Aer Lingus Regional to offer fast track service to US from Cardiff

Cardiff Airport and Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Aer Arann, has today 18 June announced details of a service which allows Welsh passengers to fast track their journey to the US through Dublin Airport.

Passengers flying with Aer Lingus Regional from Cardiff 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, Welsh 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, and selected flights to Boston and Chicago.

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

From 01 July, Cardiff to Dublin flights will now operate at the earlier time of 8.25am, to further facilitate business and transatlantic travel via Dublin. Three additional weekly flights have also been added due to increased demand on this key route – Aer Lingus Regional carried over 60,000 passengers on this route in 2012 and aim to grow this by 30% over the next year. The second of Aer Lingus Regional’s new ATR-600 aircraft will begin operating on the Cardiff Dublin route by the end of the summer.

The increased flight options allow for greater choice and flexibility for both business and leisure passengers connecting to the USA via Dublin.

The Aer Lingus Regional flights will offer customers the convenience of flying from their home airport with, through check-in, connections to New York, and selected flights to Boston and Chicago.

Commenting on this announcement, Simon Fagan, Chief Commercial Officer, Aer Arann said:
‘We are pleased to announce details of our adjusted schedule and this service which is designed to save our customers time.
‘Wales is of strategic importance to our network.

‘We estimate that over two hundred thousand passengers travel through other UK airports from Wales to fly to the US – adding substantial time to their journey. Now there is an alternative. This service will enable customers to fly from Wales, pre-clear security and customs in Dublin and make their onward trip to the US at reduced journey times.

‘Over 30,000 passengers are set to benefit in the coming months. With up to three 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 Cardiff and Dublin Airport reflects this.’

Jon Horne, Chief Executive at Cardiff Airport added:
‘Aer Lingus Regional offers a real advantage to Welsh passengers wanting to travel to the USA by flying from their local airport.
The service is really convenient for passengers with the great benefit of pre-clearing US immigration in Dublin.
The connections via Dublin create a vital link for both business and tourism between Wales and the USA’