I’ll never fly Aer Lingus again

[Anonymous]

WTH is the Dublin Preclearance? We were there last year and this is the first I'm hearing of it. Is this only out of DC?

[Anonymous]

I sympathize with OP. They probably would have helped her if the flight wasn't oversold.

Air France pulled this "cannot use a machine to check in" business on us. We were at CDG extra early but a very long line formed to check in. We checked our luggage at the counter and Air France lost it. Based on the Airtag, multiple pieces went from Paris to Canada and back to Paris. Them eventually to US. Took almost 5 days to get it back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:WTH is the Dublin Preclearance? We were there last year and this is the first I'm hearing of it. Is this only out of DC?

It’s where you clear US immigration and customs at foreign departure point rather than at home. In my opinion, it’s the stupidest policy ever, but it persists in Ireland, Abu Dhabi, and certain parts of the Caribbean.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:WTH is the Dublin Preclearance? We were there last year and this is the first I'm hearing of it. Is this only out of DC?

Returning from Ireland to the US you clear customs and immigration before getting on the plane

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you were at the counter more than 75 minutes before departure then you have every right to be upset, and you could even pursue involuntarily denied boarding compensation. If you weren’t at the counter at least 75 mins before then I am sorry this is a giant learning experience.

What about that EU compensation law, flying from an EU country with an EU airline?

[Anonymous]

Wait, to be clear, was the flight on Aer Lingus, or American Airlines?

From.OP: "can’t use machine for American flight booked thru 3rd party"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you were at the counter more than 75 minutes before departure then you have every right to be upset, and you could even pursue involuntarily denied boarding compensation. If you weren’t at the counter at least 75 mins before then I am sorry this is a giant learning experience.

75 minutes for an international flight??? I don’t know what the exact time you should arrive for an overseas flight, but I always do three hours. Even if the flight is within the EU, I do three hours since I’m always unsure of customs, it’s usually an airport I’m not familiar with and I simply always like to be early and have some wiggle room with regard to time. I’d much rather be relaxed, get a coffee, than go what OP went through.

OP, sorry you went through this. It sounds truly awful. I never book through 3rd party sites, because I’ve heard too many horror stories similar to yours.

[Anonymous]

1. You bought through a 3rd party.
2. Aer Lingus’ website specifically says to arrive at least 3 hours in advance.

You took two chances, and it backfired. But it’s not on the airline.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:WTH is the Dublin Preclearance? We were there last year and this is the first I'm hearing of it. Is this only out of DC?

You pre clear customs and immigration in Dublin. Do you not remember that? No need to act a fool. Been in place since at least 2017 when I last flew back to the US from Dublin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WTH is the Dublin Preclearance? We were there last year and this is the first I'm hearing of it. Is this only out of DC?

You pre clear customs and immigration in Dublin. Do you not remember that? No need to act a fool. Been in place since at least 2017 when I last flew back to the US from Dublin.

In place much, much longer than that actually.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you were at the counter more than 75 minutes before departure then you have every right to be upset, and you could even pursue involuntarily denied boarding compensation. If you weren’t at the counter at least 75 mins before then I am sorry this is a giant learning experience.

75 minutes for an international flight??? I don’t know what the exact time you should arrive for an overseas flight, but I always do three hours. Even if the flight is within the EU, I do three hours since I’m always unsure of customs, it’s usually an airport I’m not familiar with and I simply always like to be early and have some wiggle room with regard to time. I’d much rather be relaxed, get a coffee, than go what OP went through.

OP, sorry you went through this. It sounds truly awful. I never book through 3rd party sites, because I’ve heard too many horror stories similar to yours.

Overkill. Two hours is usually plenty unless you suffer from anxiety.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I was doing 3 different legs. Was easier to use one website.
Don’t lots of people use Travelocity, Expedia, smart fares etc?

Only uneducated travelers use those sites and expect there to be recourse if something goes wrong.

[Anonymous]

3 hours is recommended for international flights.

I would be mad at yourself first, your 3rd party fares site 2nd, American 3rd, and Aer Lingus 4th.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WTH is the Dublin Preclearance? We were there last year and this is the first I'm hearing of it. Is this only out of DC?

It’s where you clear US immigration and customs at foreign departure point rather than at home. In my opinion, it’s the stupidest policy ever, but it persists in Ireland, Abu Dhabi, and certain parts of the Caribbean.

I would much rather wait in line prior to my flight than after. It's much easier to walk off the plane in a domestic terminal and get your luggage. It does require planning though because the lines are longer for preclearance and you have to get to the airport much earlier.

[Anonymous]

Were you at the check in desk BEFORE 75 minutes before your flight? (Not in line, but all the way at the check in desk?)