Flying Aer Lingus via Dublin

[JoyB-UK]

Hi, I am wanting some information about what happens at Dublin airport when using connecting flights.
Do we have to collect bags and then re check?
Will we get our boarding passes for the second flight when we check in at Manchester?
What happens at the US immigration part? I assume we can't get to the gate without going through it but I'm stressing that we will some how miss it
When we arrive at MCO do we land at a domestic part of the airport then just collect bags and go?

I would greatly appreciate info from someone who has done this.
Thanks, Joy.

 

[starrysky]

We did this last year and it was awesome.

You check in at Manchester and you are given your boarding pass for both flights. Your bags are checked right through. Remember what they look like as this is important when going through US immigration.

Once you get to dublin follow the signs for the flight connections. Basically get off flight and walk all the way to the other end of the baggage claim area. YOU DO NOT NEED TO GET YOUR BAGS. up the escalator and through security.

Follow the signs for us pre clearance which is in terminal 2 but if in doubt just ask. Once in terminal 2 you can't miss the BIG american flag. Head down the escalator and grab a customs form. Fill out one per family or couple. There are loads of these and plenty of desks. The Irish side will keep you right. We were too early so they sent us back upstairs as there is very little once you pass through. There is a tiny Duty free stand and one that sells some pre packaged sandwhiches and water.

Once you do pass through its the same as you would do on landing in the US except they have screens for you to ID your bag (SEE ABOVE ABOUT REMEMBERING WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE) finger prints and photos and they check the customs form and stamp your passport.

Once you get off the flight in the US you are classed as a domestic arrival. Get off plane, get on monrail and head to the baggage claim area on the B side.Then head off to collect your car or ME or whatever. It is that easy. There are no security checks to go through and its honestly that simple.

Aerlingus flights the twice we have flown with them are great, nice staff clean planes and on time service.

 

[starrysky]

Forgot to say if you have time between your returning flights the aerlingus lounge in terminal 2 is well worth checking out. We paid 50Euro for the two of us, loads of food and drink and they have great showers where they give you lovely toiletries and fluffy towls. Good sofa upstairs in the quiet area if you need a nap.

The restaurants in the airport we found to be expensive. We felt the 50euro for the lounge was well worth it. We had 5 hours between flights and it was great to relax there before the next flight. We are booking it for this year.

 

[JoyB-UK]

Thank you very much, this is just the sort of info I was looking for. We actually have about 6/7 hours wait on return (they keep pushing the flight back) so the lounge might be a good idea. I have heard some stories of very long lines at the immigration part, how long did you have wait?
Joy

 

[starrysky]

It took about 45mins but we did go in October. But we waited longer for the ME in Orlando even then we were in and out in about 1 1/2hours.

 

[Stitch's Greatest Fa]

How long before the Manchester flight did you have to check in?

 

[Magic Megadegs]

Hiya Stitch - It says on the website you can check in online between 30 and 2 hours before. The checkin desk appears to close 60mins before the flight departs so that could be your bag drop off time?

I'm sure there is some lovely Dis'er who has flown the MAN to MCO route before, lol x

 

[EM_xx]

We went last year via Dublin from Glasgow, we waiting about 5 minutes to clear immigrations in March. The best thing about it was that you did not then need to clear it again in Orlando as the queues were massive.

 

[Mr Stoat]

Take snacks, they can be very slow to feed you on the Orlando flight, took about 3 hours for us, just wanted to flog us cans of pringles and sandwiches.

 

[starrysky]

This years flight as good as last year in fact it took us less Time to get to our resort as we got right on the ME with no wait. Snacks are still expensive on board and limited. Remember if you buy before you per clear you will have to declare all your food.
Overall very happy with the flight and even with the near persistent turbulence it was still good.