Emirates is opening a new store that will allow passengers to check in and drop off their bags without having to go to the airport

• Emirates' new check-in store is 30 minutes from the airport by public transport, and 15 by car.
• The location should allow passengers to avoid long lines and crowds at the airport.

Emirates is getting ready to open a store that would allow passengers to check in and drop off their bags without having to go to the airport.

The store, which opened in Dubai on April 27, is located in the city's financial district, which is 15 minutes from the airport by car, and around 30 minutes by public transport.

It's yet another check-in option on the list of things airlines are experimenting with to make passengers spend less time at the airport, hoping to increase customers' satisfaction and reduce overcrowding.

"People can avoid busy periods at the airport and minimize queuing," said Adel al Redha, Emirates' chief operating officer, in a recent press release.

The city location will allow passengers to check in and drop off their bags up to 4 hours before their flight is set to take off, and up to one day in advance. Much like an airline desk at any airport, it will also give passengers the option to book travel, according to Emirates.

In addition to a regular check-in desk and self-service kiosks, Emirates plans to introduce a robot check-in assistant called Sara, which should be equipped to match faces with scanned passports and give passengers instructions.

Emirates already offers a similar city check-in service at Ajman Central Bus Terminal, in Dubai, and a home-check in service in Dubai and Sharjah where agents come collect bags at a home or hotel.

Other airlines have also recently introduced changes to reduce the time passengers spend at airports. In the US, for example, Alaska Airlines is getting rid of self-service airport kiosks that print boarding passes, hoping to encourage people to do most check-in operations before they arrive at the airport.

In Europe, airlines Easyjet and Air France are allowing some passengers at some airports to drop off their bags the night before their flight is scheduled, but they still have to travel to the airport.