Travel – The Buddy Times

What time is US Preclearance open at Dublin Airport?

7May

By Cara BNo Comments

Opinion, Travel

What time is US Preclearance open at Dublin Airport?

Usually, the US Preclearance at Dublin Airport opens at 7am... the reason we say 'usually' is that the United States Customs and Border Protection Officers can delay or close Preclearance at any time if they deem it to be necessary for security reasons... regardless of your flight. This can obviously have a big knock-on effect on the time it takes to get through Preclearance (I personally experienced a delayed opening of Preclearance of 30min... while it does not sound like a massive delay, it can add to traveler stress) The US Preclearance (USCBP) facility at Terminal 2 in Dublin Airport is a purpose-built facility that allows US-bound passengers to undertake all US immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections at Dublin Airport prior to departure. Dublin Airport is one...

How Long Does US Preclearance take in Dublin Airport?

19Apr

By Cara BNo Comments

Opinion, Travel

How Long Does US Preclearance take in Dublin Airport?

US Preclearance at Dublin Airport can take anywhere from 5 minutes to 2 hours. But in most cases, you are looking at a 20-40 minutes wait time. Also, remember before you get processed there is another security check, this, however, moves relatively quickly (remove shoes, jacket, electronics from your bag, and liquids) the majority of your wait time is actually for visa/passport checks with an Officer. Traveler TypeAverage Wait TimeIrish/European Travelers with visa/ESTA20-40 minutesUS Citizens15-30 minutesPermanent US Resident cardholders20-40 minutesGlobal Entry Members5-10 minutes Always give yourself enough time, it is better to have extra time as you never know what delays might present.

Is There Global Entry at Dublin Airport?

19Apr

By Cara BNo Comments

Travel

Is There Global Entry at Dublin Airport?

YES. Dublin Airport has Global Entry for passengers departing Dublin for the U.S. Global Entry at Dublin Airport is located at US Pre Clearance which is located directly after regular Dublin Airport security 🇺🇸 Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports, and yes Dublin Airport has Global Entry.

Mask mandate for USA flights extended to May 3rd

13Apr

By Niamh OBNo Comments

Announcement, Travel

Mask mandate for USA flights extended to May 3rd

If you are traveling to/from or in The United States of America you will still need to wear a mask. This mask mandate is required for planes, trains, and buses. The federal transportation mask mandate, which was announced in January 2021 and was due to expire on Easter Monday (18th April, 2022), will now be extended by 15 days (May 3, 2022) due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the U.S., according to the CDC. CDC spokesperson Caitlin Shockey stated "Since early April, there have been increases in the 7-day moving average of cases in the U.S. In order to assess the potential impact the rise of cases has on severe disease, including hospitalizations and deaths, and health care system capacity, the CDC Order will remain in place at this t...

4Apr

By Pablo TNo Comments

Opinion, Travel

Is 51st and Green Worth It?

Let's make this as short as possible! Lounge access is priced at €30 p/p online or €39 at reception and is complimentary to business class ticket holders. Located just in Terminal 2 after US Preclearance and beside the US departure gates, it is somewhere to enjoy a few hours (we recommend having at least 90min to feel like you are getting value for money) of rest and relaxation before your long-haul flight. Single Traveler - Worth it ✅ Why? Well if you book online it will only cost you €35.00 if you prebook, which isn't bad if you have over an hour to kill, want to get comfortable, charge up your devices, and eat a decent bit of food and have a few drinks (alcohol included). Also not a bad place to get a bit of work done before you take off. Couple Traveling - Wor...

Getting an Irish pet passport for EU travel

2Feb

By Pablo TNo Comments

Life Style, Travel

Getting an Irish pet passport for EU travel

Here is a quick little overview from your pet-loving friends at Buddy, on how to obtain a passport for your pet. In Ireland, EU pet passports are issued by private vets to the pet owner. If you would like to bring your dog or cat to the EU, including the UK, then you need to apply for a Pet Passport 🐶 🐱. Here are the first four steps needed to start your pet passport journey: Your pet must be microchipped.Your pet must then be given a Rabies vaccination (atleast 21 days in advance of travel, with the day of vaccination counted a day 0... watch out for that little detail 😅). Your furry baby must be 12 weeks old in order to receive the Rabies vaccine.A completed passport application form, avaialble from your local vet Now after you have the firs...

COVID-19 insurance for entering Thailand

3May

By Pablo TNo Comments

Announcement, Travel

COVID-19 insurance for entering Thailand

If you are travelling to Thailand, here is what you will need to know if you want to visit during the COVID-19 pandemic. All travellers must provide proof of an insurance policy that covers treatment for COVID-19 up to the cost of $100,000 and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. A PCR test must be taken on arrival, after which all travellers must quarantine at government-approved quarantine facilities or Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facilities. This can include luxury hotels, some of which have developed quarantine packages. Does my Buddy Travel Policy meet the Thai COVID-19 requirements? The short answer is Yes. Here is all the details on on of COVID-19 protections included on every policy: Notwithstanding the CORONAVIRUS EXCLUSION...

Emotional Support Animals on Flights Facing Tougher Regulation

4Dec

By Niamh OBNo Comments

Entertainment, Travel

Emotional Support Animals on Flights Facing Tougher Regulation

Travelling can be stressful, especially if you have a mental health illness or have a fear of flying (aviophobia or aerophobia we cant figure out the phobia name)... well if you are travelling to the US or are taking an internal flight in the US you might want to double-check if your Emotional Support Animal is able to accompany you... The US Transportation Department is tightening rules on "emotional support animals" after a series of high-flying (terrible pun, I know) incidents onboard flights. Department of Transport has said that it no longer considers animal companions used by travellers on commercial flights for emotional support as "service animals". Which essentially means airlines can ban them outright. The new definition of a service animal is: "a dog that is ...

Irish Airports open Covid-19 test centres

16Nov

By Cara BNo Comments

Announcement, Travel

Irish Airports open Covid-19 test centres

Let's get the two most common questions out of the way first Can I get tested for COVID-19 before I travel from Dublin Airport? Yes!Can I get tested for COVID-19 if I land in Dublin Airport? Yes! Now lets talk details and price Walk-in and drive drive-through Covid-19 test centres will be available at Dublin Airport starting this Thursday 🎉 The walk-in centre will be close to the terminal two car park and is charging €99 with roughly a 24 to 48 hours results time frame. The drive-through test centres will have prices ranging from €129 to €159... costs a little extra for the convenience 😏 Both centres will be open to the public as well as those needing tests to travel and/or returning travellers. Booking online through individual companies’ websites will be required....

Online COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form for Ireland 🇮🇪

30Sep

By Cathal OBNo Comments

Announcement, Travel

Online COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form for Ireland 🇮🇪

The COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form is now an online form. If you are arriving into Ireland on or after Wednesday 26 August 2020, you can complete this form online in advance of arriving into Ireland. The information you provide may be used to contact you in the next 14 days to verify the details given on this form and to provide you with public health advice. This form may also be used for the purposes of contact tracing in relation to confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19. You are not required to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form if you are an essential supply chain worker: Air and ship crew and hauliers Accredited diplomat If however, you are travelling onwards to Northern Ireland, you will need to fill out a portion of the form. To comply with Irish law, al...