AirTran Airways A+ Rewards - Questions about Connecting in Atlanta

Although I prefer to take direct flights, due to a work scheduling conflict I am evaluating an itinerary that connects in ATL. The layover is only 41 minutes, which seems tight.

(1) The second segment is the last flight of the day from ATL to my destination. If the first segment is delayed more than 30 minutes, will I find myself enjoying the hospitality of Atlanta for the evening, or will FL hold the flight?

(2) Are there any hotels at ATL that are physically connected to the airport (as in TPA and DTW)? Any recommendations for the unexpected overnight layover?

Thanks!

Depending on the route (and I suspect the number of people involved) FL may hold connecting flights. This happened to some px on a flight I was on last month (SFO-ATL), they announced some connections were held, but others were not. ATL was my final dest. so I didn't pay too much attention.

There is no physically connected hotel, I'm sure others will have off-site recommendations.

Although I prefer to take direct flights, due to a work scheduling conflict I am evaluating an itinerary that connects in ATL. The layover is only 41 minutes, which seems tight.

(1) The second segment is the last flight of the day from ATL to my destination. If the first segment is delayed more than 30 minutes, will I find myself enjoying the hospitality of Atlanta for the evening, or will FL hold the flight?

(2) Are there any hotels at ATL that are physically connected to the airport (as in TPA and DTW)? Any recommendations for the unexpected overnight layover?

Thanks!

I have made 41-ish minute connections in ATL without a problem, even when I had to change concourses from C to D.

(1): FL has held the last flight of the day for me at least a couple of times, the most memorable being an ATL-JAX flight leaving at 1:30 a.m. (3.5 hours late) in order to allow connecting passengers (such as myself) to escape ATL.

(2): There is no "onsite" hotel at ATL - all access is via shuttles. I have been happy with the ATL Hilton (but I'm diamond, so the perks and nice lounge overlooking ATL help). Avoid the Doubletree! If you miss your connection due to the first flight being late, I THINK (not certain!!!) FL will give you a voucher, so you may not get to choose your hotel.

If you end up on the North side of the airport and you get in before midnight (maybe 11 Mon-Thu), go to Michon's for smoked ribs (any of the hotels on the North side of ATL will take you there, or it's a short walk from the Hilton). There will be a few customers from surrounding hotels and lots of locals eating and dancing on the weekends (once I was the only non-African-American there - no problem), but the food is very good and reasonably priced. Service can be a little slow at times, though.

If you should miss your connecting flight, and it was NOT your fault you should indeed receive a voucher for a free hotel stay. It is FL's choice, but hey it's free!

ATL may seem huge & confusing, but don't panic and follow the signs, it won't be as bad as you think. Just run! :)

If you should miss your connecting flight, and it was NOT your fault you should indeed receive a voucher for a free hotel stay. It is FL's choice, but hey it's free!

ATL may seem huge & confusing, but don't panic and follow the signs, it won't be as bad as you think. Just run! :)

I do not think FL will give you a free hotel when you miss the connection and delay of the first leg is due to non-FL problem such as weather and ATC.

If you end up on the North side of the airport and you get in before midnight (maybe 11 Mon-Thu), go to Michon's for smoked ribs (any of the hotels on the North side of ATL will take you there, or it's a short walk from the Hilton).

Michon's has closed in that location. Their website states "new location coming soon."

Michon's has closed in that location. Their website states "new location coming soon."
That's a shame - they had only been in the "loft" for a year or so, IIRC.

I wonder when they closed - I'm pretty sure they were open this spring when I was in the general area, but I didn't have time to go in.