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Aer Lingus Flight SEA-DUB with continue to FCO: Where Immigration?

Sorry to bother with these questions, but I am trying to sort out the final pieces of my trip and have some questions (which I tried to find answers to on the Dublin airport website, but could not). I will land at 11:45 am (hopefully) and then continue on another Aer Lingus flight to Rome at 3:30 pm. I am trying to figure out a couple of things:

  1. Where will I go through immigration as a US citizen? Assuming Dublin. And customs in Rome? or Dublin?
  2. Will I have time (assuming all goes according to plan) to pop in an airport lounge for a bite to eat, freshen up, etc. before making my way to my Rome flight which leaves at 3:30 or so? I see that there are lounges in both terminals, so I can use either according to my credit card company (assuming they are not packed, which they might be). If I can't I would like to bring a healthy snack from home to get me through the day.
  3. Will I be able to get Euros in the airport before I board the flight to Rome without needing to exit and go through security again? I will be carry on only, so this would be a hassle that I would like to avoid. I fear I will be a zombie by the time I land in Rome, so would like to make use of my layover time to get some cash for buses, room tax, etc. I think it will be a safer course of action.

Thank you for any light you are able to shed on these very specific questions!

Posted by
4517 posts

Immigration and customs: Rome

It looks like there is a 1 pm cutoff. As long as you can get to your next gate by 1, you can avoid immigration in Dublin.

Posted by
6502 posts

Here's info from the airport about ATMs and money changers there. You'll want an airside ATM at whichever terminal(s) you'll be using (there are two). If no ATM, then a staffed currency exchange place that will give you a bad exchange rate, but worth it for the convenience. Good idea to get at least some walking-around money at DUB rather than Rome.

Posted by
1090 posts

In case you arrive in Dublin late, or don’t have a chance to go to an ATM prior to your Rome arrival, there are several ATM’s in the Rome airport. I always bring home a few hundred euros from each trip so that I have them to start the next trip, but I also have never had a problem finding an ATM in a European airport. They’re pretty prolific.

Posted by
68 posts

Thank you for all the prompt and helpful replies! I usually travel with my husband who helps with these things, but I am meeting my daughter to travel together after her study abroad in Rome and am a bit nervous about it, despite at least 10 trips abroad. It seems that things change about every few months or so, so it is helpful to have "on the ground" expertise provided by all of you.

Thank you!

Posted by
1366 posts

Arriving from the US you will land in Terminal 1. Before you get to immigration you will see a sign directing you to connections. Follow that sign and you will remain airside. I'm not sure whether your flight to Rome will use Terminal 1 or 2. Either way, the lounge is located off the corridor between the terminals. By the way, it's about a 10 minute walk between terminals.

Posted by
141 posts

Just did this exact trip, everyone’s advice is spot on. Immigration in FCO took almost an hour, just be prepared.

The flight from Seattle was over an hour late arriving into DUB but it was still plenty of time that we got bored in the Aer Lingus lounge. I think the other T2 lounge was right next door

Also if you are returning the same way a couple of tips.

1) DO NOT try to use the Priority Pass affiliated lounge in FCO Terminal 3; it is located in a satellite terminal that requires an airport people mover train ride, but that is not where Aer Lingus has its gate usually, and you’re apparently not supposed to be able to come back to the rest of T3. The security checkpoint person took pity and let us back but it was not supposed to be a thing. The Amex affiliated lounge and the BA lounge are fine, they are in the main part of T3.

2) There was a huge line for the ticket counters at FCO so if you can stay carry on only and avoid I would recommend it. Staff don’t start working until 2.5 hours prior to departure but the line was 50 people deep at that point.

Posted by
68 posts

Ksea--your information is super helpful. I will re-check the Dublin airport map. My priority pass will work at two lounges (which was my plan). I may just bail on the whole idea and bring a snack.

On that note, how was the food? I have heard conflicting reports from travelers, but your information would be the most pertinent. It looks like it is just dinner on the Seattle flight, no breakfast, which was why I was thinking I would grab something at a lounge. If you return to this thread, I would be grateful for your report on the food and how tasty (or not) it was. I am also considering just bringing a pre-made sandwich from QFC and eating before the flight if it is a tragic meal.

We are traveling through France, Scotland and Ireland before returning on Westjet out of Dublin, with a stopover in Calgary. We do fly out of FCO on Easyjet to Nice, so I will keep your information in mind. Not sure where the Easyjet gate will be (probably not convenient, but we paid for all carry on bags, so we don't really need to queue up super early). Was security in FCO slow? Our flight is at 9:30 am and my head hurts thinking about leaving Rome so early. Hoping I will be able to get up early enough to make that happen!

Thank you!!

Posted by
141 posts

You should be able to use the T2 Lounge at DUB with Priority Pass. I didn’t notice a ton of food options in the terminal and the lounge is only a short walk.

Regarding the food situation SEA-DUB, was in business class on that leg so if you’re in coach my experience probably isn’t helpful. Did get a light breakfast prior to arrival in DUB. Meals were overall fine but nothing special. Worthwhile to bring a non-perishable snack just in case.

FCO security was quite fast in Terminal 3, under 10 minutes. That being said given Ireland is a non-Schengen flight it might be in a different area than your flight to Nice.

Posted by
15000 posts

Just a reminder......you will be going through U.S. immigration and customs in Calgary between flights.

Posted by
68 posts

@Frank, yes, I realize that and I am eternally grateful. Will be so nice to tumble off that flight in SEA and into my husband's waiting car. I imagine we will be stupid tired!