How Much Time For Dublin Airport Check-In For Return to US

Actually, with new security regulations, it is reccomended that you leave 3 hours prior to an trans-Atlantic flight. Part of the reason is that the plane can't leave until the passengers are approved by the US, so if people check in late, the plane is delayed.

I would leave at least 2.5 hours. It's far better to have extra time in the airport than to miss an international flight.

Kate

Ninety minutes should be okay. FYI: at Dublin Airport the US Immigration check is at Dublin Airport. That's right the US immigration check is at the airport in Dublin. This is the only airport in Europe that has this arrangement. When you arrive in the US you won't have to wait in line at the usually immigration check. Look for the signs that direct passengers from Dublin to a special exit which bypasses the lines.

The American Airlines site recommends a three-hour check-in for their international flights departing from Dublin.

Ooops I forgot that AA doesn't have internet check-in for international flights yet. In this case, you should arrive 3 hours before your flight. I flew out Dublin last month with Continental Airlines which does allow you to check in via the web site, and 90 minutes wasn't a problem. But of course there was one less line to wait in.

I got to the Dublin airport at 8:00 for a 10:35 A.M. flight on American to Chicago. We actually left at 4:35 P.M. After their computers has been down for 3 1/2 hours someone in the brain trust decided that maybe they should start checking people in by hand.

Dublin airport is too small and normally a zoo during peak times. Allow yourself a bare minimum of two hours.

Thank you, one and all. We will do all we can to be at Dublin Airport three hours in advance. And hopefully, our flight to Chicago will leave on time.

Note that you can only do U.S. customs at Dublin airport if you are flying direct to the U.S.
Most flights go from Dublin to London to the U.S., and for those flights, you must to customs in the U.S.A.

Also, bear in mind that you can only take one carry-on bag at the Dublin (and London) airports.

Plenty 3 hours just back FYI

Please note - you do immigration in Dublin, but not customs. You do have to clear customs upon arrival in the US.

Thanks for all your help, one and all. I guess our final night in Ireland had best be "early to bed, early to rise." One clarification, though: What is this "immigration" in Dublin thing? I'm guessing that doesn't apply to us.

Again, thanks.

When leaving Dublin Airport for a non-stop flight to the US, you go through your US Immigration check at Dublin Airport. That means when your plane lands in the US, you won't have to wait in line to get your passport stamped. Look for signs that direct passengers from Dublin to a special exit. It will save you a lot of time.