Oman weather: Passengers should check in early as busy summer season arrives

Muscat: Passengers travelling through Muscat International Airport should arrive at least two to three hours before departure of their flights now that the busy summer season has begun, airline officials said on Thursday.
“We urge all passengers to check-in at least three hours before departure, as almost all our flights are departing full,” said B P Kulkarni, country head, Air India, Muscat.
An official of Oman Air agreed that it is better to check-in as early as possible. “This will allow you to have more time in the lounges and for shopping in duty free shops,” he said.
High passenger loads are expected as the annual holiday exodus starts in Oman, creating long queues inside passenger terminals and traffic on roads near the airport, as most schools close for summer vacation.
B P Kulkarni also reminded the public about the weight of items purchased from duty-free shops. “Many passengers believe that the weight of items purchased from duty-free shops at the airport are excluded from their hand baggage weight. So, they exceed hand baggage weight limits and finally land in trouble when they are stopped at the gates. To avoid this, we advise passengers that items purchased from duty-free shops are also included in the hand baggage weight,” Kulkarni said.
He added that passengers can carry 7 kg of weight on Air India Express flights and 8 kg of weight as hand baggage on Air India flights. “This definitely includes duty free items,” he noted.
He also advised people to check through their extra luggage. “There is not much space left in the overhead lockers when flights are full, so it is always advised to check extra luggage at check-in counters,” he added.
Mohammed, who will be traveling to Sri Lanka, is expecting to see crowded airports next weekend, so he intends to leave his house at 6 or 7pm for an 11 pm flight. “This will help me to avoid long queues, which start building up in front of the airport,” he said.