Hello!
My husband and I are planning our first UK trip and considering using Aer Lingus through Dublin. Outbound we could flight Seattle direct to Dublin, and then Dublin to Edinburgh. Coming back we would leave from London and hop up to Dublin for the direct flight back to Seattle. Is 2 hours enough time between flights? We both have US passports. It is unclear to me which airport we will go through passport control. In addition to my question, if you have alternate flight ideas, please share! Thank you.
Posted by
1675 posts
If on a single ticket, in other words you purchased a ticket from Seattle to Edinburgh with a plane change in Dublin, you will stay "airside" in Dublin, following the transfer planes signs which appear before Passport Control. When you arrive in Edinburgh you will go through passport control and customs. On your return you would similarly stay "airside" with the exception that you will clear US passport control and customs in Dublin, arriving in the US like it was a domestic flight.
If you are on two tickets, in other words you bought a ticket to Dublin and then a separate ticket to Edinburgh and you have carry on only luggage you can most likely stay airside in Dublin as well. And 2 hours will most likely be enough time. However if you checked luggage all bets are off since you will need to clear Irish immigration, collect your bags, re-check your bags, go through security, etc. The only time savings will be upon arrival in Edinburgh when you won't need to clear immigration. However on your return through Dublin you will go through Irish immigration, claim your bags, re-check your bags, clear Irish security and then US security and passport control.
Don't forget you will need to complete the UK ETA registration before your trip.
Posted by
OP
Edmonds
2 posts
Thank you Trotter. This is exactly the information I needed!
Posted by
1675 posts
Here's the Dublin airport flight connection guide. https://www.dublinairport.com/docs/default-source/flight-timetables-and-schedules/flight-connection-guide.pdf?sfvrsn=f0c30938_2
Posted by
Freedonia
16694 posts
Unfortunately, I have to disagree with Trotter.
When you arrive in Dublin, you will go through passport control. It is for entry to Ireland and the UK. There is no passport control from Ireland to the UK. due to the CTA. When you arrive in Edinburgh, it's like a domestic flight. (There is no official immigration check but a Border Force officer could ask to see your passport. I've made the trip many times and never saw anyone.)
You will need an ETA.
Upon your return, you will go through US Immigration and Customs before boarding your plane in Dublin. This way, when you arrive back in the US, it will be like a domestic flight and you just go about your day.
If you have checked luggage, it will be checked through. You, more than likely, won't have to retrieve your bag in Dublin but they may show you a picture of it and ask if it is yours.
Posted by
San Francisco area
1917 posts
I saw the US preclearance area at Dublin airport last year. It appears that you will need to go through security prior to getting to the gate area. So be prepared with liquids in your carry on. This is for your US bound flight.
Posted by
1675 posts
Correct as usual Frank, sorry about that. I didn't think that part through.
Posted by
Freedonia
16694 posts
Trotter.....the webpage on the Dublin Airport website that you linked to doesn't make it clear either.
Here's another itneresting (?) fact....when you arrrive in the UK with a US passport, you can stay up to six months. However, if you enter via Ireland, you only get three months.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2507 posts
Just be sure to get this on one ticket. Called multi city when you book and only book with airline not a third party. We did something similar last year from.NYC to Dublin then on to London for a.week then train to Edinburgh for a week and home via Dublin on Aer Lingus.