Sharjah airport to roll out new rules soon

LUGGAGE TIED WITH ROPES BANNED FROM DECEMBER 4; BAGS SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST ONE FLAT SURFACE TO BE ACCEPTED AT COUNTERS

From December 4, irregularly shaped and oversized bags and items tied with ropes will be rejected as they can hamper the luggage handling |

Passengers travelling through Sharjah International Airport have been advised to follow new baggage regulations effective December 4.

Once the new baggage policy is in place, bags that do not have at least one flat surface will be rejected at check-in. Irregularly shaped and oversized bags and items will also be rejected as they can hamper the luggagehandling process.

Passengers are also advised not to bring round bags to the airport as irregular shaped or round bags can jam the conveyer system, delay baggage delivery and cause inconvenience to other passengers.

Similar baggage rules were introduced at Dubai International Airport early last year.

Ali Salem Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, told Gulf News yesterday that packing baggage as per the new regulations can save valuable time at the airport as it will allow a hassle-free start to a passenger’s trip.

An awareness campaign in this regard has already been launched at the airport [checkin counter]. Airlines and travel agencies have also been informed about the new regulations and were told to provide information to the passengers about the new baggage regulations.

Al Midfa said the airport will not accept any baggage packed in violation of the new regulations with effect from December 4.

He explained that any baggage accepted for travel must have at least one flat surface. The new rules don’t mean that passengers who fail to comply with the regulations won’t be allowed to check in their belongings, as they still have an option to repack for a fee or proceed to the oversized baggage counter.

Dh20 repacking fees

In case the baggage does not have one flat surface, it needs to be re-packed in an approved cardboard box. HALA Services at the airport is the only authorised agent for re-packing materials. The passenger will be charged a Dh20 baggage repacking fee.

He said baggage tied with rope will also be rejected. Two items tied together are also not acceptable at the check-in counter.

Baggage larger than 90cm long, 75cm high and 60cm wide, or that does not have a single flat surface will need to be checked in at the oversized baggage counter.