How is Dublin as a POE?

[bigboss1984 8]

So when I buy the one way ticket I'm trying to figure out based on what people have said on this forum the best POE - I'll be moving to Pennsylvania so my options right now are Philadelphia, JFK, Newark or Dublin.

How is Dublin as a POE? I've never personally cleared customs at Dublin prior to flying to the USA as I've always went via Heathrow, but if it saves loads of time it might be worth doing it

Edited April 11, 2016 by bigboss1984

[Boiler 46,121]

I went through Denver, can not say I liked my one trip through Newark but coincided with a Jumbo of Italians from Rome. Fortunately I had plenty of time so could just be amused.

[bigboss1984 8]

Yeah I've not heard great things about Newark as a POE - I've flown into it twice when visiting and one of the times it was OK, one of the times I was waiting in Customs for hours

Philly also is apparently hit and miss

[simonschus 58]

I've no idea about using it as a POE for K1 but DUB has been very efficient for POE when using the visa waiver program- I've used it about 9 or 10 times. It has always been extremely efficient for the VWP and I'd heavily recommend it as a nice way to ease your arrival onto the mainland US. You can enjoy the flight without worrying about immigration-related administrative tasks when you get to the other end, having already done them in DUB.

I've flown the DUB-PHL (flying with American) route several times and it is a decent enough flight albeit usually with no personal in-flight entertainment in Economy (you get entertainment but only one screen above everybody's head to look at together). A fair few of the flights from DUB are like that though so it isn't a key differentiator. DUB-PHL is probably my favourite route out of DUB to the US (having flown DUB-BOS, DUB-JFK, DUB-PHL and DUB-ORD, and DUB-LHR-...).

Saying that, I'm flying from Madrid to Boston for my POE.

Edited April 11, 2016 by simonschus

[Vexie 4]

I've only been through Dublin the once and it was as tourist traveling to Orlando so no experience with what it would be like for a K1. The only US POE I have to compare it against was Atlanta where the queues for customs were super long and the guards were kinda rude and shouty - after my delayed flight it wasn't exactly an enjoyable experience, especially as we couldn't use phones to tell people we were going to be very delayed. Staff at Dublin seemed a fair bit friendlier and more conversational than has been my experience at Atlanta and as I'm a bit of a worrier about missing connections/hotel reservations knowing we could just waltz off the plane to baggage claim at the other end was a bit of a relief.

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

Newark airport is like a maze..lol. I almost missed my flight there one time.

[yuna628 9,717]

This may be far out for you depending on what area of PA you're moving to but have you considered Baltimore as your POE? We've had no problems there and it was very smooth. I think plenty of people have used Dublin as a POE though. The only problem is that for instance a mistake has been made on your I94 record, having a POE overseas can make fixing that complicated I would think.

[bigboss1984 8]

This may be far out for you depending on what area of PA you're moving to but have you considered Baltimore as your POE? We've had no problems there and it was very smooth. I think plenty of people have used Dublin as a POE though. The only problem is that for instance a mistake has been made on your I94 record, having a POE overseas can make fixing that complicated I would think.

Yeah I think Baltimore might be a little too far, I think I'll probably just stick to Philadelphia if I'm being honest - seems to be the simplest option

[Atropos 0]

So when I buy the one way ticket I'm trying to figure out based on what people have said on this forum the best POE - I'll be moving to Pennsylvania so my options right now are Philadelphia, JFK, Newark or Dublin.

How is Dublin as a POE? I've never personally cleared customs at Dublin prior to flying to the USA as I've always went via Heathrow, but if it saves loads of time it might be worth doing it

I am contemplating the same when our time comes! I've received positive feedback about using Dublin as a POE. They said it took about 30 minutes, the USC spouse just got breakfast while the UK spouse handed over their envelope and went through the process. I wasn't told much other than it was quick and easy enough!

We normally visit the US on the BFS->EWR flight and haven't had a hard time with customs due to the fact we have had to use wheelchair service before which breezes you through the line. Newark can be hit and miss with crazy immigration lines. They've recently changed their line system too.

[TaRems 36]

Dublin as POE to JFK was pleasurable . Arrived with ample time to clear immigration, had time for a few selfies . Was shocked when the officer showed me my luggage on his computer screen ( verification purposes) .

Flight arrived JFK as a domestic flight , did not have to go thru immigration ( can't remember if customs was included) baggage was claimed and good to go in 30 mins max . My experience is that of a visitor ( non immigrant ) POE as a K1 visa holder might be different .

[rhirhi 35]

I used Dublin as my POE. It was as easy and pleasant as everyone else describes. I'm sure I did a review of it on here somewhere. The big bonus for me is landing in the US as a domestic flight and being able to just grab your bags and go- no waiting around after a long flight.