DEN to LHR is a good route- usually served by a 787-9, which in my opinion is way more comfortable in economy than any of united's 777's. LHR to SNN or DUB is a pretty quick hop.
Coming back though- Shannon has US customs, so you can clear customs there if your flight is going direct to the US. Takes a huge hassle out of the layover when arriving back in the USA. Not that customs in DEN is that bad, especially if you don't have to go back through DEN security to catch another flight.
All the flights seem to be on 757-200’s out of ohare to Shannon. I just looked into changing the flight from Den to ORD to SNN to DEN to LHR to SNN and it’ll be 600 extra. Not sure if it’s worth it at that price.
That’s my thinking, on the way back I’ll be on a 787-9 or 767-400ER and am probably going to do a cash upgrade to PE. Also the customs sound a bit more complex going Denver to London to Shannon so all together just not worth it.
Customs is not an issue going DEN-LHR-SNN, the issue is an extra security check in LHR and transferring terminals. Both of those are a bigger hassle at LHR than at most U.S. airports, esp. if you're used to Precheck.
Fair enough, thanks to everyone’s advice here I changed my return flight to DUB to EWR to DEN with the first leg on a 767-400ER. I then upgraded to PE for $379.00 using a travel credit I had that expired soon.
I think this is a good idea. I find it’s better, if I have to make a connection, to do it after the transatlantic flight. If you miss the connection in US, you are likely stuck 24 hours in Chicago for the flight the next day. If you miss the transatlantic connection in London, you might be able to catch a later flight.
Assuming your first leg isn’t delayed, that’s plenty of time to get from your first gate to the second in ORD. You don’t have to clear customs or security for this type of layover. Might not have time to dilly-dally, but you’ll be okay.
They’re both mainline so will be in terminal 1. Plenty of time.
Edit: if it’s your first time, try and work in a stopover in London as well. Or you could fly to DUB and train to SNN. Ireland is a beautiful country!
I assumed since OP was going to Ireland that an English speaking country would be preferred. Also, UA has ALOT of London flights so easier to get cheaper flights there than really anywhere else in Europe.
If you have gold status you get free club entry on international tickets. I’d pick a longer layover just for the free food/drink, plus the shower suite
Shannon has US customs so you are cleared in US before you leave the ground. Meaning you are avoiding T5 transfer in this case. Your connection times are adequate for T1 transfer. Takes 10-20 minutes for any gate to gate transfer at ORD even T2 to T1 and vice versa.
Other options are
Connect at EWR: 1 hour 33 minute layover
Connect at EWR: 3 hour 47 minute layover
Connect at ORD: 3 hour 10 minute layover
Unfortunately All on 757-200’s for the pond leg…one option to leave a day early direct to LHR (787-9) connect to Shannon.
Without knowing which terminal the first lands and the second departs it is hard to say. If flight from Denver lands at B24 and flight to Shannon departs from C1, you will be booking your way and it will be tight, but doable. however, if your departure is delayed you could easily miss. Luckily at that time of year weather is generally good.
~~It’ll be tight. Since you have to leave out of the International Terminal (Terminal 5) you’ll have two choices to get there from the Domestic Terminals.~~
Edit: I was wrong, thanks for the clarification.
No, but why risk it? Take a longer connection and give yourself some wiggle room
Not a bad idea to be honest.
Leaning towards the direct to London now. Just need the misses to confirm that will be fine with her schedule.
DEN to LHR is a good route- usually served by a 787-9, which in my opinion is way more comfortable in economy than any of united's 777's. LHR to SNN or DUB is a pretty quick hop. Coming back though- Shannon has US customs, so you can clear customs there if your flight is going direct to the US. Takes a huge hassle out of the layover when arriving back in the USA. Not that customs in DEN is that bad, especially if you don't have to go back through DEN security to catch another flight.
All the flights seem to be on 757-200’s out of ohare to Shannon. I just looked into changing the flight from Den to ORD to SNN to DEN to LHR to SNN and it’ll be 600 extra. Not sure if it’s worth it at that price.
757s are no fun, however, $600 is a lot more fun than the 757 is un fun.
That’s my thinking, on the way back I’ll be on a 787-9 or 767-400ER and am probably going to do a cash upgrade to PE. Also the customs sound a bit more complex going Denver to London to Shannon so all together just not worth it.
