We will be catching a return flight from Dublin Airport to U.S. on a Tuesday morning (9:50 departure time). Flight is a FinnAir flight being operated by American Airlines and departing from Terminal 2. I understand that U.S. Prescreening is available at this airport. If so, I would like to take advantage of that. We will be leaving U.S. with just carry on bags (no checked luggage) and, hopefully, returning the same way. But, for planning purposes, let's assume we will have one or two bags for checked luggage. How far ahead of departure time do we need to be arriving at the airport?
I understand that U.S. Prescreening is available at this airport. If so, I would like to take advantage of that.
You don't have a choice. Last year, if I recall, we arrived 2 1/2 hour ahead. Clearing US Customs and Immigration did not take very long. But it saved a whole lot of time at our arrival. If you have just carry-ons, you'll walk off the plane and be on your way.
I got there two hours before my flight in May and had no problems. Just be prepare to go through screening twice--once through Irish screening and the second time through US screening.
According to their website, for Dublin departures to the US, American Airlines recommends arriving three hours prior to your scheduled departure.
We allowed 3 hrs as recommended by AA. It was more than enough time. There were a few lines to get through, but they moved fairly quickly. Probably most flights to the US leave in the morning.
rdexwarren,
In early July, we arrived 3 hours prior to the departure of the AA flight and we had plenty of time to clear customs, TSA, etc. and to catch a snack and a bit of last minute shopping.
A month earlier, my neighbor and his wife flew from DUB on the same early morning flight and experienced a much more congested departure routine - they too had arrived 3 hours prior to the departure and arrived at the gate with plenty of time (sorry no snack or shopping). The airport and security personnel can also assist you if there is a need to jump the queue but an early arrival should give you peace of mind.
cheers.