ATL International Check-In at Domestic Terminal?
Apr 14, 2022, 2:46 pm
#31
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,373
With AF/KL it’s a particularly tightly integrated form of ground handling where DL departure control systems like SNAPP are used. Sometime before the check-in window opens, maybe 36-48h out, the operating carrier sends over the PNL (Passenger Name List) to be imported into Deltamatic. Each passenger that doesn’t already have a DL PNR (as they would if, say, connecting inbound on a DL flight or the AF/KL segment itself is DL ticketed or marketed) gets a shadow DL PNR just for check-in purposes. You’ll also notice that the BP is in Delta’s format and the AF and KL websites/apps will redirect to Delta’s for check-in. I think most of this is also the case where DL ground handles AM and VS, but I’m less certain on those (and just because both carriers operate doesn’t mean DL ground handles the JV partner, eg I believe they do not for AM in LAX).
You can see the same in reverse at AMS, where KL desks, kiosks and website handle DL/VS/AF/KL departures and you’d receive a KL-format boarding pass. I believe it’s similar in CDG but have not departed there on DL metal.
Apr 14, 2022, 3:03 pm
#32
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Atlanta Metro
Programs: DL , AC, BA, Hhonors Diamond, IH Platinum, Bonvoy Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,358
At any rate, swhang, you should try it. MART will drop you off right there in the terminal a brief stroll to checkin. Go over there and see if they'll do it. If not, you'll just walk back and go outside to get on the International Terminal shuttle bus. No big deal, really--just allow some extra time in case.
Do report back.
Do report back.
Apr 14, 2022, 3:34 pm
#33
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,642
My recent access with PreCheck and Clear at ATL Domestic was not good. Took a long time to get completely through, as they were a little understaffed with helpers to use the Clear machines. But the biggest delay was that they use the new scanners for the luggage. It took a long time for the luggage to get through. Maybe they have improved their skills by now, but going through "normal" Intl security would have been a fair amount quicker.
Apr 14, 2022, 5:59 pm
#34
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I don’t believe this is correct unless it changed recently. I checked in, with a bag, for an AF marketed and operated flight at ATL domestic sometime in 2019 maybe. Agent did not bat an eyelash.
With AF/KL it’s a particularly tightly integrated form of ground handling where DL departure control systems like SNAPP are used. Sometime before the check-in window opens, maybe 36-48h out, the operating carrier sends over the PNL (Passenger Name List) to be imported into Deltamatic. Each passenger that doesn’t already have a DL PNR (as they would if, say, connecting inbound on a DL flight or the AF/KL segment itself is DL ticketed or marketed) gets a shadow DL PNR just for check-in purposes. You’ll also notice that the BP is in Delta’s format and the AF and KL websites/apps will redirect to Delta’s for check-in. I think most of this is also the case where DL ground handles AM and VS, but I’m less certain on those (and just because both carriers operate doesn’t mean DL ground handles the JV partner, eg I believe they do not for AM in LAX).
You can see the same in reverse at AMS, where KL desks, kiosks and website handle DL/VS/AF/KL departures and you’d receive a KL-format boarding pass. I believe it’s similar in CDG but have not departed there on DL metal.
With AF/KL it’s a particularly tightly integrated form of ground handling where DL departure control systems like SNAPP are used. Sometime before the check-in window opens, maybe 36-48h out, the operating carrier sends over the PNL (Passenger Name List) to be imported into Deltamatic. Each passenger that doesn’t already have a DL PNR (as they would if, say, connecting inbound on a DL flight or the AF/KL segment itself is DL ticketed or marketed) gets a shadow DL PNR just for check-in purposes. You’ll also notice that the BP is in Delta’s format and the AF and KL websites/apps will redirect to Delta’s for check-in. I think most of this is also the case where DL ground handles AM and VS, but I’m less certain on those (and just because both carriers operate doesn’t mean DL ground handles the JV partner, eg I believe they do not for AM in LAX).
You can see the same in reverse at AMS, where KL desks, kiosks and website handle DL/VS/AF/KL departures and you’d receive a KL-format boarding pass. I believe it’s similar in CDG but have not departed there on DL metal.
AF/KL and DL have never had the level of checkin cooperation in US,, that they have at CDG/AMS. In fact DL doesn't even ground handle AF/KL at most USairports.
