With the imminent return of non-essential travel on July 19, Dublin Airport has put together a handy travel checklist for those who are fancying a flight away to a warm country.
After months of being locked down, the aviation industry will be fully open thanks to the introduction of the EU Digital Travel Certificate from next week.
And in anticipation of a rise in footfall, the busiest airport in Ireland has laid down the rules for those wishing to jet off.
The list contains information on what travel documents are required, where to get your Covid-19 test, and when is the right time to arrive at the airport.
If you are lucky enough to be jetting away this summer but are unsure of the recent changes then this list is a helpful guide;
Check your travel requirements and book your trip
The most helpful tip of them all - check whether you can even go to your destination.
Dublin Airport advise: "Visit the Irish Government website, gov.ie and the Department of Foreign Affairs website, dfa.ie, regularly to ensure that your destination of choice is open and the requirements to enter and for your return. You can also check with your airline what is required for your destination of choice."
Booking your COVID-19 test when travelling
The advice continues: "Check if, and what type of test is required. RocDoc Health Check and Randox are providing RT-PCR COVID-19 testing and Rapid Antigen testing at Dublin Airport. Also, please ensure you research your destination’s local COVID-19 test centres and arrange for a test to be taken no more than 72 hours before arrival back to Ireland."
Plan and book your airport services in advance
You can book ahead for Car Parking, Fast Track security, the Terminal 1 Lounge and Click and Collect shopping services.
Managing all the usual and new travel documents
With all the new certificates and rules, airport officials are urging people to "save all your travel documents and certificates to your device, so you have both your passport and device ready for contactless presentation.
"So, the EU Digital COVID Certificate, and then save your boarding passes and booking confirmations, into one place on your device, such as Apple Wallet or Google Pay. Or, have your printed documents, certificates and passport ready in one folder for easy retrieval and presentation."
Sign up to real-time flight alerts before your travel
This one is really handy - you can now check if you're flight is delayed on your phone, saving you the hassle of checking those big screens that are dotted around the terminals.
You can even get confirmation on Whatsapp or Facebook Messenger.
When to arrive at the airport
Officials say: "For short haul, please be ready to go through Security at least 2 hours before your flight and allow 3 hours for long haul."
Check airline hand baggage rules
Please check with your airline the number and type of carry-on bags allowed. You may need to check-in larger hand baggage.
Don’t forget your face masks
With very limited expectations, all passengers are asked to wear a face mask/covering throughout their airport journey.
Prepare for Security screening - liquids, gels and pastes
The Security screening process itself has not changed - but Dublin Airport have just added extra safety measures to protect you.
Remember:
- Ideally only 1 piece of hand baggage per person.
- Separate out liquids, gels and pastes into one single, clear one litre plastic bag with each container no bigger than 100ml.
- No sharp objects, have all electronic devices out and in the tray, along with shoes, jackets, coins and jewellery.
- Visit dublinairport.com for videos and all the information you need.
Please complete all necessary arrival forms
Passengers may be required to present a completed passenger locator form upon arrival and entry to your destination, along with your EU DCC. Upon your return to Ireland, you must present your EU DCC and a completed electronic passenger locator form. Please ensure COVID-19 tests are taken no more than 72 hours before you arrive back to Ireland. Please visit gov.ie and dublinairport.ie for more information.
