We'll our vacation is coming to the end. We fly out of Shannon airport at 11:35 Sunday morning. We will be staying at Headley Court the night before and will need to return the car Sunday morning. How early should we arrive at the airport to return the car and check in?
Jeff
I'm surprised that it takes three hours. Are there additional steps at Shannon I didn't take in Tampa? Other than showing my passport In Tampa it was a normal one hour deal. I noticed the time frame indicates 4 hours. Is this allowing for travel and rental return? Thanks for the help.
Jeff
The 1st ? is Customs.. most flights you Clear US customs at SNN rather than on arrival back in the US.. 4 hours might be needed at Dublin but Shannon is a far more efficient operation. Plus you have to be clear and ready when the Gate closes 30mins before departure time.
-- Edited by tony2phones on Friday 6th of June 2014 12:25:35 PM
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Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour
Three hours. You first return the car, which shouldn't take more than 15 - 30 minutes. If you are getting VAT back that will take a bit of time. Then check in, go through Irish security. You then wait in the departure lounge near Duty Free for a while till your flight is called. Then you get in line and go through immigration. You must then go through USA security.
Since you clear USA immigration and security in Ireland you do not have to do so in the US. That makes it a longer process.
Tony is right about 15 minutes from Headley Court to Shannon. If you need petrol for the car a little more time. There is a petrol station across the street from your B&B. Or a Topaz nearer the airport.
I agree with Tony. If you ever get "selected" for additional screening by US Homeland Security, as happen to me a couple years ago, you will need the three hour window that's recommended.
Thanks for the great advice as always. We are at Headley Court now and will get gas at the Maxol station across the street. Thanks for that Michelle. Bye the way Anne Randles at Doire Farm said to say hello. That was a great place to stay a week We will leave here at 7:30 as suggested.
Jeff
Glad you enjoyed your stay at Doire Farm Cottages. I agree - great self-catering rentals there and wonderful hosts. If you have time give Kathleen at Headley Court my regards.
If you flight is at 11:35 you don't need to leave till around 8. That gives you an extra half hour. Maybe breakfast?
It WOULD be a shame to miss out on Kathleen's EXCELLENT breakfast! If you leave by 8 or a LITTLE after, you should be at the Terminal (car returned) by 8:30.
Hope you had a WONDERFUL visit!
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Bob
Help Us to Help You. The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!
Michelle we hope to get breakfast at the airport. Kathleen doesn't start serving until 8am. She provided a plate of fruit and muffins that we will munch on in the morning. I'll tell her you said hi. Thanks again for all the help.
Jeff