WITH summer travel season in full swing, Irish holidaymakers are being urged to follow two simple tips before jetting off.
Dublin Airport has shared a handy hack for passengers with early morning Aer Lingus flights that could save them time and stress.
The airport bosses reminded travellers that they can drop off their bags the evening before if they are flying early the next day.
And jetsetters are also being told to apply for a European Health Insurance Card, known as an EHIC, at least ten days before heading away.
The free card can help Irish travellers access public healthcare in EU and EEA countries either free of charge or at a reduced cost.
Thousands of passengers will travel through the airport over the summer season, with jetsetters flying off in search of sun or to explore new cities.
From making sure you have everything packed to weighing your suitcase and remembering your passport, there is a long list of things to remember when jetting off.
And when faced with delays, queues and long wait times, stress levels can ramp up.
Heading to the airport, while exciting for most, can also be one of the most stressful parts of a holiday.
Taking to social media, the Dublin Airport team revealed that Aer Lingus has introduced a system for those departing early.
In a post on X, bosses said: “Summer travel tip —
“Got an early morning flight with @AerLingus before 8am?
“Drop off your bags the evening before, between 4pm-10pm, and save yourself some early morning hassle.”
Aer Lingus introduced the system to take the rush out of early morning flights.
The Evening Bag Drop service is available at Dublin and Cork airports, allowing customers to drop their bags the night before an early departure.
At Dublin Airport, customers travelling on early morning flights between 5.30am and 8am can drop bags the evening before between 4pm and 10pm.
At Cork Airport, evening-before bag drop is available from 5.30pm to 7.30pm for flights departing between 5.55am and 8am.
Irish jetsetters have also been urged to apply for an EHIC at least ten days before their next holiday.
With summer officially here, thousands are taking to the skies in search of seaside towns, buzzing cities and scorching temperatures.
But holidaymakers may not be aware that they are eligible for the handy card.
The EHIC allows people to access public healthcare in EU and EEA countries either free of charge or at a reduced cost.
Here’s everything you need to know.
If you are injured or become sick while on holiday, the EHIC could save you heaps of money.
The card can be used if you are on holiday or on a short-term stay of less than three months.
Students in Europe may be considered visitors on a short-term stay for up to a full academic year.
Each family member needs their own card, and they are free to apply for in Ireland.
You can apply for yourself, your partner and any dependent children under the age of 16.
If you are under the age of 16, your parent or guardian must apply for you.
Applicants need to provide proof of address and their PPS number.
If you have a medical card or drug payment scheme card, you can apply online.
If you already have an EHIC, you can also apply for other family members online.
The card is delivered by post within ten working days of your application.
You can apply online through the HSE website or by post.
You can also apply in person at any local health office, except Dublin North West and Cork North and South Lee.
If you need an EHIC in an emergency, a temporary replacement certificate may be available from your local EHIC office.
However, the HSE and Irish Government stress that the EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance.
It does not cover private healthcare or additional expenses, such as a return flight or lost or stolen belongings.
It also does not cover costs if you are travelling specifically for medical treatment, and it does not guarantee free services.
Treatments that are free in Ireland may cost money in other countries, even with the EHIC.
