Booking Flights to Ireland: Why I Avoid Europe Layovers

Booking flights to Ireland is the moment your vacation starts to feel real. But when you’re comparing itineraries, the choices aren’t always straightforward.

One flight connects through Chicago, Boston, or another US airport before flying overnight to Ireland. Another flies overnight to London, Amsterdam, or Paris, where you’ll catch a second flight to Dublin.

If those two options are reasonably comparable, I’m choosing the US connection every time.

And there’s a simple reason why.

Sunrise Thick Clouds over Ireland — Sunrise over clouds as my flight approaches Ireland

This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 359. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

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Why I Avoid European Layovers When Booking Flights to Ireland

After an overnight transatlantic flight, most travelers are tired. Even if you’ve managed to sleep (a skill I have yet to master), you’re adjusting to a time change and probably not operating at your best.

That’s when I want my travel day to get easier, not more complicated.

With a North American connection, you land in Ireland, clear the necessary arrival procedures, and begin your vacation.

With a European connection, you’re navigating another airport, possibly going through additional security or passport procedures, and waiting for another flight.

There’s also that little burst of energy you get when you land after crossing the Atlantic. You’re excited. You’ve arrived in Europe!

If you’re in Ireland, you can use that energy to get outside, enjoy some daylight, and begin adjusting to Irish time.

If you’re in London or Paris, you’re spending it finding your next gate.

By the time you finally reach Ireland, you have ‘lost’ several hours of your first day. And if you can check directly into your accommodations both the shower and bed look awfully inviting.

flight_connections_heathrow — UK Immigration & Border Security at Heathrow

Why Layovers at London Heathrow Can be Challenging

I’ve connected through Heathrow multiple times, including a flight this past spring, and it is one of the more laborious layover spots you can choose.

Heathrow is massive. Depending on your flights, a connection can involve long walks, additional security, terminal changes, buses, and passport or border procedures.

It’s easy to look at an itinerary with a two-hour Heathrow connection and think that’s plenty of time.

But those aren’t necessarily two hours of sitting around drinking coffee and popping into the shops. There’s quite a bit that needs to happen between flights.

I’ve also connected through Amsterdam and Paris. While every airport is different, my feeling is the same: once I’ve flown across the Atlantic, I don’t want another airport standing between me and Ireland.

Sleeping in the Airport — Airport layover naps

If a Flight Disruption Happens, Where Would You Rather Be?

Another reason I prefer connecting in the US is that I think flight disruptions are easier to manage before crossing the Atlantic.

Problems are always more difficult when you are tired and may have language differences.

Years ago, I was traveling to Ireland with my daughters, who were quite young at the time. Our outgoing flight was canceled, and the airline rebooked us through Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.

I approached the airline desk to make sure the three of us would have seats together.

The employee looked at me, looked at the girls, and said he wasn’t going to send us through Paris.

Instead, he arranged for us to fly directly to Ireland on Aer Lingus, a completely different airline.

Not every flight disruption ends that well, of course. But I’ve never forgotten his kindness, and the experience reinforced my preference for handling connections before leaving the US.

When a European Connection Makes Sense

I’m not saying you should never book a flight with a European layover. I’ve done it, and sometimes it’s the right choice.

If the savings are significant, you’re using airline miles, or your departure airport offers limited options, a European connection may be worth the extra effort.

And if you’re planning to spend a few days in London, Paris, or Amsterdam before continuing to Ireland, that’s an entirely different situation.

But when two itineraries are reasonably comparable, I’ll choose the one that gets me directly to Ireland after the overnight flight.

aer_lingus_flight_from_chicago — Ready to leave Chicago

Choosing the Flight that Starts Your Ireland Vacation Right

When comparing flights to Ireland, look beyond the ticket price.

Consider where you’re connecting, how much time you’ll have between flights, what airport procedures may be involved, and what time you’ll actually arrive in Ireland.

A slightly cheaper ticket isn’t always the better value if it means more travel fatigue and less time enjoying your first day.

If you’re still working through your Ireland vacation plans, my free TRIP Ireland Vacation Planning Resource helps you organize the important decisions around Transportation, Rest, Ideas, and Priorities.

You’ll also find more advice in my Ireland Travel Tips resources.

Because the goal isn’t simply to find the cheapest way to Ireland. It’s to arrive ready to enjoy the vacation you’ve been planning.