Questions about travel to the US!

starviewadams

Flying to Boston from T2 in Dublin with Aer Lingus in two weeks time, flight departs at 11:30 am. Have my ESTA done, API filled in, travel insurance and spending money saved.

Just wondering what time should I be at the airport at to check in bags (something I've never done before, don't know how long it takes!) and clear security and the US customs lads with minimum stress? also, my friend says most of the customs stuff is automated with those self serve kiosks which fills me with dread as I'm useless at them, and could eat up a lot of time at them if true!

Thanks, and apologies if these sort of questions are asked repeatedly here!

artomur

2 half hrs

Ryan Mac Sweeney

3 hrs would be the best option to give you time to check in and then go through security and you can relax and go for a cup of coffee while you wait.

Ruu

2-3 hours, no less than 2 hours. You can probably check in online and go to the bag drop for your airline.

ProudDUB

As it's your first time, give yourself 3 hrs. 2 1/2 hrs should be plenty, but it can't hurt to give yourself some additional time, if it's your first time. On a flight that long, its nice to be able to sit and relax & have a cuppa/glass of wine, before you board the flight.

The US immigration officers stand about 2 feet away from the automated kiosks. If you are having any problems, help will be on hand near by.

ProudDUB

As it's your first time, give yourself 3 hrs. 2 1/2 hrs should be plenty, but it can't hurt to give yourself some additional time, if it's your first time. On a flight that long, its nice to be able to sit and relax & have a cuppa/glass of wine, before you board the plane.

The US immigration officers stand about 2 feet away from the automated kiosks. If you are having any problems, help will be on hand near by.

starviewadams

Thanks for the replies, will be out there for 8:30am so. Thanks for the info about the automated kiosks too, hate using them so good to know there's help nearby when I inevitably press the wrong button!

dingding

Might be worth looking at the express security pass.

This will get you to a dedicated area in the screening area.

jay93

They say to be there 2-3 before. Last time I went to Boston I arrived at 9:50am and my flight left at 11:30am still got through everything and on the plane with lots of time to spare this was in December 2014. In June 2015 I went to Chicago at the same time 11:30am I arrived around 9:30am and still had lots of time going through everything. I may have just been lucky with waiting times for security etc on those days.