8 reasons why we love U.S. Preclearance
Flying to the U.S. from Ireland is an experience like no other. It’s not just the buzz of excitement you get while crossing the Atlantic. Dublin and Shannon Airports are the only locations in Europe in which you can complete U.S. Preclearance before your flight.
In fact, Ireland is one of only six countries in the world to offer this service, making it one of the best places to start your U.S. adventure. Let us explain why we think U.S. Preclearance makes flying with Aer Lingus even more convenient!
1. Skip the queues when you land in the USA
When you land in the U.S., the last thing you want is to wait in long immigration lines. But with U.S. Preclearance at Dublin Airport, you won’t have to. You’ll complete all your immigration checks before you even leave Ireland. So, when you land at your U.S. destination, all you need to do is grab your bags and head off, with no customs or security lines to navigate. This streamlined process saves you time, stress and hassle, so you can start your adventure sooner. Find out more about the U.S immigration system here.
2. More time to relax before your flight
With Preclearance successfully completed, you’ve earned some downtime before your flight. No need to rush through the airport—you can take your time at the terminal, grab a coffee, do a little shopping, or even catch up on some reading. We want you to feel relaxed before you fly, and Preclearance helps create a smoother, more laid-back airport experience.
3. It’s like flying domestically
One of the best parts about U.S. pre-clearance is that once it’s completed, it’s almost as though you’ve already arrived in the U.S. From a diplomatic perspective, you’re treated like a local. This means there are no more customs checks to worry about when you touch down. Whether you’re heading to New York, Boston, or beyond, you can get straight into your travel plans without wasting time at the airport.
4. Faster, easier connections
If you’re connecting to another flight after you land in the U.S., you’ll love how much easier Preclearance makes the process. Since you’ve already cleared U.S. immigration, you won’t have to worry about long queues or delays when changing flights. We work with partner airliens to offer smooth connections between U.S. locations, so you can get to your final destination without any extra stress. This is just another way we help make travel convenient and hassle-free.
5. Smooth travels for families
Travelling with kids can be challenging enough without the added stress of long immigration lines. With U.S. Preclearance, families get a much more relaxed experience. You’ll breeze through the process in Dublin or Shannon, so when you arrive in the U.S., you’re ready to start exploring without worrying about navigating through queues. We’re committed to making family travel as easy as possible; Preclearance is one way to ensure a smoother journey for everyone.
6. Friendly and efficient U.S. immigration staff
Immigration checks can sometimes feel intimidating, but that’s not the case with U.S. Preclearance in Dublin and Shannon Airports. There, U.S. immigration officers are friendly, professional, and ready to help you through the process quickly and smoothly. So if you’ve got any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask—you’ll be in good hands.
7. More flexibility when you arrive
Once you’ve completed U.S. Preclearance, you’ve got more flexibility at your arrival destination. You won’t have to worry about missing your train, taxi, or dinner reservation because of long customs lines. Whether you’re catching a connecting flight or heading straight to your hotel, you’ve got more time to focus on the exciting part of your trip.
8. It’s all part of the experience
We are proud to offer each and every one of our passengers a seamless experience, from start to finish. When you fly with Aer Lingus, you’ll enjoy a higher level of care and convenience, from check-in through to boarding. U.S. Preclearance is just one of the many advantages that help make your trip as easy and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re flying for business, leisure, or a bit of both, let us make your journey smooth and enjoyable, from the moment you arrive at the airport.
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Tips for a smooth Preclearance experience
To ensure a stress-free pre-clearance process, here are some tips to make things go smoothly:
- Have your electronics ready: You may need to submit your carry-on items for an extra check, including any electronics. Keep your laptop, tablet, or phone easily accessible to speed up the process.
- Keep your documents handy: Having your passport, boarding pass, and any necessary travel documents ready to show will help you get through the pre-clearance line faster. The smoother your documents are organised, the quicker your process will be.
- Grab a snack before you enter the Preclearance area: Once you enter the Preclearance area, your options for food and drinks may be more limited. Pick up any snacks or drinks you need before heading in so you’re fully prepared.
- Allow extra time for Preclearance: While you’d typically allow two hours for long-distance flights, we recommend arriving three hours before your flight when travelling to the U.S. This extra time gives you plenty of time to clear Preclearance and get to your gate without any stress.
- Stay informed: Keep an eye on any announcements or signs about pre-clearance. Things can get a little busy at peak times, so staying informed will help you navigate the area smoothly.
- Stay calm and relaxed: The Preclearance process is designed to be quick and easy, but it’s always a good idea to stay calm and patient. Relax, knowing that once you’re through, you’ll be on your way to the U.S. with minimal fuss.
