Dublin Preclearance: Your Stress-Free Path from the UK to USA via Ireland

[@jayd1426]

I frequent Dublin Airport often for flights between the US and Europe due to the more affordable tickets on Aer Lingus. US Preclearance is definitely a useful asset to have in the travel experience, especially when you don't have to wait in the long, inconvenient queues on arrival at home. The only thing I don't like is the extra security checks as part of the process, though I have heard from some that there is a trial going on where outbound passengers from Dublin are exempt from secondary screening after the general security, while connecting passengers still have to undergo the original procedures (I'd still have to confirm more though). Nice video!

[@michaelhortin]

Hi, Be interesting to see if there are changes. Though I suspect if you come from the other terminal you will still have to do the two security checks. I'm hoping to go on a filming trip to the States later this year, and would definitely use it again. Thx for watching. Michael

[@elaineferguson8319]

Went through preclearance at Dublin last week on my first trip to the US. It was completely painless, except having to go through a second lot of security; can’t imagine going to the US otherwise than via that route now.

[@michaelhortin]

I agree, so nice when you are tired not to have to do it.

[@dfmedia007]

Why was your bags not checked in at East Midlands direct to washington

[@michaelhortin]

I have slept a few times since then, but I seem to remember that I couldn’t book through…but I may be wrong 🤷‍♂️

[@stephenconway2468]

I did the route once and it was so relieving. When you land in Dulles it was just like any US domestic.

[@michaelhortin]

Agreed, I would always use pre-clearance if it was on offer👍

[@kyrieavery6189]

Hi, do they also have preclearance at Heathrow airport?

[@michaelhortin]

Hi, At the moment preclearance is in 6 countries (not the UK) www.cbp.gov/travel/preclearance

[@imtheghoul]

cheers, Michael!

[@michaelhortin]

No worries, hope it helps 😉

[@DanA-jz1ll]

can you buy water after US Pre Clearance in the terminal?

[@michaelhortin]

As I remember it yes. Worth saying you can’t take liquid through pre-clearance anyway. Have a great flight…

[@mac9075]

Hi, were there any bars/restaurants to grab food and a few drinks after pre-clearance?

[@michaelhortin]

Yes there are some places after. Downstairs can be quite busy, but upstairs there is more room. Michael

[@garyhutton2654]

Hi sir , I loved your vid your a natural. I have friends who use east Midlands nice to see what the airport looked like , very nice to me anyways. I know Dublin as I'm from Derry northern Ireland. Anyway sir that was wonderful to watch , thank you very much indeed. ☘️

[@michaelhortin]

Thanks for your feedback. I’ve loved my visits to Northen Ireland and the Republic. I hope to return with the channel some time soon..Michael👍

[@cma7501]

can you let me know what you need and at what point do they check docs, im worried my UK vacc passport won't scan in dublin and they won't let me through

[@michaelhortin]

If you download your passes on to your phones wallet they work fine. Just keep it on your emails too. It is now 5 months since I flew so not sure what covid pass rules are now for USA though. So do check that. Your airline should warm you. Hope you have a fab time in the States. Michael

[@thegaelicgladiator665]

I would recommend next time if you're doing this to go to Shannon airport if possible as Shannon is a much more efficient airport than Dublin and is much easier to navigate

[@michaelhortin]

Thx for the advice I might try that next time. Maybe another film 😉

[@The_Red_Squirrel]

Where's the sense in taking a one-stop flight as against a non-stop flight, and what recourse do you have if you miss the second flight because of a first flight delay. I can only think that there is no direct flight between Manchester and Washington. Otherwise, this one-stop flight doesn't make sense unless it is a significantly cheaper fare option.

[@michaelhortin]

Hi Barry, Thx for your message. There were multiple reasons for doing what I did. 1: East Midlands is much shorter drive from home for me, and in my opinion less stressy airport than Manchester or one of the London ones. Generally if I can I leave the UK through regional airports I do. 2: Irish airports are generally cheaper to fly from than the UK ones in my experience. They certainly were when I went. Looking at a random week in September now London is around the same as Dublin while Manchester is not direct and more. By the time I add travel to airport and other cost to London for me it is more. 3: Personally getting the US entry stuff done pre-flight was so much better. At the end of the flight all I wanted was to hit the road and get to my hotel. So being treated like a domestic passenger was great. 4: I also on the way back had a few days in Ireland planned to film some content for the channel, so the two flights was good. As for the fear of missing a connection, trust me I get that! My travel paranoia is never far away. But I had a three hour gap which was more than enough. Best Wishes Michael

[@The_Red_Squirrel]

@@michaelhortin I actually live in Dublin and have experienced pre-clearance and have found it longer than clearance on arrival in the US.

[@michaelhortin]

I just like getting it done before the flight. Usually just want to get going after a flight…

[@celticlofts]

FYI: According to another poster the second security check is no longer used.

[@michaelhortin]

Great to hear it might have changed, it did feel a bit much. 🤷‍♂️

[@moonlightbaesz]

hi i was just wondering: as soon as i get to the airport where should i go? pre clearance?

