Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Aer Arann, have announced details of a service which allows Birmingham-based passengers to fast track their journey to the US through Dublin Airport.

New York

From today, passengers flying with Aer Lingus from Birmingham can now connect through Dublin to complete pre-clearance and customs, ahead of their onward journey to the US.

Completing pre-clearance at Dublin Airport – operated and staffed by US Customs and Border staff – means that on arrival in the US, Birmingham passengers will be treated similarly to domestic passengers and avoid delays often associated with US security.

It is estimated that this service will save passengers up to two hours on arrival at US destinations including New York, Boston, Chicago and Orlando.

Ireland is the only country in Europe to offer passport and customs pre-clearance to US destinations.

Aer Lingus Regional recently introduced three additional daily return flights , these new services have doubled the number of flights to Birmingham per day – one of the busiest routes on the Ireland, UK network.  The airlines now have the most frequencies between Ireland and the UK’s second city.

Commenting on this announcement, Simon Fagan, Chief Commercial Officer, Aer Arann said:  “Following recently adding flights to the Dublin Birmingham route, we are pleased to announce details of this service which is designed to save our customers time.

“Birmingham Airport is of strategic importance to our network.

“We estimate that 480,000 passengers travel through London airports from the west midlands to fly to the US – adding substantial time to their journey. Now there is an alternative. This service will enable customers to fly from Birmingham, pre-clear security and customs in Dublin and make their onward trip to the US at reduced journey times.

“Over 60,000 passengers are set to benefit in the coming months.  With six daily services to Dublin, this service offers frequency, optimum schedules and an efficient, convenient and effortless connection to US destinations for our business and leisure passengers.

“We are pleased to offer this service. We are constantly reviewing our services and looking at ways to enhance our offering. Connectivity is always key for our customers and this service we’re offering together with Dublin Airport reflects this.”

• Service to benefit over 500,000 passengers flying from the Birmingham region to the USA
• Service will save passengers up to two hours on arrival in US
• Ireland is the only country in Europe to offer pre-clearance to US destinations