Clearing Customs Is A Joke At ATL
Nov 29, 2010, 4:16 pm
#17
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,530
Sorry, but paying $100 to the U.S. Gov't for the privilege of giving them my biometric information (that they can share with almost anyone they please, if you read the fine print), just to skip the customs/immigration line is NOT going to help the TSA re-entry checkpoint problem at ATL when it's hundreds of people deep all coming off international flights, many of which may simply just be staying in ATL.
DTW, MSP, and other airports have the advantage of a separate exit for people who the international arrival point is their final destination. At ATL, everyone goes back through TSA, whether staying in ATL or continuing onward. Simply brilliant design.
Oh, I know, the brand new terminal will alleviate that. Just gotta hope the dice roll your way and your flight comes in at the new terminal, because the old terminal and it's problems (like seriously, a power outage?!) will still exist.
DTW, MSP, and other airports have the advantage of a separate exit for people who the international arrival point is their final destination. At ATL, everyone goes back through TSA, whether staying in ATL or continuing onward. Simply brilliant design.
Oh, I know, the brand new terminal will alleviate that. Just gotta hope the dice roll your way and your flight comes in at the new terminal, because the old terminal and it's problems (like seriously, a power outage?!) will still exist.
That said, I remain a huge GE fan though would prefer not a single additional soul sign up for the service. If one values their time, clearly they will sign up.
Nov 29, 2010, 4:19 pm
#18
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SAV
Programs: Atlanta's hometown airline. A bunch of hotel programs. PetSmart PetPerks.
Posts: 2,531
http://www.smartplanet.com/people/bl...terminal/4892/
Nov 29, 2010, 4:23 pm
#19
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: West Hollywood, U.S.A.
Programs: Dl PM-MMX2, AA Gold, UA Priemier, Hyatt D, Hilton D, Marriott Plat, Avis President's
Posts: 368
Honestly it's a two hour minimum at that airport for the mess. As for Delta doing something... 1. It's Atlanta where the "elite" lines are generally LONGER then the normal lines (I no longer bother to go to the "sky priority" screening, the main screening is faster) 2. There are "physical limitations in that space" sad but true. 3. While DL has an elite line at ATL ,if you ask the TSA "anyone can use it" so......
2.True
3.True
Nov 29, 2010, 4:30 pm
#20
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: West Hollywood, U.S.A.
Programs: Dl PM-MMX2, AA Gold, UA Priemier, Hyatt D, Hilton D, Marriott Plat, Avis President's
Posts: 368
It does indeed, but regular domestic screening can't to be compared to US Customs + Immigration + the TSA re-screening. I agree ATL is one of the worst, but not the worst overall. LAX and JFK were likely equally as bad, especially today, the Monday following a holiday where holiday and regular biz travelers merged.
Nov 29, 2010, 4:34 pm
#21
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: MKE
Programs: BA Gold, DL PM, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,241
I've never had problems connecting in ATL. I agree the post - Customs is a pathetic mess, but I've connected in 1.5 hrs no prob.
However, when ever possible, opt OUT of ATL. DTW is a much better option.
Dave
However, when ever possible, opt OUT of ATL. DTW is a much better option.
Dave
Nov 29, 2010, 4:34 pm
#22
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: Delta skymiles DM + 1MM
Posts: 8,144
Andrew, given your recent debacles with foreign travel, I'd say you need some education in traveling 101! I remember reading about your moscow disaster, at least there wasnt a volcano this time around to deter your travels! 
All jokes aside, GE is your answer, plain and simple.
I'm arriving into Atlanta tomorrow on a flight from TXL, connecting in AMS, at peak time. I plan on sashaying past the long lines for immigrations, smiling, happy as can be that the $100.00 I spent was a worthy investment for my time.
GE Andrew, GE. Well worth the $100.00 for 5 years of peace and mind.
All jokes aside, GE is your answer, plain and simple.
I'm arriving into Atlanta tomorrow on a flight from TXL, connecting in AMS, at peak time. I plan on sashaying past the long lines for immigrations, smiling, happy as can be that the $100.00 I spent was a worthy investment for my time.
GE Andrew, GE. Well worth the $100.00 for 5 years of peace and mind.
Nov 29, 2010, 5:09 pm
#23
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Home: Arlington, VA; Home airports: IAD/DCA/BWI
Programs: Active: AA, UA, DL
Posts: 4,095
Been thinking about that too - thought they'd construct a dedicated monorail that shuttles people from E to F. Anyone in the know?
Nov 29, 2010, 5:14 pm
#24
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: MKE
Programs: BA Gold, DL PM, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,241
Nov 29, 2010, 5:15 pm
#25
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: LAX, SFO
Programs: Delta GM, Lifetime Marriott Platinum, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,634
Simply amazing. The government screws things up to begin with, makes you get re-screened which you don't have to do at other airports, and people say pay $100 and smile. I never return from overseas through Atlanta because of this re-screening processes. I live in LA and never have problems with lines for either domestic or international screening. And I fly a lot.
Nov 29, 2010, 5:20 pm
#26
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: The best state in the USA - Florida!
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Posts: 14,497
Simply amazing. The government screws things up to begin with, makes you get re-screened which you don't have to do at other airports, and people say pay $100 and smile. I never return from overseas through Atlanta because of this re-screening processes. I live in LA and never have problems with lines for either domestic or international screening. And I fly a lot.
Definitely an inefficient system though.
Wasn't it mentioned at the DO that Delta had gotten TSA to put a SkyPriority checkpoint for the int'l recheck? I take it that hasn't happened yet - if so, that's disappointing news.
Nov 29, 2010, 5:26 pm
#27
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Palm Beach/ New England
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, DL GM, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 4,380
Have you been through MIA lately?
At least for AA intl-domestic connections, you are dumped out onto the street and have to fight your way back into the terminal and then clear security again.
At least for AA intl-domestic connections, you are dumped out onto the street and have to fight your way back into the terminal and then clear security again.
Nov 29, 2010, 5:29 pm
#28
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: DL DM; SPG Gold
Posts: 1,733
Nov 29, 2010, 5:33 pm
#29
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Atlanta & San Francisco
Programs: DL 2MM DM & My Wife is a DL 3MM DM
Posts: 2,784
Nov 29, 2010, 6:04 pm
#30
In memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PIT
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Posts: 15,408
What do you think about this idea for ATL int'l arriving pax staying in ATL . . .
A shuttle bus from E to T (post security)! Simple!! Could be temporary, til the new terminal is opened. Maybe operate it only during peak int'l arrival hours!! No more bag re-check! No more re-screen!! It would also take huge amounts of people off the people mover system!
A shuttle bus from E to T (post security)! Simple!! Could be temporary, til the new terminal is opened. Maybe operate it only during peak int'l arrival hours!! No more bag re-check! No more re-screen!! It would also take huge amounts of people off the people mover system!
