FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Minimum Connection Transfer Time at Atlanta (ATL): The Definitive Thread
Old Mar 9, 2007 | 11:32 am
  #299  
cigar55
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Huntsville, AL
Programs: Delta 1MM/SM, IHG Spire, Marriott Gold, HH Diamond, SPG Gold, Choice Hotels Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 67
Originally Posted by Bulldog
Due to a schedule change by DL, I now have a 4 hour 13 minute layover in Atlanta for a domestic-to-international connection, all on DL metal. There is a later initial flight which would reduce the connection time to 1 hour 9 minutes. Is 69 minutes a "legal" connection in ATL, and more importantly, would you recommend it, considering the alternative is more than 3 hours longer? Note also that there is another international flight to the same destination a couple hours later, so that might be an option for rebooking if the earlier flight were missed.

Thanks.

Bulldog
I have connected thru ATL for international flights twice in the last 2.5 years. I think it is risky to take a 69 minute connection. You have to reclaim your bags and go thru International screening and change concourses. You don't know if there will be much of a line when you have to go thru screening again. If your domestic flight is a little late, you may not make it.

I am one to get to my local airport (HSV) only about 35-40 minutes early, so I am not one that normally adds a big buffer, but I think 69 minutes is not enough in your case. The downside (if you miss your connection) may be staying overnight in ATL.

Good luck,

cigar
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