed International Airport (Abu Dhabi). Operated in partnership with Morafiq, the service covers locations within 50 km of the airport. Etihad’s team completes all procedures, including boarding pass issuance, baggage tagging, and payment for optional extras like excess luggage or seat selection, at the customer’s chosen address.
However, Etihad restricts the service for unaccompanied minors, passengers requiring medical support, or those traveling to the United States. It must be booked at least six hours before departure, with all details and terms available on Etihad’s official website.
Air Arabia
While Air Arabia’s own channels do not list an in-house home check-in service, the airline collaborates with Morafiq to offer a comparable experience for passengers departing from Zayed International Airport. The third-party arrangement mirrors Etihad’s model, covering home collection, check-in, and boarding pass delivery.
Air Arabia’s baggage rules and fare policies remain unchanged, and the service area follows Morafiq’s coverage limits.
Emirates
Dubai’s flagship carrier Emirates provides one of the most comprehensive home check-in options across the UAE. The service is complimentary for First Class passengers and available for a fee across all other cabin classes for flights departing from Dubai (DXB) and Sharjah.
An Emirates representative verifies travel documents, tags baggage, and issues boarding passes at the traveler’s home or hotel. The service must be reserved via emirates.com at least 12 hours before departure. Full pricing and baggage policy details are outlined on the airline’s official Home Check-in page.
flydubai
Meanwhile, flydubai, in partnership with DUBZ and dnata, provides Home Check-in from Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB). The carrier’s team handles document verification, check-in, baggage collection, and boarding pass issuance at the customer’s location in Dubai.
Bookings are made via flydubai.com, with transparent pricing and scheduling. Passengers can also pay for excess or oversized luggage during pickup.
Competitive advantage through passenger-centric innovation
The rise of home check-in services across the UAE signals a regional shift toward hyper-personalized, contactless travel, a trend accelerated by post-pandemic traveler expectations.
For Sharjah Airport, this initiative represents both a service enhancement and a strategic differentiator in a highly competitive market. As neighboring airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue investing in similar innovations, SAA’s adoption of home check-in positions it among the country’s most forward-thinking transport hubs.
By reducing congestion, cutting wait times, and enhancing convenience, the Home Check-In program reinforces Sharjah Airport’s ambition to become a model of efficiency and customer satisfaction, a move that may well redefine the UAE’s next phase of airport service excellence.
