My parents time in Scotland has come to a close.  Today’s post is a review of United Business Class from Dublin to Newark.  For other reports from their time in the United Kingdom, see

• I’m going to Europe (for 250,000 miles)
• Getting ready for a week in Scotland
• Turkish Airlines Lounge review Washington Dulles / IAD
• “Today was the worst day of my life“
• Riding the Hogwarts Express – the Jacobite Steam train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Aer Lingus Business Class review IAD-DUB
• Scotland’s amazing Falkirk Wheel
• What to do with two days in Edinburgh Scotland
• 9 traditional Scottish foods to try (besides haggis)
• 3 things to know about the Battle of Culloden Scotland
• 51st and Green Dublin Airport lounge review

United Business Class from Dublin to Newark – arrival and check-in

Going through customs for pre-USA was the most thorough check ever (PWaC: Dublin has a preclearance facility, which means that you clear US customs BEFORE you get on the plane, so when you arrive to the US, it is just like any other domestic flight). There were two different areas.  Unlike when we came into Dublin, when we didn’t even have our checked luggage with us, and all they asked was why we were there and how long we were going to stay, these people (no photos allowed) went through our luggage carefully, two times. I had a knee brace on, and in other flights in the States, they patted me down. Here, they made me totally remove the brace so they could check it out. In passport control, another area, they had electronic photos of our luggage and asked us if that was truly a picture of OUR luggage, and did anyone else pack it or give us anything to take with us. They only wanted to know about declarations if we had bought or spent a lot of money, which we cheapskates didn’t. But we were prepared with a list of everything we had purchased, its receipt and price.

Once, on United, we had to wait an hour and a half before we actually took off. We found out that the computers had gone down, and, thus, customs couldn’t process anyone. Once they came back up, the last people joined our flight and we departed. We made up the hour in flight, and then, the other half hour on the flight to Cleveland. I was grateful for the original long layover that shrunk because of this, because we didn’t miss our flight, and for the tailwind that got us to Newark.

United Business Class DUB-EWR service

Flying back to Newark from Dublin in the morning was a very empty flight..at least in business class. There were only nine of us, and we started with three flight attendants. They soon called Joseph to work in the main cabin, which left us with Sierra. Soon after we were at cruising altitude, Sierra asked if she could “set the linen”.

I didn’t know what she meant, but it was to put a tablecloth (miniature) on the tray before serving us food.

Breakfast had an appetizer, then the main course. I thought it was good, but small. Yet I am sure it was better than the main cabin, which probably had peanuts.

United Airlines Business Class Dublin to Newark seat

The seats again were comfortable and could fold out into a bed.

We just used it as a recliner, but it was good enough to sleep on. When we woke, they served us a luncheon. The chicken was only okay. It was rushed because they hadn’t wanted to wake us.

I was impressed that our pillowcases were Saks 5th Avenue!

Talking to Sierra and Joseph, I learned all about flight attendants who are classified “reserve”. Basically, they are standby. They can be asked to work a flight with very short notice. This is the way they eventually get to have a regular route, but it must be a very difficult lifestyle..always having to be ready to go.

After a few hours of relaxing, we were preparing to arrive in Newark airport to conclude our Scottish trip – the United Airlines Business Class flight from Dublin to Newark was a great experience

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