Aug 19, 2016, 8:19 pm
Last edit by: LoganFlyer
Navigating the ATL: Despite its size, ATL has a very functional layout that makes transfers quite straightforward. The airside complex is shaped like a rib cage, with the ribs (the concourses) branching off from the spine (the underground plane train)
Minimum Connect Time in ATL if connecting from a Delta flight to a Delta flight, per ExpertFlyer:
Domestic flight - domestic flight: 35 minutes
Exceptions:
If your inbound flight is on a 330 or 767, then the minimum connection time is 50 minutes for a domestic-domestic connection.
Domestic flight - international flight: 40 minutes
Exceptions:
International flight - domestic flight: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Exceptions:
International flight - international flight: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Exceptions:
- There is one common airside area for all carriers and all departures both domestic and international
- You do NOT need to re-clear security when making a domestic to domestic or domestic to international connection (international-domestic and international-international are the usual border fuss)
- The concourses are names T (for terminal) A B C D E F. TABCD are usually short and medium haul gates; E and F are usually long haul/international. The plane train connects all concourses.
- If your flight documents say 'North Terminal' or South Terminal', ignore that while connecting. That refers to land side check-in desks, and you won't see any references to those while on the air side of the airport.
- If you wish to stretch your legs, a pedestrian tunnel runs parallel to the plane train from the T to E terminals. There is an additional pedestrian tunnel between E and F unconnected to the other tunnel that requires going aboveground at E and poking around to find it.
- If you do not have club access, the E and F concourse areas tend to be quieter and less crowded places to wait
Minimum Connect Time in ATL if connecting from a Delta flight to a Delta flight, per ExpertFlyer:
Domestic flight - domestic flight: 35 minutes
Exceptions:
If your inbound flight is on a 330 or 767, then the minimum connection time is 50 minutes for a domestic-domestic connection.
Domestic flight - international flight: 40 minutes
Exceptions:
- If your inbound flight is on a 330 or 767, then the minimum connection time is 50 minutes for a domestic-international connection.
- The minimum domestic-YYC connection time is 45 minutes.
- The minimum domestic-HAV connection time is 55 minutes.
International flight - domestic flight: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Exceptions:
- If you are coming from a Canadian airport with preclearance other than YYC, then the minimum connection time is 35 minutes for an international-domestic connection.
- If you are coming from AUA, BDA, FPO, NAS, or YYC, then the minimum connection time is 45 minutes for an international-domestic connection.
- If you are coming from Ireland, then the minimum connection time is 1 hour for an international-domestic connection.
- If you are coming from LOS, then the minimum connection time is 1 hour, 30 minutes for an international-domestic connection.
- If you are coming from HAV, then the minimum connection time is 1 hour, 55 minutes for an international-domestic connection.
International flight - international flight: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Exceptions:
- If you are coming from a Canadian airport with preclearance other than YYC, then the minimum connection time is 40 minutes for an international-international connection.
- If you are coming from YYC, then the minimum connection time is 45 minutes for an international-international connection.
- If you are coming from AUA, BDA, FPO, or NAS, then the minimum connection time is 50 minutes for an international-international connection.
- If you are coming from Ireland, then the minimum connection time is 1 hour for an international-international connection.
- If you are coming from LOS, then the minimum connection time is 1 hour, 30 minutes for an international-international connection.
Minimum Connection Transfer Time at Atlanta (ATL): The Definitive Thread
Aug 22, 2017, 4:06 pm
#2356
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Now in SLC
Programs: DL GM 1MM, MR LT Titanium
Posts: 4,119
1:35 is certainly doable, but it depends on your wife's comfort level. If she's never transited ATL before or she's not good with directions, I'd book the longer connection to he safe. But if she's experienced at ATL or just making connections in general, I'd have no problem with the 1:35.
Aug 22, 2017, 5:57 pm
#2357
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: SEA, or BOS, or MUC, or other places (probably connecting). "Detroit, Michigan is in the Eastern time zone."
Programs: DL PM/1MM, AS 100K, NEXUS/GE, CLEAR, Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,201
(Assuming US citizen) Does she have Global Entry? If not, does she have a smartphone and the Mobile Passport app? If either is the case, I'd say reasonable. If she's a US citizen but doesn't have either of those, the APC (automated passport control) kiosks are likely to be fast enough especially with her D1 headstart over the rest of the plane.
Aug 24, 2017, 8:39 am
#2358
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: United
Posts: 3
That's international to domestic, so "reasonable" depends on how fast she can get through customs and immigration. It's over MCT but not by a whole lot.
(Assuming US citizen) Does she have Global Entry? If not, does she have a smartphone and the Mobile Passport app? If either is the case, I'd say reasonable. If she's a US citizen but doesn't have either of those, the APC (automated passport control) kiosks are likely to be fast enough especially with her D1 headstart over the rest of the plane.
(Assuming US citizen) Does she have Global Entry? If not, does she have a smartphone and the Mobile Passport app? If either is the case, I'd say reasonable. If she's a US citizen but doesn't have either of those, the APC (automated passport control) kiosks are likely to be fast enough especially with her D1 headstart over the rest of the plane.
Aug 24, 2017, 9:00 am
#2359
Join Date: Jun 2017
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 34
Not exactly connection time related, but more of connecting when going through customs.
Will be traveling through ATL next week inbound from YYZ and continuing on domestically. I'll be traveling with a single carryon.
