A first timer on American.
Sep 3, 2025 | 2:21 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: East Midlands UK
Programs: BAEC, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest & HiltonHHonors.
Posts: 327
A first timer on American.
Greetings!
As a newbie to AA I'll be flying from Birmingham Airport, aka BHX, UK via Dublin to Allentown Bethlehem, ABE, later in the month. So, as this is totally new to me I have some questions.
Due to US Clearance at DUB, will my case be transferred through all the way to my final destination from BHX or will I have to collect it en-route and check it in further down the line?
Also, I'll have a 5 hour connection time at Charlotte and don't fancy spending the entire time in the lounge. For those of you who are familiar with the airport which lounge would you recommend, as my ticket gives me access, and is there a plane spotting spot which is within the building?
Thank you in advance for your kind help,
Cypress.
As a newbie to AA I'll be flying from Birmingham Airport, aka BHX, UK via Dublin to Allentown Bethlehem, ABE, later in the month. So, as this is totally new to me I have some questions.
Due to US Clearance at DUB, will my case be transferred through all the way to my final destination from BHX or will I have to collect it en-route and check it in further down the line?
Also, I'll have a 5 hour connection time at Charlotte and don't fancy spending the entire time in the lounge. For those of you who are familiar with the airport which lounge would you recommend, as my ticket gives me access, and is there a plane spotting spot which is within the building?
Thank you in advance for your kind help,
Cypress.
Sep 3, 2025 | 3:18 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: East Midlands UK
Programs: BAEC, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest & HiltonHHonors.
Posts: 327
Sep 3, 2025 | 5:02 am
#4
Join Date: May 2025
Location: RDU
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 57
You definitely wouldnt want to spend several hours in any of the lounges at CLT. Unfortunately the options there are not great. The largest is the Admirals Club between concourse C and D with a much smaller lounge in concourse B. There is a new option in concourse A that I have yet to visit (Provisions by AC) but its basically a grab and go type situation with various food offerings. The connector walkway to the new area of A has some (relatively) open spaces with rocking chairs (near The Club) that have somewhat decent views outside of the apron. Bottom line, its not AAs finest showing as far as lounges - or much else - is concerned.
Sep 3, 2025 | 6:05 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: East Midlands UK
Programs: BAEC, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest & HiltonHHonors.
Posts: 327
You definitely wouldnt want to spend several hours in any of the lounges at CLT. Unfortunately the options there are not great. The largest is the Admirals Club between concourse C and D with a much smaller lounge in concourse B. There is a new option in concourse A that I have yet to visit (Provisions by AC) but its basically a grab and go type situation with various food offerings. The connector walkway to the new area of A has some (relatively) open spaces with rocking chairs (near The Club) that have somewhat decent views outside of the apron. Bottom line, its not AAs finest showing as far as lounges - or much else - is concerned.
Thank you for the info on what to expect, Low Clouds.
Oh dear....sounds like it's a bit of a let down.
At least I can take a wander to where those rocking chairs are and take in the view.
Cypress.
Sep 3, 2025 | 7:43 am
#6
Join Date: May 2009
Location: LGA, JFK
Posts: 1,022
Sep 3, 2025 | 8:40 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: East Midlands UK
Programs: BAEC, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest & HiltonHHonors.
Posts: 327
To confirm, will luggage checked at BHX not be rechecked at DUB? Birmingham to Dublin is considered an international flight, albeit within the so-called Common Travel Area ( Common Travel Area - Wikipedia ). And, US immigration and customs will have something to say in Dublin, before departure to Charlotte.
Is that standard practice at US Clearance places overseas?
Cypress.
Sep 3, 2025 | 10:01 am
#8
Join Date: Mar 2024
Location: DFW
Programs: AA Executive Platinum (OW Emerald)
Posts: 1,292
Nope, you transit U.S. Pre-clearance at DUB with hand baggage only. If U.S. Customs has any interest in your baggage, theyll pull you out of the line there and reunite you with your bags for the grilling. Otherwise, at worst, youd have to pickup your bags at DUB and recheck them.
Sep 3, 2025 | 11:39 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: East Midlands UK
Programs: BAEC, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest & HiltonHHonors.
Posts: 327
Nope, you transit U.S. Pre-clearance at DUB with hand baggage only. If U.S. Customs has any interest in your baggage, theyll pull you out of the line there and reunite you with your bags for the grilling. Otherwise, at worst, youd have to pickup your bags at DUB and recheck them.
As I've been so used to seeing my case rolling along a conveyor belt after checking it in, then it's transferred onto flight number two and picking it up at my final destination, this will all be a new experience.