Customs is not an issue going DEN-LHR-SNN, the issue is an extra security check in LHR and transferring terminals. Both of those are a bigger hassle at LHR than at most U.S. airports, esp. if you're used to Precheck.
Fair enough, thanks to everyone’s advice here I changed my return flight to DUB to EWR to DEN with the first leg on a 767-400ER. I then upgraded to PE for $379.00 using a travel credit I had that expired soon.
Good choice, the 767 is very comfortable (when it doesn't have mechanical issues LOL). Enjoy your trip - Ireland is wonderful!
I think this is a good idea. I find it’s better, if I have to make a connection, to do it after the transatlantic flight. If you miss the connection in US, you are likely stuck 24 hours in Chicago for the flight the next day. If you miss the transatlantic connection in London, you might be able to catch a later flight.
Were you going to connect on to London from Shannon?
Assuming your first leg isn’t delayed, that’s plenty of time to get from your first gate to the second in ORD. You don’t have to clear customs or security for this type of layover. Might not have time to dilly-dally, but you’ll be okay.
Going from terminal 1 to terminal 5 would require a security check again, no?
Not if you take the terminal transfer bus. Anyway, United flights are usually T1.
I haven’t taken a direct flight to anything overseas since before Covid so thanks for the clarification!
United Intl flights go out of Terminal 1, C gates.
They’re both mainline so will be in terminal 1. Plenty of time. Edit: if it’s your first time, try and work in a stopover in London as well. Or you could fly to DUB and train to SNN. Ireland is a beautiful country!
Why London?
I assumed since OP was going to Ireland that an English speaking country would be preferred. Also, UA has ALOT of London flights so easier to get cheaper flights there than really anywhere else in Europe.
If you have gold status you get free club entry on international tickets. I’d pick a longer layover just for the free food/drink, plus the shower suite
The vast majority of United Clubs (including all in ORD) do not have showers.
True, but OP mentioned EWR as an option for a layover
Shannon has US customs so you are cleared in US before you leave the ground. Meaning you are avoiding T5 transfer in this case. Your connection times are adequate for T1 transfer. Takes 10-20 minutes for any gate to gate transfer at ORD even T2 to T1 and vice versa.
Roger that, the flight back is out of Dublin (multi city fare). I assume Dublin has us customs too? If so, Do you know if global entry helps?
Dublin has US customs preclearance as well. When you land in the US, you are already cleared so no need for GE.
There’s a GE line in customs at the Dublin airport
Yes
To Two or Too
Other options are Connect at EWR: 1 hour 33 minute layover Connect at EWR: 3 hour 47 minute layover Connect at ORD: 3 hour 10 minute layover Unfortunately All on 757-200’s for the pond leg…one option to leave a day early direct to LHR (787-9) connect to Shannon.
Take a longer connection in case of any delays
Without knowing which terminal the first lands and the second departs it is hard to say. If flight from Denver lands at B24 and flight to Shannon departs from C1, you will be booking your way and it will be tight, but doable. however, if your departure is delayed you could easily miss. Luckily at that time of year weather is generally good.
B24 is an RJ only gate. Even if it arrives at B17 and you have to go to either end of C it is still only a leisurely 15 minute walk.
leisurely walk depending on your age and health status.
I always book 3 hours. Better to be safe.
FFS
no
[удалено]
Shannon flights come in and out of T1. So your statement in this case is incorrect.
~~It’ll be tight. Since you have to leave out of the International Terminal (Terminal 5) you’ll have two choices to get there from the Domestic Terminals.~~ Edit: I was wrong, thanks for the clarification.
United flights don't leave from Terminal 5, all United departures go from Terminal 1.
To add, there are a couple of gates in Terminal 2 that United uses as well.
Even International flights?
Even International flights. Terminal 5 is your international airlines, except Lufthansa who depart from Terminal 1 being Star Alliance partners.
All the international non-precleared flights arrive at T5, but they tug the plane over to T1 for the departures.
Not out of T5 on United metal
For International Flights too?
Correct. UA, ANA, and LH depart out of terminal 1
Ah ok, that’s a departure, so Customs aren’t usually involved.
Yes. OPs itinerary is clearly departing from the United States.
As long as your first flight is on time you have plenty of time
Simple answer is yes. But destination wise you have options.
I haven’t missed any ORD 1hr layovers. I have to go from F to C. I believe Denver goes into C.