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Here's everything you need to know about the new rules

Dubai Airport is all set to roll out a new baggage rule which is to be implemented to improve service, reduce the number of mishandlings and enhance the performance of its check-in and baggage operations.


"Dubai International provides some of the most sophisticated baggage systems in the world," Ali Angizeh, Vice President of Terminal Operations at Dubai International said. "However, even the most technologically advanced systems can be disrupted by irregular shaped or over-sized bags. Bags that are round or do not have a flat surface of any kind are by far the largest source of baggage jams. These jams can shut down sections of our system, delay baggage delivery to the aircraft and inconvenience our customers."



As per the new rules, no round bags will permitted and nor will bags without a flat surface. Irregular shaped bags will be immediately rejected as will will over-sized bags. Any bags that to not meet the criterion will have to repacked in boxes along with a fee.

The new rule will see bags without a flat surface rejected at check-in effective March 8, 2017. All airlines operating from the international airport have been informed of the changed, while the airport has updated its website, mobile app and placed signs across the airport to raise awareness.
"We are trying to get the message out there as much as possible," added Angizeh.





Baggage that does not comply with the new rules will then have the option to pack their belongings in boxes and pay a fee. Dubai Airport's baggage handling system is among the largest in the world, stretching a staggering 140 kilometres and covering a surface area of 75 football fields. With 15,000 trays and powered by 21,000 motors, the airport has handled close to 9.3 million bags in January alone. A bag will spend an average of 29 minutes in the baggage system at Dubai Airport.

This article originally appeared on Khaleej Times Dubai