By Alan McLoughlin, founder of Lir Executive Chauffeur Service
Quick summary
- Flights from Dublin to the US leave from Terminal 2, and most include US Preclearance.
- Preclearance means you complete US immigration, customs and agriculture checks in Dublin, before you board.
- On a precleared direct flight you land in the US as a domestic arrival, with no immigration line.
- Dublin Airport suggests arriving 3 hours before a long haul flight, and more if you are checking bags or travelling as a group.
- From Ballsbridge or the city centre on a weekday morning, allow about an hour to get to the airport.
What is US Preclearance?
US Preclearance is a US border facility inside Dublin Airport. It lets passengers flying to the US complete all US immigration, customs and agriculture inspections before the flight, rather than after landing. It is run by US personnel and sits on the ground floor of Terminal 2, after airport security. Dublin is one of the few airports outside North America with this facility. The payoff comes at the other end. Because you have already cleared the US border, you are treated as a domestic arrival when you land, so you skip the immigration queue.Does every US flight from Dublin use Preclearance?
No. Most direct flights to the US from Terminal 2 include Preclearance, but not all. Check with your airline before you travel. If you are connecting through Dublin onto a US flight, you can use Preclearance. If your onward connection is to an airport outside the US, you will not.How early should you leave for Dublin Airport?
Dublin Airport suggests arriving at your terminal 3 hours before a long haul flight. Allow more time if you are checking bags or travelling in a group. Check in and bag drop opening times are set by your airline. Morning flights need the most care. Terminal 2 security is at its busiest from 5am to noon, and that is the window most flights to the US leave in. On top of the 3 hours, allow about an hour for the drive from Ballsbridge or the city centre on a weekday morning. The drive itself is about 40 minutes, but the extra time covers morning traffic. As a rough guide:| Flight leaves at | Be at Terminal 2 by | Leave Ballsbridge or the city centre by |
|---|---|---|
| 10am | 7am | 6am |
| 11:30am | 8:30am | 7:30am |
| 1pm | 10am | 9am |
What happens at the airport, step by step
- Check in and bag drop with your airline in Terminal 2.
- Airport security, the same as for any flight.
- US Preclearance on the ground floor of Terminal 2, where a US officer completes your immigration, customs and agriculture checks. Global Entry members can use the self service kiosks.
- After Preclearance, there are a limited number of shops and the 51st&Green Lounge, which is open to all passengers departing for the US.
- Board your flight. On arrival in the US you will not go through customs.
Can you speed up Preclearance?
Yes, if you are eligible. Mobile Passport Control lets you finish part of the US immigration process on your phone before you reach Preclearance. It is open to US citizens with a valid US passport, Canadian citizens, US Lawful Permanent Residents and Visa Waiver Program travellers, and one person can submit for up to 12 people. You can only submit once you have arrived at the Preclearance location, and you will still queue to see a US officer. It makes the process quicker, not optional. Global Entry members should keep using Global Entry.Getting to the airport without the stress
The last morning of a trip is usually the most rushed: checking out, packing golf clubs, and an early start in airport traffic. A pre booked chauffeur takes that off your plate. We drive plenty of groups to Dublin Airport for flights to the US. Recently we collected a group from the Merrion Hotel, got them to Terminal 2 on time, with plenty of room for their luggage and golf bags.- Collected at your door. We pick up from your hotel or home anywhere in Dublin and the surrounding area, and from every county in Ireland if you are flying home from further away.
- Room for everything. Our luxury sedans suit one or two travellers, and our 7 seater MPVs take families, groups and golf bags.
- 24/7. Lir operates around the clock, so an early start for a morning flight is not a problem.
- A fixed quote. Your price is agreed before the day, and receipts are provided for corporate bookings.
Why listen to us?
Lir is run by its founder, Alan McLoughlin, who served with the Military Police Corps of the Irish Defence Forces before moving into close protection. He is a member of the International Association of Close Protection Professionals (IACPP), is ISTI security trained, and has been part of two US presidential visits, driving members of the president’s team in the convoy. Lir is based in Ashbourne, a short drive from Dublin Airport, and is Fáilte Ireland accredited for service excellence in Irish tourism.Questions about flying home from Dublin to the US
Do I go through US customs when I land after Preclearance?
No. On a direct flight that includes Preclearance, you have already completed US immigration, customs and agriculture checks in Dublin, so you arrive as a domestic passenger.
Is 3 hours really enough time at Dublin Airport for a US flight?
Yes, for most travellers. That is Dublin Airport’s own suggestion for long haul flights. Allow more if you are checking bags, travelling as a group or flying between 5am and noon, when Terminal 2 security is busiest.
Can you collect us from outside Dublin for a flight home?
Yes. Lir drives to and from every county in Ireland, so we can collect you from your hotel wherever your trip ends and get you to Terminal 2 on time.
Lir Executive Chauffeur Service