Originally Posted by
jd916
Yes, still accurate as of late May. Check-in counters are open three hours before scheduled departure. No special GS check-in area. Note my experience has been that only two counters are usually open....so may have some congestion if a large number of passengers arrive at about the same time to check-in. The counters are staffed by Emirates staff and dedicated solely to United customers...probably the reason why earlier check-in isn't available. If possible, I recommend checking in on-line to forego the standard security questions ("who packed your bags", etc.) that are normally asked prior to check-in.
Also, if using taxi/limo to get to the airport, tell the driver you want to go to Emirates Business....the walk from the taxi drop-off to check-in is a bit shorter.
Sorry, I don't know about access to the T3 B EK Business Lounge in the event UA flies from a B gate, but would assume that would be the case.
Just to follow up on this.
- My flight on Wednesday morning departed from the B gates (B28) and I was able to use the EK Biz lounge near B17 or B18. My boarding pass didn't seem to work at the automated entry gates, but got right in after the agent scanned it at the desk to the right. BTW - the lounge is HUGE! Lots of food stations, there was a desert bar, and ice cream stand. Overall very nice.
- As jd916 pointed out, the Biz Counters (39-41) were available with clear United signage. And spot on advice to have your driver drop you off at the Emirates Business / First area. I was focused on the check in counters because when I flew out of here last year on Air Canada from Terminal 1, you had to have a paper boarding pass to get through security. You can use the OLCI / Mobile Boarding pass in T3. I still like a paper boarding pass, just in case, so went to biz counters. They opened at ~9:55 PM.