I will be heading to Chicago on June 4 at 10 AM and I was wondering if anyone could help me with a question on US preclearance. American Airlines says I should be at the airport at least 3 hours before my flight; however, I know that it only takes maybe 30 minutes to get through normal security. While I understand that US customs will add to my wait, can I arrive any later than 3 hours before and still be fine? Thanks!
1
richiavo
The three hours is something to cover the airlines back and in general for a long haul flight you are advised to be at an airport 3 hours before a flight, in general though the check in desks (if flight specific will only open 3 hours before your flight) in most cases 2 hours is sufficient even with US clearance.
2
marka55
You can arrive later that 3 hours before but if you are still in the queue then the flight is going without you, in your case the important fact to determine would be whether or not they had separate queues for US citizens and others, since you are not going to spend a lot of time as US Immigration but the people in front of your might be if it is a single queue.
3
markfawkner
The Dublin airport pre-clearance is very speedy and I have easily cleared the process from check to boarding gate in less than two hours but I wouldn't recommend it unless you have a bloody good reason.
The queues vary but the time is IMO on average about 20-30 minutes in the non-US line. They do call people forward if the time of a flight's departure is approaching.
I would go for the three hour mark if only because it is wise to do whatever CBP/airlines say.
4
lovestotravel27
I was there last week and I don't remember seeing a separate U.S. queue. I left 2.75 hours and I made it ok. But I had all my toiletries etc. in proper see through bags, slip on shoes, no metal, very small hand luggage and I only spent about 20 minutes shopping. I know that airport well though so I'm pretty quick getting through it. I'd give it a min of 2.5 hours if you're prepared to bomb it when you get there and KNOW you won't have any problems.
5
markfawkner
I was there Thursday May 8 and there was a separate US queue. I've used the service six or seven times since T2 opened and I have always found there to be a separate US queue. From arriving at the airport to reaching gate took me 1h.
They have moved the second US specific security check to the Irish side of the border (it used to be after CBP staff). The security woman I had this time was a joke. After leaving me standing while she chatted and laughed to a fellow staff member she called me forward, asked nothing, didn't ask me to confirm my bag and for the first time I didn't get my left hand fingerprinted. Joke.
Just as a note, it took me 80-90 mins to clear security at JFK T5 on Sunday as they were putting everyone through the transporter machines and they only had two of these. Debacle.
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