Questions about travel to US for the first time, with only carry on bag.

TrailLegend

So this will be my first trip to the US, and I have a few questions.

I will be travelling with just a carry on bag. Can I check it on my phone and just my boarding pass on my phone for every step of the way as I would do when travelling to/from Europe? Go straight to security at the airport without going to Aer Lingus desk? I've read before about some people getting selected for extra security screenings and having a confirmation of this stamped on their physical boarding pass, I just don't want to run into any issues with a digital only boarding pass. And the same question for coming back from the US to Dublin.

Regarding using my debit card in the US. I have at times gotten SMS messages from BoI asking me to text back "yes" to confirm in a certain flagged transaction was genuine. Will I still receive those same SMS messages in the US automatically if that happens, as long as I have roaming turned on?

Sorry if the questions seem dumb, I just don't want to run into any silly mistakes!

Nigel Fairservice

You can check in on your phone and go straight through to security and then on to US pre-clearance. That's what I did last time I went a few months ago.

Not sure about the debit card. I think you can inform your bank that you're travelling abroad before you leave. If you have Revolut or Curve cards just use those instead, save on the foreign currency transaction fees.

Padre_Pio

1. You may be able to check in online and not need the desk. Half the time the online check-in doesn't work for me and I need to go to the desk regardless.

2. Yes, you can call the bank and tell them you're travelling. Maybe have a hundred dollars in cash just in case. You'll still get the texts, just be aware of the roaming charges.

Glaceon

About the extra security screening, this happened to me on my last trip.

If you have been selected then online checkin will fail, telling you to go to the checkin desk instead. You’ll know for sure if SSSS is printed on the physical boarding pass.

endofrainbow

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120700894#Comment_120700894

How would they get their boarding pass with SSSS on it if they can't check in online?

I’m always nervous having an online only boarding pass. I had quite a fast discharge on my phone once or twice and my backup battery didn’t work well. Barely got on board at the gate. If airport is busy, charger points are crowded out, or your charging lead has issues, and there’s a significant delay etc you can get caught out. I prefer to have a printed pass as a backup. If you find you have to do a lot of unanticipated stuff on your phone it can run down the battery faster than departure time.

Glaceon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120701339#Comment_120701339

That’s a good point, if they already have the boarding pass then they’re good

HildaOgdenx

I know this is not your main question but make sure your phone can 'roam' before you go.

Mine wouldn't no matter what solution I tried, but I should have checked beforehand.

That's about five years ago now so may not be an issue. But worth checking out.

89897

You can check in online and go straight to security and then pre-clearance and the gate. If you're flying aer lingus home from JFK they dont accept online boarding passes so at the gate they call your name and give you a physical one.

Its so much easier if you have a revolut or similar for money. You can put a note on your account you are travelling but despite doing that, twice ive been asked to verify with a text message.

Just make sure you have your esta done.