travel to airport

Shawn · Senior Member

travel to airport

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shawn,

Even though your flight departs at 1:15 I think you need to be at the airport no later than 10:30. You are looking at a drive of approximately 3 1/2 to 4 hours. That means departing Dingle at 6:30 am without breakfast. If you want breakfast along the way you will have to schedule more time. What if you run into road works or have a flat? It is not something that I would care to do.

I prefer to be much closer to the airport for departure. Be a worry wort.

Michele

Shawn · Senior Member

Wow. I didn't realize we had to be at the airport so early. I think last time we only got there about 1.5 hours before the flight. Meh, I guess I have to change my plans a bit. Maybe we'll do a Bunratty night before departure. Thanks.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shawn,

Generally they want you at the airport for international check-in 3 hours in advance. By being there at 10:30 it will give you the time you need to return the car and get your VAT back. By then it will probably be 11 am, which is 2 hours and 15 minutes before flight time. Keep in mind that you clear customs in Shannon.

Michele

yesiree · Guru

FYI - Customs procedures on my Aer Lingus flight home this summer changed. All passengers had to board in Shannon, fly to Dublin, get off the plane in Dublin, clear Customs, wait and then get back on the same plane.

This still doesn't change how early you should arrive at Shannon. We still had to pass through two security lines (and the second one at the gate was extra sloooow).

Shannon is still the easier airport to maneuver, but some of the changes are adding a bit of hassle for North American travelers.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Corey,

Of course you are right about customs if your flight makes a connection in Dublin. Lately I have been taking direct non-stops so forgot about that. Thanks for filling in the blanks.

Michele

GARYVOL · Veteran Member

idea SAY WHAT !!!
Now I'm curious. Our return flight back to the states was from Dublin non-stop. What if it had stopped in Shannon to pick up more people. I know some flights do that. Does this require everyone to get off the plane in Shannon and go thru customs again and then back on the same plane. ?? I would hope not.
-gary

Shawn · Senior Member

I will definitely be changing my plans to stay closer to the airport the night before. I will post an itinerary for review once we make some more concrete decisions. Tx everyone.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Gary,

It may depend on what sort of agreement the airline has or it may be that you need to clear customs at the last airport you depart Europe from. The EU has all sorts of new rules. Anyone else been deplaned?

Shawn,

Glad you are making alternative plans for your last night.

Michele