Change over time at DUB on return?

[Hula Doola]

How long should I leave at Dublin airport for stop over on return from MCO to LHR?

We're aiming for the minimum without causing stress or rushing as we'll be tired and have 2 kids with us.

Have given up on getting direct flights both ways as the prices put it out of reach, so now looking for indirect on return as this is the more expensive leg. Flights are with BA and there is a choice of 1hr40m, 2hr10m or 3hr 10m.

Has anyone done this route and found the 1hr 40m is not long enough or that the 1st flight was delayed significantly?

[Peko]

All comes down to your personal attitude to risk and delays. 1h40 is eminently doable for that connection and still has some contingency for delay without making the connection too stressful, of course not as much as the longer connections.

I have a fairly high tolerance to risk on connections, my family less so. In this situation, I would be comfortable with one of the shorter connections because there will likely be plenty of later DUB-LHR flights that day, onto which you could be rebooked in the event of missing the connection.

In short my opinion is that 1h40 is quite doable, 2h10 will give you some more contingency if shorter connections bother you, I would only book the 3h+ connection if you are someone who gets very stressed by lack of certainty and are prepared to wait to avoid that. The odds of missing the connection are relatively low, and if you miss the shorter ones, you might find you are rebooked on the 3h10 connection anyway…naturally there are no 100% guarantees, only risk mitigation.

BTW, you mention flights are with BA. The transatlantic will be operated by Aer Lingus or AA (definitely Aer Lingus if non-stop MCO-DUB, could be either if you are flying back via another US gateway). DUB-LHR could be operated by BA, or by Aer Lingus under codeshare. The transatlantic will arrive to DUB T2, DUB-LHR will depart from T1 if operated by BA, from T2 if operated by Aer Lingus. The terminals are connected and you should be able to walk between them, if necessary, without going outside.

You will clear immigration in DUB. I have not had to reclear security at DUB on connections USA-DUB-LHR, but others may report that they have, it sometimes depends on the airport layout and the routing through the airport on the day.

[Hula Doola]

Thanks Peko, really helpful answer.

I take your point about risk management, but if the shorter transfer sounds ok we'll probably go for that as there are a number of later flights if we are delayed. If it were the outbound flight we'd be much more concerned 😆

The booking is with BA and the direct outbound is on BA but you're right that both legs back are with Aer Lingus on code share MCO-DUB-LHR. Presume the flight experience will be similar to BA though?

Appreciate your thoughts, and info about the terminals.