Dublin to Chicago is one of the most popular routes, especially for travelers from the United Kingdom and Europe. With the expansion of budget airlines and the availability of extended hotel stay offers, it isn’t too costly, either. Thus, it’s a great choice for holidays, business trips, and expatriation. But how long would it take one to get to Chicago from Dublin?
The direct flight from Dublin to Chicago takes around 8 hours and 25 minutes. On this route, passengers can choose from a number of airlines, including Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Aer Lingus, United Airlines, and US Airways. Generally, the price of a ticket is cheaper when the flight is booked ahead of time. Since the route is usually not available on certain days, travelers need to ensure that they choose appropriate flight times.
As for the indirect flight, it can take up to 16 hours from Dublin to Chicago, depending on how many stopovers are involved. Keep in mind that at times the stopovers don’t include the possibility to leave the airport, meaning the traveler would have to remain at the transit lounge before taking off again. Usually the stopovers will occur in cities such as London, Brussels, Amsterdam, or Madrid, but they could just as easily take place in other big cities.
Before booking an indirect flight to the United States, travelers need to be aware that they will have to pass through some additional security checkpoints. In addition to going through the regular customs and immigration proceedings at the initial airport of departure, they will also have to submit their passport to be scanned and to take the United States Customs and Border Protection test and quarantine inspections.
No matter which route travelers choose to go from Dublin to Chicago, they should bear in mind that the car rental options in the United States are limited. International driving licenses are not accepted, so the most convenient way to move around the big city is either by public transport, taxi, or a pre-booked shuttle bus. All these transportation services are available at the airport.
Layover Considerations
For anyone planning a long-haul flight from Dublin to Chicago, it’s important to bear in mind that there will most likely be longer layovers at the transit destinations. This may mean a long wait at the airport, and it’s always good to be prepared for such times. Travelers should bring along a comfortable travel pillow, snacks, music, and any other items that might make their wait a bit more bearable.
It’s also useful to know that layovers could be a chance for some shopping and sightseeing. Although time windows are usually tight, some airports offer express shopping tours, which could help passengers to find some great souvenirs and gifts for their friends and family.
Changes In Flight Bookings
In some cases, travelers might be obliged to make changes to their flight bookings. This could include booking changes due to delays, flight re-scheduling, cancelations, natural disasters, or severe weather conditions. When such situations arise, travelers should contact their chosen airline and travel agent as soon as possible to get updated information on their flight.
In addition to this, it’s also recommended to buy travel insurance that covers flight changes, passport or luggage loss. This way, travelers can enjoy some peace of mind and they won’t have to worry if something unexpected happens.
Things to Bring For a Long-Haul Flight
A long-haul flight requires special preparation. To make sure that they have a comfortable journey, passengers should bring everything they might need during the flight, including but not limited to:
- Medicines
- A mini bag with some snacks and drinks
- A book, laptop, or tablet with some entertaining content
- A pair of noise canceling headphones
- A comfortable jacket
- An eye mask
All these items can go a long way towards making the trip much more pleasant and enjoyable.
Sleeping Options In The Airport
When layovers are unavoidable, it’s always important to know where to spend the night. Some airports, such as Heathrow, Dublin, and Amsterdam, have hotels near the terminals and offer quite comfortable accommodations for passengers waiting to continue their journey. Other airports have dedicated areas for pass-the-night travelers, complete with bathrooms, sofas, and vending machines.
It’s worth mentioning that some airports do not offer any kind of sleeping options. Under such circumstances, the only solution left is to try to find a place to stay in a nearby city. One can always find an affordable guesthouse or a hotel, although the prices may not be as low as those from airports with sleeping options.
Arrival At The Destination
When travelers finally arrive in Chicago, they should bear in mind that all internal trips should be planned out before leaving. It is also advisable to ensure that one has all the necessary information about airports, ports, or interurban transport options. In the United States, most people travel by car or by bus, although there are other options such as the metro, train, and even local taxis.
For those planning to stay longer in the city, one of the most popular options is to rent a car and drive around the city. But one needs to bear in mind that the United States has a different driving culture and that the roads may be different than those at home. It may be wise to opt for a self-drive holiday rather than try to tackle the roads on one’s own.
Cultural and Entertainment Options
Chicago is an eclectic city that’s full of interesting attractions. With the beautiful architecture, beaches, parks, lively music scene, and diverse food options, travelers won’t ever run out of things to do and places to visit.
If one has enough time during the stay, there are plenty of activities they can engage in. Some of the must-visit places are Navy Pier, Wrigley Field, Millennium Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Willis Tower. All in all, it will be an unforgettable experience that will stay with travelers long after they have returned home.
Safety Tips For Travelers
As for safety, there are a few general tips that all travelers should bear in mind. One of the most important ones is to always carry a copy of the passport and to never leave it in one’s suitcase or hotel room. Moreover, keeping one’s passport in a safe place will help to limit the risk of identity theft.
Additionally, travelers should avoid carrying lots of cash in their pockets, especially when visiting crowded places. Credit cards and debit cards are much safer for such situations. Finally, one should avoid taking too many risks when it comes to personal safety and to always alert the nearest police station in case of emergencies.
