Flights to Shannon Ireland - Newark or Heathrow connection?

Ordinarily my principle is to get to Europe first, so that I'm in the right hemisphere if there should be a delay or glitch. Better to be in London, with lots of flights to Ireland, than in Newark, with a lot fewer, if something goes sideways. Of course this logic works better when flying from the west coast as I do.

But in your case, the Newark option might be better because the layover is adequate and you wake up (if you've slept, hah!) landing at your destination. A 75-minute transfer between terminals is pretty bad. Passport control and security will be separate processes, in time and place. On balance, I'd go with Newark (dreadful as that airport is). But others who fly from the east coast may have better advice.

There is no right or wrong answer. There are pros and cons to both choices.

You won't go through security at Shannon, just immigration. The airport terminal is small and getting out is easy.

I would probably take choice #1 as it is the least hassles.

If you are going to Ennis, the bus stop is right outside the terminal. Very easy.

The nice thing about Shannon if you are returning to home from there is that you go thru immigration there and arrive in US as if on a domestic flight. We sometimes use Newark and so far had no issues but our trips start there so no connections. Best of luck.

Gail is right about clearing US immigration before departing Ireland for a US destination. The same is true at Dublin, where your tour ends. That means your US landing will be as if you've taken a domestic flight. BUT you'll need to allow more time at the Irish airport for this process. Your tour guide may have good advice about this.

I would save the money and take the Heathrow connection. 3 hours should be plenty of time. At Heathrow you go through passport control and security. From forum reports these are separate areas dedicated for connecting passengers. So you won’t be in this same lines as passengers leaving the airport. Also the NYC area has heavy air traffic and is short of air traffic controllers which may result in delays.

Better to be in London, with lots of flights to Ireland, than in Newark, with a lot fewer, if something goes sideways.

Agree with that thought completely. If we can't get a direct flight to Europe, we always opt for a connection on that side of the Atlantic. Plus there is the money to be saved. .

If you choose the second option, and you are a US passport holder, you will be offered the opportunity to use the egates for passport control. No need to talk to anyone. It takes no time.

Thanks everyone for the input, this has been helpful!

We booked #2, the Heathrow connection, since it sounds like we'd have more options both stateside and in London should there be any delays. We also feel the one thing we can mostly control is preparing to be rested and getting on Europe time a few days prior to departure, so we'll plan to do that and be happy about the savings too! As for sleep on the plane, you're right Dick, may be hard to come by on either of the flights really!

Yes, Gail and Dick, I'm thrilled that on our Dublin to US return the immigration process is handled in Dublin. The return flight I've had less concern over but thank you for reminding me about the extra time!

2 - AA/Aer Lingus - leaving @ 6:15pm - RDU > arriving @ 7am London (3 hr layover) > SNN
Both options are 1 ticket bookings and we will only have carry ons, no checked bags.

Are you sure your carry-on bags will conform to the Aer Lingus limits?
https://www.aerlingus.com/prepare/bags/carry-on-baggage/

Joe, I believe so.

According to our booking the SNN flight is operated by Aer Lingus and not the regional partner Emerald Airlines (which has lower carry-on size limit). Also, our bags are the RS rolling backpack suitcases which are below the size limits of the Aer Lingus allowance.

Anything else I'm missing? Thanks for the tip though--bookmarking in the event anything changes!