"Self-transfer" connection at Dublin Aiport

notabob

I'm booking a return flight from NW England to Chicago.  The majority of options on SkyScanner seem to go via Dublin Airport, which is fine but they are listed as "self-transfer" which I think means I will have to go through security at Dublin airport.  I'm just wondering if Skyscanner has suggested an option does that mean it is reasonable in terms of minimising the risks of meeting the connection.  Is 2 hours 30 minutes between arriving and departing from Dublin enough, or would any delay in my first flight be pushing my luck?  The first flight will be Ryanair to Dublin and I am hoping not to need to put anything in the hold in the plane, so I don't have to spend time collecting baggage as well as going through secuirty in Dublin.  Thanks

Brie

no experience of trying to do this myself but I would want to be booking the entire thing on the same airline.  what happens if ryanair cancels your flight or changes the times or whatever?  would you be able to continue the rest of the way?  I know that sometimes even if a big airline (BA etc) doesn't fly from wherever they have a partner airline that does the tiddly bit but it's booked as essentially one flight.

maisie_cat

Doesn't Dublin have US immigration so that you pre clear before boarding the flight? maybe that's why

onashoestring

Sky scanner is a useful tool for finding out prices but it’s recommended that you should book your tickets directly with the airline. This is recommended even without the current high volume of flight cancellations and delays occurring this summer.

That way if there is any delay or cancellation of your first flight, the airline will be responsible for ensuring that you get to your destination. Separate tickets will not give you this protection.

notabob

Thanks onashoestring.  but does that only apply if the airliens are the same?  They won't be in my case, and so they won't be any protection if I just booked the frist and second flight toally separately directly with the airline?  Thanks

JGB1955

I would only do this by booking direct.  It's then their problem if it all goes t**s up.

For instance - booking (via BA) Manchester to Chicago 9 September via Dublin results in an Aer LIngus flight to Dublin, then to O'Hare... but it's a lot more expensive than via LHR!

debsy42

We have flown to the US via Dublin previously however we did both legs Heathow-Dublin and Dublin-Orlando with Aer Lingus. As previous posters have also commented we wanted the security of if anything went wrong we knew we wouldn't be left stranded. Also our luggage was sent straight through so we didn't have to mess about with that. US immigration can get busy I believe as there are a few US bound flights leaving Dublin within a short time of each other so something to be aware of. We were quite early so cleared in about 5 minutes with no queue.

If everything runs to plan then I think your stopover time should be ok but if Ryanair get you there late or cancel the flight chances are you'd miss the US flight and then you might find having to pay out again.

For the sack of a few quid I'd give yourself the peace of mind and book direct with Aer Lingus and also if I remember rightly you go straight through the transfer section when disembarking your first leg so no security and straight through to the Departures Lounge.

daveyjp

Have a look at Google flights.  I also suggest a through ticket if a connection is required.

Waunakee

This is my preferred route when travelling “home” since AA ceased direct flights from MCR some years ago.

Much more convenient for the family to clear customs and immigration pre flight and arrive in the US as a domestic traveller than queuing in the often long lines at O’Hare after a tiring transatlantic flight.

I book direct with Aer Lingus MAN-ORD (then jump on the shuttle up to MAD) and find the prices pretty good and have always had a good experience.In flight service is usually very good.

I have a return trip booked for 2 weeks mid October £565pp including 50lbs checked package using Smart Economy which compares favourably with other carriers such as BA via LHR.Also BA codeshare with AA,who I try to avoid using due to their poor service and often rude flight attendants.

I still haven’t forgiven American from serving a breakfast box on the red eye into MCR many years ago which contained a banana! No croissant,yoghurt,fruit juice just 1 tiny,overripe banana! 

Sandtree

notabob said:

Thanks onashoestring.  but does that only apply if the airliens are the same?  They won't be in my case, and so they won't be any protection if I just booked the frist and second flight toally separately directly with the airline?  Thanks

There wont be any protection if you buy direct or via an agent as you are buying separate tickets not a through flight

onashoestring

notabob said:

Thanks onashoestring.  but does that only apply if the airliens are the same?  They won't be in my case, and so they won't be any protection if I just booked the frist and second flight toally separately directly with the airline?  Thanks

With separate tickets - each airline will be responsible for getting you to the destination of their flight only - if it’s separate tickets they will not be responsible for any onward flights missed . 

For example if the flight to Dublin is cancelled - 

The EU compensation rules with apply but only with regard to getting you to Dublin . 

So the airline will have to offer a refund or re-routing to Dublin , but have no obligation to get you there in time for your next flight .

 If (as a result of first flight being delayed or cancelled ) you are a no show for the flight Dublin to Chicago - there will be no obligation for the 2nd airline to refund you ( unless you are buying refundable / flexi tickets ) and there will be no obligation for the first airline to get you to Chicago.