Apr 14, 2022, 7:08 pm
#35
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Minneapolis MN
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 491
Thought I'd share a data point from last week - we flew DL international ATL-GUA and had completed FlyReady, but alas were unable to use the self-service kiosks to print our bag tags in the domestic terminal. We were shuffsentled over to the 'special services/passenger assistance' SkyPriority area, which was a good 30 minute wait with it being backed up by folks with complex ticket issues. I wish the staff that end up taking bags at the self serve area could process international documents, but we were still sent to the other area. I imagine it may have been faster to hop on the bus to the international terminal...
Apr 14, 2022, 8:57 pm
#36
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,373
Definitely agree that this is not the setup that's in place at most US stations. At terminal E in BOS recently DL counters seemed to be at the opposite end from AF/KL.
I have a vague memory that really long ago, nwa.com did handle check-in for all US-originating KL flights (including places that don't seem to have the joint ground handling now, like SFO) but certainly couldn't swear to it.
Last edited by 21A; Apr 14, 2022 at 9:08 pm
Apr 15, 2022, 2:02 am
#37
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I remember thinking it was kind of a novelty, and sure enough, I was able to dig up a copy I'd saved... iirc there were some minor process differences, like no mobile/app boarding pass option, no standby list, and possibly no seat selection at check-in. I believe the then-fairly-new DL face recognition camera at the F boarding gate did work and spit out a receipt without having to scan the boarding pass.
Definitely agree that this is not the setup that's in place at most US stations. At terminal E in BOS recently DL counters seemed to be at the opposite end from AF/KL.
I have a vague memory that really long ago, nwa.com did handle check-in for all US-originating KL flights (including places that don't seem to have the joint ground handling now, like SFO) but certainly couldn't swear to it.
Definitely agree that this is not the setup that's in place at most US stations. At terminal E in BOS recently DL counters seemed to be at the opposite end from AF/KL.
I have a vague memory that really long ago, nwa.com did handle check-in for all US-originating KL flights (including places that don't seem to have the joint ground handling now, like SFO) but certainly couldn't swear to it.
My last KLM flight checkin from ATL was last year. I had a KLM style, not DL BP printed. I checked in person, not via OLCI.
? Did you check bags in at domestic end or just checkin for KLM/AF flight?
Apr 15, 2022, 10:17 am
#38
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,373
I did check in the bag at the domestic end. It sounds like the system side has changed since 2019 and they no longer use SNAPP/DL DCS which is probably what enabled that. I’ll be interested to hear a data point on whether it’s still possible!
Apr 15, 2022, 9:59 pm
#39
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Hotlanta.
Programs: I've gone underground!
Posts: 4,604
Thought I'd share a data point from last week - we flew DL international ATL-GUA and had completed FlyReady, but alas were unable to use the self-service kiosks to print our bag tags in the domestic terminal. We were shuffsentled over to the 'special services/passenger assistance' SkyPriority area, which was a good 30 minute wait with it being backed up by folks with complex ticket issues. I wish the staff that end up taking bags at the self serve area could process international documents, but we were still sent to the other area. I imagine it may have been faster to hop on the bus to the international terminal...
Apr 16, 2022, 2:51 pm
#40
Join Date: Sep 2021
Posts: 288
Ok I’m just wondering.
in July I had Aeromexico flight JFK-MZT booked through delta website.
my flight was 1:40 AM!!!
I had to wait for the Aeromexico counters to open to check in…. I wanted to get to sky club.
am I to understand I could have checked n for that flight at delta counter
in July I had Aeromexico flight JFK-MZT booked through delta website.
my flight was 1:40 AM!!!
I had to wait for the Aeromexico counters to open to check in…. I wanted to get to sky club.
am I to understand I could have checked n for that flight at delta counter
Apr 18, 2022, 9:16 am
#41
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Minneapolis MN
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 491
Dec 16, 2022, 8:22 pm
#43
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DL agents may man the positions, but they use AF system to check you in.
Dec 18, 2022, 12:10 pm
#44
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3,097
Dec 24, 2022, 7:59 am
#45
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: LHR
Programs: VS Flying Club, UA Mileage Plus
Posts: 167
Except at JFK where if you have SkyPriority on a Virgin Atlantic operated flight, you don't need to go to the Virgin Atlantic check-in area but can go the sepeate Sky Priority area which is handled by Delta in their area. Granted the signage does include Virgin Atlantic on it.