[@michaelhortin]

Hi, so you go through the normal airport part first - check in and security. After that and the shops/restaurants is pre-clearance. It took me about 30 to 40 minutes to get through the pre-clearance part…. Hope that helps. Michael

[@Beanioo]

awesome video

[@michaelhortin]

Thanks, Michael 👍

[@EileenConnor]

Hi just wondering you had three checks in total so was that one in uk when leaving and two in Ireland and then when you landed you waited for your bags and left no questions asked or was there another round of security checks when you arrived in the US . Hope you don't mind the question thanks for the video also

[@michaelhortin]

Hi Eileen, Flying to Ireland from the UK was just a security check for me. The UK, is a member of the Common Travel Area so British nationals travelling there don’t need a passport to visit Ireland. But immigration officers will check the ID of all passengers arriving by air from the UK. As for the USA bit. At Dublin Airport you first go through the normal security stuff passengers going anywhere in the world do. Then there is a second US preclearance check. You first have security checks, so don't buy liquids. Then it is the passport/ ESTA checks that you would normally have in the USA. The best bit is at the american side, as you saw, you get off the flight and can just go, like an internal US flight. No need for passports at all.. Hope that helps.. Michael

[@EileenConnor]

Thank you Michael That answered my Question Perfectly and Gives me Peace of Mind I'm flying out Monday and Didn't know if I would get a reply from you before then so thank you for the fast reply I am now a subscriber and will be watching the rest of the videos you have uploaded Thanks again . Eileen

[@michaelhortin]

Thx Eileen. Safe travels...👍

[@krishnar3537]

is the preclearance for all passport holders travelling to USA?

[@michaelhortin]

Yes, as far as I know. Saw no signs saying otherwise.

[@Windycajr]

Yes. Otherwise it would be a logistics nightmare having to send some passengers to immigration upon arrival in the US

[@loudaley7705]

Hi Im booking a flight to usa from Manchester, Aer lingus only gives 1 hr 50 min to connect in Dublin for preclearance etc. In your opinion do you think that’s enough time or too tight? Thanks

[@michaelhortin]

Hi Lou, Sorry for the time taken getting back to you. So to me, 1 hour and 50 minutes feels like it might be quite tight. Have you tried checking in with the airline to see what they say about the time needed? Are you booking both your flight from the UK and Ireland with the same airline, if so they should be able to help you out. Just to give you an idea an idea about timings when I traveled. First I landed from the UK at a different terminal to the one that I used going to the United States. I then had a 15 minute walk from that terminal to the one where pre-clearance is. After that I had to drop my bags and go through security into the main departure lounge. That was followed by a five minute walk to pre-clearance. That then took about 30 minutes or so. So in total landing to by the next plane was about 1 hour 15 minutes. But if you’re going in a busy time of year, it might take you a bit longer. I hope that helps. But at the risk of repeating myself my best advice would be to check in with your airline and or Dublin airport. Social media DMs can get quick responses, it has done for me. Sorry this is a bit long, but I hope it helped. Hope you have a nice time in the United States. Michael

[@loudaley7705]

@@michaelhortin thanks very much for replying Michael, it is all on one ticket with Aer Lingus and they have said bags are checked all the way through from Manchester to JFK. Also land and fly out from T2 in Dublin, so fingers crossed it will be ok. I still think its gonna feel rushed but hopefully doable. Thank you for the info, much appreciated.

[@michaelhortin]

That sounds a lot more straight forward. I suspect you only have to do pre-clearance which will be a lot quicker than my way with RyanAir from East Mids. Safe travels. Michael

[@Buildbeautiful]

This has been used in Dublin for years its a great idea but we were flying from Manchester last sunday with Aer lingus the but the que was held up by passangers flying to the usa who did not have their covid vac details for the usa

[@michaelhortin]

On this film I had quite a f

[@michaelhortin]

Hi, The time I traveled through Dublin on this film, I had early flight and did not leave until lunchtime. I tend to agree you need to add a bit of time to make sure you do get through ok, but it was certainly worth it stateside. Michael

[@cma7501]

will a UK vacc passport scan in dublin? we are travelling to US via dublin and are worried it won't scan

[@PapaVanTwee5]

I think those restrictions may have lifted? I flew back at the end of July and didn't have to worry about it. (I'm a US citizen).

[@michaelhortin]

Yes no covid stuff last summer…

[@michaelmccarthy9411]

Sadly a lot of Brits still think that Ireland is "sort of" part of the UK. Their history education is not very good!

[@michaelhortin]

Hi Michael, thanks for your comment. The video is aimed at people who like me travel from the UK and USA via Dublin pre-clearance to save money. I’m fully aware that Ireland isn’t in the UK and is an independent republic.I have quite a few films from travelling around Ireland on this channel. Best Michael

[@thebigpicture-elpanorama]

Dublin is not in the UK, but the title of the video implies that it is. Otherwise this is a great video. Keep up the good work. (Ireland is NOT part of the UK)

[@michaelhortin]

Thanks for your comment. The title referred to the overall journey was from UK to USA. I am aware a lot of people are thinking of doing a similar trip. Im pleased to say there are films to come of some time I spent in the Republic or Ireland and Dublin. Best Michael

[@thebigpicture-elpanorama]

@@michaelhortin I wish you the best of luck with your channel.

[@dominicpreston-vlog2551]

Great video -- we've been doing the pre-clearance for years being from Dublin. I've got two channels would love you to subscribe.

[@michaelhortin]

Thanks Dominic..👍

[@zombeast23]

A + Ok Ugh

[@michaelhortin]

🤷‍♂️

[@jeffhawkins5864]

Dublin Airport & Shannon Airport are 1 of 2 Airports in Ireland & Europe with 🇺🇸 CBP Preclearence, Dublin & Shannon, you fly into Dublin Airport go straight to US🇺🇸 CBP Preclearence, once you have all your papers in Order, your done & trough in 30mins, Not like flying from say CDG Paris, Rome, when you land stateside in USA, 🇺🇸CBP can take 3hrs, Dublin you land you walk through like a 🇺🇸US Domestic Flight, so cut ur time & cost, fly through Dublin Airport with Aer Lingus 🇮🇪☘️💚Safe Flying

[@michaelhortin]

Yup, I love pre- clearance

[@taiwooladiran5092]

@@michaelhortinthey did fingerprint and all in Dublin ? Even with the with ESTA ?

[@michaelhortin]

@ was a few years ago now, but yes I did everything 👍