The flight to Ireland is short for a transatlantic, which is the problem: there isn’t much time to sleep. Here’s how we handle the overnight with our daughter (10) and our son (7), and how we get through day one.
By Laurence Banville · We fly PHL–Dublin with our kids frequently
How long is the flight to Ireland from the US?
From Philadelphia it’s a little over six hours nonstop to Dublin.
It’s the question Americans ask me most.
Both American Airlines and Aer Lingus fly PHL to Dublin direct. The flights leave in the evening, you fly overnight, and you land the next morning. Ireland is five hours ahead of the East Coast, so a 6-hour flight eats a whole night.
Can kids actually sleep on the overnight flight to Ireland?
Not much, so protect every minute.
After the dinner service and the breakfast service, there are only about three hours left to sleep.
What works for us:
- Skip breakfast. Let the crew know you don’t want to be woken, and grab something after you land.
- Bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones. The cabin is noisy.
Is business class worth it to Ireland with kids?
On the way over, yes. A lie-flat seat is the difference between some sleep and none.
Both American and Aer Lingus have lie-flat business seats on this route.
If you follow Brooke’s points system, use it here and upgrade so the kids can lie down and actually sleep. It’s very much worth it. On our flight, the business suite came with a proper pillow and bedding, an amenity kit and a full dinner service.
How we use points for business class is on Reward travel.
What should kids bring on the flight to Ireland?
Good headphones, a loaded iPad, a battery charger and their favourite stuffed animal.
Here’s our short list:
- Good headphones (noise-cancelling if you can)
- iPads, downloaded before you leave home
- Battery chargers
- USB-A cables, because those are what the plane seats charge from
- Their favourite stuffed animal
- Earplugs for the grown-ups
- See everything we actually travel with on Favorite Things.
How do you beat jet lag on day one in Ireland?
Fight the nap, plough through the day, and put everyone to bed around 9 PM.
It’s hard, but it resets everyone fastest.
Plan an easy first day with fresh air and something to keep everyone moving. The hop-on hop-off bus or a walk around St Stephen’s Green works well in Dublin. If you’re staying at a hotel, ask about early check-in so you can at least shower. (I’ll admit I napped after a 9 AM check-in on my 40th-birthday guys’ trip. That was for a big night out, though, not a family day one.)
The city itself is in Dublin with kids.
What about flying home from Dublin?
Dublin Airport has US preclearance, so you clear US immigration and customs before you fly.
It’s in Terminal 2. Check with your airline whether your flight uses it, and leave plenty of time.
A tip from the Dublin guide: spend the last night in Malahide, which is close to the airport, with nice bars and restaurants for a final dinner. That’s in day trips from Dublin.
Flying on from Dublin to Lapland? Read how we got to Lapland.
More questions
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to Dublin?
A little over six hours nonstop. American Airlines and Aer Lingus both fly it direct, leaving in the evening and landing the next morning.
How much sleep can you get on the overnight flight to Ireland?
Only about three hours once dinner and breakfast are served. Skip breakfast and bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
Is business class worth it for kids flying to Ireland?
On the overnight flight over, yes. Lie-flat seats let kids actually sleep. We use points to make it affordable.
How do you handle jet lag after landing in Ireland?
Avoid napping, keep the first day light but active, and get everyone to bed around 9 PM local time.
Does Dublin Airport have US preclearance?
Yes, in Terminal 2, so you clear US immigration and customs before boarding. Confirm with your airline that your flight uses it.
Sources
Our experiences are our own. Background facts were checked against: