We are departing from Dublin airport tomorrow to New York. How much time should we allow for check in, customs, etc. I would normally allow 2 hours but there site is saying 3.5 hours which seems a bit much. Any feedback.

Isn't 3 hours the usual standard for most international travel? that's what we're going to plan for in a few weeks from there to Newark...unless you get any significant contradictory info here

Also, don't you clear immigration at Dublin Airport (rather than on entry to US? If so, that would suck up some time!

It was about 3 years ago when I flew out if Dublin. We had an early flight back to EWR. I think we got to the airport around 6 am or checked in by that time. The US sector was not opened so we sat there for some time. I think it opened an hour before our flight. I was worried about it but we were the 3rd or 4th party in line and it was fine. I think the flight was at 8 or 9ish and I allotted 3 hrs which wasn't needed for a first flight out. I am a worrier so it didn't bother me to wait and it was a Sunday flight.

Are you Pre Clearing US customs?? allow extra time for that.. 3 hours if pre clearing at Shannon so 4+ might be right for DUB's less efficient larger operation.

At Dublin Airport, you clear US customs there which accounts for the extra time. If you allow only two hours, it will probably not be enough.

Guess we'll plan on getting there a bit earlier too.
So what happens in the US - get off the plane and just leave after passport control?

another question...my son will be leaving Dublin for Washington DC, but via London. When we come home, it will be from Dublin via Zurich. How early should we get there for either of those trips?

Not all flights Pre Clear.. check with your Airline if Pre Clearance is required.. If it is and you do, when landing stateside it is just as if you were getting off a domestic flight.

It often depends on the day/time of day (you can get stuck in security for a long time on a Sunday evening for example).

I always check in on-line and plan to get there about 60 (carry on only) -90 mins (checked luggage) before the flight time. make sure he leaves enough time to GET TO the airport.

Thanks, I think I will allow 3 hours.

Three hours, we got held up checking in because the computers went down and that cut out one of our hours and never got to shop in duty free. I always pick up butlers chocolate bars and other goodies before boarding. I also had a apple that I had planned to eat before boarding. A big no now that you do customs before so get rid of the fruit.

If Adam and Eve were on the same line, we could have avoided much this current ugly business.