If we are returning to US from Europe and have a layover in DUB for 1hr 15min, will it be enough time? Same airline, single ticket.
Second question… what is this I hear about US customs in DUB, it sounds confusing. Would we have to claim our luggage in DUB and and re-check them?
Thanks.
Why does this sound confusing?
You baggage should be checked through to your US airport.
Claudia… yes on an ordinary flight I expect bags to be checked thru to destination. But if we are required to go thru US customs in Dublin what is the procedure? That’s what I’d like to know. If you have experience with this scenario please share. Thank you.
Dublin Airport's website has an entire section regarding connecting at the Airport..
https://www.dublinairport.com/flight-information/connections/connection-guide
Dublin Airport suggests 3-3.5 hours for connecting to the USA as you have to go through immigration/customs as well as TSA run security. If you have Global Entry you can use it.
When you arrive in the USA, it's like arriving on a domestic flight. You go directly to baggage claim.
When you check in at your originating airport, your bags will be checked through to your final destination. You will be given baggage claim checks. Keep them handy as the immigration/customs officers in Dublin may want to see them. They may show you a photo of your bags and ask you to identify them.
Frank II, Thank you, I have read that several times over.
Dublin Airport suggests 3-3.5 hours for connecting to the USA as you have to go through immigration/customs as well as TSA run security.
.The time suggestions you quote are exactly the same for “self connecting” psgrs that have to claim their bags and check in for their second, separately ticketed, flight. So how does that make any sense? It would be much faster to clear customs once landed in the US! Further, the PDF illustrating the process does not indicate that connecting psgrs have to go thru immigration/customs plus TSA. The US Preclearance in 3 easy steps section describes a typical TSA screening, i.e. show boarding pass, shoes off, show passport, etc.
The page describing the Preclearance FACILITY is written both for psgrs originating their trip in DUB as well as transiting, so it’s confusing. I hadn’t actually seen the pdf before, so with that and after reading everything few more times, I think it’s safe to say we won’t be claiming and re-checking our bags in Dublin.
I’m still uncertain about the time however and hoping someone that’s gone thru this scenario will share their experience.
Dublin Airport is one of the few airports in the world that allows US Passengers pre security clearance for their flights to the USA.
What this means is that you when you arrive back in the US you do not need to go through immigration.
You can go retrieve your bags and go home.
I'm not sure which PDF you are looking at but this one, https://www.dublinairport.com/docs/default-source/flight-timetables-and-schedules/dublin-airport-flight-connection-guide3b5fbdcccf5e4d34858f630d86795513.pdf?sfvrsn=e983b36f_4, suggests that you do not go through any Irish based security. Only US TSA screening and US pre-clearance/passport control. It does not appear that you would collect your checked luggage. Since you are on a single ticket the airline must think that you can undertake the transfer within 1h 15m.
Preclearance operates at 15 locations worldwide.
This is what I found.
“will I need to claim by luggage at Dublin and recheck it?
No, you won't, as long as it is tagged through to your final destination at checkin in Heathrow. (Verify this at checkin!). When you get to the US pre-clearance area, you'll give them your baggage tags (the little receipt-y barcode sticky tags) along with your passport. The CBP officers will then pull up a photo of your bags on their screen, and ask you to identify that they've correctly worked out which are yours. They'll then ask you some questions about the bags.”
As far as the length of time, we waited maybe 15 minutes to get through the process with carryons in 2019 but it’s pretty difficult to give you an exact amount of time needed because of all the variables, time of day, how many flights are going out, etc.
If Aer Lingus is selling you the ticket w that tight of a connection, it's their responsibility to get you home... they think they can do it (and apparently have), which is why they will sell it.
Yep, the airline will get you home….eventually. Been there, done that way too many times lately.
@margie
Thanks for sharing your first-hand experience! That’s exactly what I was looking for. So there is no TSA conveyor belt and scanner type process to go thru in addition to the CBP, is that true?
Appreciate your been-there-done-that comment, too. Saying that the airline will get you home conjures up some pretty harrowing images. 😆
Carolyn........you will go through TSA type security.. Just like at U.S. airport. Conveyer belt. Xray machine.
You will also go through U.S. immigration/customs where you will be interviewed by a U.S. Immigration officer.
That is preclearance.
If the airline sold you the ticket, then they think you can make it. If you miss your connection, the airline must get you on the next AVAILABLE flight. Not the next flight, the next available flight with seats
