gcsmith

Taking a family trip to Ireland in October. Tuesday departure @ 10:35am. The official AA recommendation is 3 hours.

Is this really required? Does priority access matter at all (EXP)? Traveling with family and don't relish getting the kids to the airport by 7:35am after returning the rental car!

Azulcactus

Last time I left DUB was a year ago so it may have changed, but 3 hours is way too early. Check-in won't even be open by then (it opened around 2 hours prior if I recall).

There is a separate check-in line and security line for elites.

oiRRio

I generally aim for around the 2 hour knowing that I'm invariably running 15 mins or so late. As noted there is a separate line for elites and it is rarely very long.

The only thing I'd add is that if your VIP is clearing at the airport I would allow some extra time. This involves leaving check-in and going back to the ticketing desk and always seems to be very slow at DUB.

gcsmith

I don't think we'll have much luck on the eVIP. I need 3 - all or nothing (family) and there are only 8 seats left. Sometime in September they switch to the 757 and there are only 16 total.

oiRRio

Yes it is tough ex-DUB. However the last two times my VIP cleared at the airport after the flights had show J0 etc. for 1 & 3 weeks hence my warning above. I dread to think how long 3 VIPs would take to be processed.

jucstransport

2 Hours definitely enough, possibly even too much, as there is little to do beyond security except shop in the Loop duty free shop. You should be able to get in to the Aer Lingus lounge (I have on Plat) but this was recently reduced in size by half and is really not worth it.

ord_is_home

Just flew ex-DUB last Friday. Got there 2 hours prior to departure. Airport was a madhouse, but PriorityAAccess got us checked in quickly. We weren't flying J (could not clear SWUs - ) so we stood in the regular security line. However, the line moved very fast, there are many checkpoints and you don't have to remove shoes to go through. We did go to the Aer Lingus lounge which is somewhat sad but it does have snacks (Bewley's tea and scones!) and some alcoholic options too. Beware: lounge is fairly far from the departure gate, so plan accordingly.

All in all, not a bad experience.

ord_is_home

I just posted in the SWU thread that the 757 in this configuration we flew last week (ORD/DUB) reserved 2 J seats for crew rest, so there were really 14 available seats to play with. Definitely a tough upgrade; we got it on the outbound (at the last minute), and were not successful on the return. YMMV, good luck.

ambato

As stated, 2 hrs. is more than adequate and the priority line moves fast. Air Lingus lounge does have great scones and an adequate liquor selection, yet it is hard to find. The new terminal will probably improve both lounge and offerings. My wife and I enjoyed the time spent there.

gcsmith

Thanks for all the comments. Nice fresh information helps. I'll aim for 2.5 hrs since I'm with family and probably make it at 2 hrs because my wife is chronically late. She doesn't read flyertalk so hopefully I'm safe saying that . . .

nathockens

Don't pax have to go through customs at DUB? I thought that's why they recommended people get in so early...

oiRRio

Some TATL flights clear US immigration at DUB but not AA.

paulmcgrath

You get to use the fast track security lane just behind the AA desks too.

When flying on AA I aim to reach the airport around 8:30. One morning I cut it very fine and arrived at the check-in desks around 9:15.

Here's an extract from a trip report I wrote on a trip last year re: arrival, check-in and security.

"I arrived at DUB just after 8.30a, I parked in the long term ‘Red’ car park and took the complimentary bus to the main terminal. Only 6 people in the check-in queue, but the flight looks pretty packed. Being an AA PLAT I could use the Business/Priority AAcess line. Check-in was quick and easy, and I was checked in for all flights on my itinerary. The check in agent looked at me when she saw my itinerary – ‘Miles, yes?’

Security took minutes. AA Elites and Business Class passengers can use the Fast Track security line. I was airside at 9.05a."

You can read full reports from the links in my signature.

cxn

I asked the lady at checkin if as a PLT I was able to use the Fast Track line. She said she didnt think I could but could try anyways.

Since the normal security was long, but moving quickly, I thought to try. Had my Plat card out, walked up and was through security in mins.

have fun...

paulmcgrath

As long as Priority AAcess is printed on your bp, you can use fast track.