Flying to LA via Dublin

ooo000ooo

Booked the flights via expedia and selected BA for all bits of it. Dublin to Heathrow is actually done by aerlingus.
When we drop our cases in Dublin to they transfer them from plane to plane in heathrow or do we have to do that?
We've just under 2 hours between flights so, although it's all within terminal 2, there's not much room for any delays.
Whats the crack with security for american trips, i know we do our immigration in Dublin which should make things handier at the other end, how long does it take?

RikM

If your ticket says Dublin to LA, then you certainly don't collect and re-checkin in Heathrow. Even if it doesn't you can probably check them in for your final destination - ask at the desk. I've done that before for translantic flights with a stop.

Immigration in Dublin, I've done that before, but not recently. I don't recall it taking a huge amount of time - electronic self-scanning of documents then a border official in a kiosk - much like any normal passport control. There weren't big queues.
But... this was about 3 or 4 years back, so security requirements may have changed. The far end was a little surreal: just step off the plane - less fuss than a UK domestic flight. I don't know how that all works with a stop at Heathrow though... Do they do the remote border thing when passengers could be coming from the UK rather than direct from Dublin?

2gorgeousgirls

We flew via Dublin to Florida recently. There is extra security down at immigration so give yourself time to get through it and then through immigration process.

After u check in u go upstairs and through security, bag check, shoes off, show clear bags , the usual stuff. Then you're through to the departure lounge.

Watch the board to know when u can go downstairs to US clearance. When u go down there u go through the whole security bit again, bag check, shoe check. They also have body scanners there but I can't remember if everyone goes through those. We did because so many people per flight r randomly selected for even more security and my (minor) daughter was selected so I had to go with her.

Then u go through to immigration. It is split between US passport holders and others. The others queue is one long queue for all US flights so takes time.

Last time I flew out of Dublin prior to this year there wasn't the extra security downstairs so this year we didn't rush down and ended cutting it fine.

Next time I would head down as soon as the board says I can.

There r coffee areas once ur through immigration but if u need something substantial eat upstairs. Avoid the caramel squares, cost a fortune and are horrible!!

Safe flight.

D.A.

If you're going via Heathrow, you won't be doing the immigration pre-clearance at Dublin. Unfortunately you'll have to join the queue when you arrive in LA...

qwert_yuiop

D.A. wrote: »

If you're going via Heathrow, you won't be doing the immigration pre-clearance at Dublin. Unfortunately you'll have to join the queue when you arrive in LA...

Correct. I made the mistake of buying the cheapest ticket to Washington from Dublin, with Expedia. This involved transfer in Amsterdam, followed by three hours in an immigration queue in Dulles. After about an hour and a half, I'd have happily paid to go straight back home.

Don't do it. Pay the extra €20 euro or whatever and go direct from Dublin.

attritioner

If you are Aerlingus and BA do you not need to change terminal in Heathrow?

I think Aerlingus fly to T2 but BA often depart T5 - so time could be tight. But perhaps you are ok.

You should double check your flight numbers to see what terminal they arrive and depart.

dsab

As the others said:

- US Immigration will be done stateside and not in Dublin, as you fly via LHR
- your bags will be checked through to LA, so there won't be any need to pick them up or re-check them in LHR
- You will have to change Terminal in LHR, as Aer Lingus arrives in T2 and BA departs from T5. That is unless the BA flight is a codeshare operated by AA or another US airlines. Important to check flight number here.

ooo000ooo

LOL checked the booking again and you are correct, arrive in T2 and leave via T5. I misread the leave via T2 in dublin and arrive in T2 heathrow We've an 1 hr 45 between flights so better wear my running shoes!!
Pity about the immigration was hoping to make it nice and easy at the other end.
Flight is 6.30 a.m. so reckoned we'd drive down at midnight and that will leave plenty of time to get through security.

Bigcammy

Transfer between the terminals at Heathrow is usually pretty good, I reckon probably 15 minutes depending on good timing for the connecting bus. I can't remember if you go through the transfer security first, then the bus between terminals or vice versa. Definitely not getting pre-clearance in Dublin though with a flight via a UK airport, only flights that go direct from Dublin to a US airport.

guiriman

Security is after you arrive in the terminal (after the bus)

rolo1_2

You should be ok for time, but tight enough. No faffing about just focus on end point