In general, how much time is too little time for a connection at the airport.
I am looking at a ticket from Chicago to Berlin, with stops in Dublin each way. The first layover is 1 hour 20 minutes, the next one is 1 hour 15 minutes. Im concerned that is too little time to make why connecting flight. If theres a late departure on the initial flight, that might cause a problem. Do I have to go through customs in Dublin on this itinerary?
Thanks.
It's a legal sell for airlines, but so close to an hour is too close for me. I used to set 2 hours as my minimum, but now set 3. I can't be certain whether you have to go through customsmin Dublin, but as your first stop in the EU, I would assume so, and you may also have to pick up any checked luggage and recheck it.
Realistically, if all is on one ticket, if you miss your connection they need to rebook you, but that can mess up a lot of your plans, as flights may be full for a couple of days. There is an EU passenger rights document. I actually now carry a copy with me to know what I should be expecting kin n the event I am delayed, but I woild much rather book a decent length of time for the layovermin the first place.
I have never flown through Dublin, but if you were going through Heathrow, Frankfurt or CDG, I would suggest 2 hours to transfer.
I have done Chicago to Duesseldorf on Aer Lingus with 1 hour and 35 minutes in Dublin, and it as not a problem. I did remember having to chug the coffee I had just bought when they called boarding for the Duesseldorf flight. I think you need more time on the return because you will have to clear US customs and immigration in Dublin before boarding the flight.
Make note.......on your return to the U.S. from Dublin, you will go through U.S. immigration and customs in Dublin before your flight home. Upon arrival in the U.S., it's like a domestic flight. You collect your bag and go.
Dublin Airport has put together a Flight Connection guide for passengers:
https://www.dublinairport.com/flight-information/connections/connection-guide
My wife and I try for 3 hours if we have a layover. That allows for departing late or delayed landing (airport congesting), and allowing time to get to the next gate.
If you miss the first flight, there is another at 5:45 pm. 11 hours in Dublin. Hmm.
Coming back, why not spend a whole day in Dublin? Fly in one day, and leave 25 hours later.
