US trip to DC from Lon – pre-clear in Dublin but EI-Y or BA direct in PE?

[Copperfield27]

Which would seasoned travellers choose? J not permitted by travel policy. Many thanks

[davefl]

Pre clear in Dub every time, it’s much easier to stand in a queue before your flight rather than afterward when you’re tired.

[barracuda]

BA in PE why:

1. Block times LHR to IAD and DUb to IAD are the same if I am not mistaken – is the time spent positioning to DUB and then transferring more than the time to clear US customs at IAD on the BA route – I suspect not

2. Better product seat and comfort for work/sleep etc.

3. Less faff connecting and less that can go wrong with connection in DUB

4. CBP MPC (google this)

[Copperfield27]

Thank you both- I think 😉

[RK228]

For me, it’s definitely direct on BA in PE and use CBP MPC app.

I don’t rate pre-clearance in Dublin very highly at all and would only use it in select circumstances (e.g., itinerary involving a connection in the US).

[Copperfield27]

CBP MPC seems to be for US citizens (and others with residency rights) or “returning” visa waiver people. It’s 40 years since I was in the US so not sure I count as returning!

Thanks all

[Andrew.]

Pre-Covid a friend and I did a “race”. They were going to a conference in DC, and were able to extend their visit from two days to a full week to make it a holiday. So I went along too.

But, by the time the corporate travel desk had sorted things out, the price for the direct flight for me to join my mate for the holiday side of the trip had escalated considerably. So I went on an HBO indirect flight to DCA via New York.

Our flights departed Heathrow at the approximately the same time. He hadn’t even got through IAD immigration when I was sitting at the hotel reception.

[CamFlyer]

If one is starting in London, for me it would be BA in PE:
1. It’s PE, not Economy
2. The additional time and hassle of connecting, and stress in the event of delays

If it were economy on both, however, I would take the route with pre-clearance.

If one is not starting in London, or has a long transit to LHR, then the connection is more appealing.