It's my understanding that the return to terminal TSA checkpoints after customs in E or F dont have a PreCheck line.
And that if you land in E (with no checked bags) that it's best to go to customs in F (even if landed in E, guess there is a walkway or sorts?) so you can exit with the Atlanta pax then run upstairs to the PreCheck line.
Is any or all of this correct? I have only done customs in Atlanta landing at F and Atlanta being my final destination each time. First time connecting after customs in Atlanta.
Will be traveling through ATL next week inbound from YYZ and continuing on domestically. I'll be traveling with a single carryon.
It's my understanding that the return to terminal TSA checkpoints after customs in E or F dont have a PreCheck line.
And that if you land in E (with no checked bags) that it's best to go to customs in F (even if landed in E, guess there is a walkway or sorts?) so you can exit with the Atlanta pax then run upstairs to the PreCheck line.
Is any or all of this correct? I have only done customs in Atlanta landing at F and Atlanta being my final destination each time. First time connecting after customs in Atlanta.
Aug 24, 2017, 9:08 am
#2360
In memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PIT
Programs: DM life is over 2MM PM now & NW MillionAir Wyndham Rewards Plat -Hotels.com Silver -Accor Silver
Posts: 15,408
If you're originating at YYZ, you'll go thru US Immigration and Customs at YYZ. It's called Pre-clearance. At ATL, you'll get off the plane - EXACTLY as if you flew in on a domestic flight.
I've read here that, Pre-clearance at YYZ can take a while. Give yourself some extra time there.
I've read here that, Pre-clearance at YYZ can take a while. Give yourself some extra time there.
Aug 24, 2017, 9:36 am
#2361
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 10,689
Not exactly connection time related, but more of connecting when going through customs.
Will be traveling through ATL next week inbound from YYZ and continuing on domestically. I'll be traveling with a single carryon.
It's my understanding that the return to terminal TSA checkpoints after customs in E or F dont have a PreCheck line.
And that if you land in E (with no checked bags) that it's best to go to customs in F (even if landed in E, guess there is a walkway or sorts?) so you can exit with the Atlanta pax then run upstairs to the PreCheck line.
Is any or all of this correct? I have only done customs in Atlanta landing at F and Atlanta being my final destination each time. First time connecting after customs in Atlanta.
Will be traveling through ATL next week inbound from YYZ and continuing on domestically. I'll be traveling with a single carryon.
It's my understanding that the return to terminal TSA checkpoints after customs in E or F dont have a PreCheck line.
And that if you land in E (with no checked bags) that it's best to go to customs in F (even if landed in E, guess there is a walkway or sorts?) so you can exit with the Atlanta pax then run upstairs to the PreCheck line.
Is any or all of this correct? I have only done customs in Atlanta landing at F and Atlanta being my final destination each time. First time connecting after customs in Atlanta.
If you're originating at YYZ, you'll go thru US Immigration and Customs at YYZ. It's called Pre-clearance. At ATL, you'll get off the plane - EXACTLY as if you flew in on a domestic flight.
I've read here that, Pre-clearance at YYZ can take a while. Give yourself some extra time there.
I've read here that, Pre-clearance at YYZ can take a while. Give yourself some extra time there.
The other rush is Thursday afternoon/evenings.
You will just head to you ATL departure gate after landing as a domestic arrival as US CBP has processed you before departure in Toronto.
Aug 24, 2017, 10:36 am
#2362
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
Not exactly connection time related, but more of connecting when going through customs.
Will be traveling through ATL next week inbound from YYZ and continuing on domestically. I'll be traveling with a single carryon.
It's my understanding that the return to terminal TSA checkpoints after customs in E or F dont have a PreCheck line.
And that if you land in E (with no checked bags) that it's best to go to customs in F (even if landed in E, guess there is a walkway or sorts?) so you can exit with the Atlanta pax then run upstairs to the PreCheck line.
Is any or all of this correct? I have only done customs in Atlanta landing at F and Atlanta being my final destination each time. First time connecting after customs in Atlanta.
Will be traveling through ATL next week inbound from YYZ and continuing on domestically. I'll be traveling with a single carryon.
It's my understanding that the return to terminal TSA checkpoints after customs in E or F dont have a PreCheck line.
And that if you land in E (with no checked bags) that it's best to go to customs in F (even if landed in E, guess there is a walkway or sorts?) so you can exit with the Atlanta pax then run upstairs to the PreCheck line.
Is any or all of this correct? I have only done customs in Atlanta landing at F and Atlanta being my final destination each time. First time connecting after customs in Atlanta.
Last edited by CJKatl; Aug 24, 2017 at 7:56 pm
Aug 24, 2017, 6:00 pm
#2363
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: Delta PM, Hyatt Plat-ist, Bonvoyyyyyyed, Hilton $15 Daily F&B Receiver, Food Lion MVP
Posts: 1,203
I think you mean F. Either way, lack of precheck at E and downstairs F with the extremely limited upstairs F precheck hours make reclearing TSA in Atlanta the most frustrating part of the experience.
Aug 24, 2017, 7:55 pm
#2364
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
FWIW, I have NEVER been in F, and I do mean F, thank you, when PC has been open, and I'm there frequently.
One more thing, a poster mentioned that if you land in E he "guess(es) there is a walkway or sorts" to F. There is, but it is very, very long. There are some moving sidewalks, but it still takes a long time. Every time I've done the walk, there is someone who has never done it before carping about how long it takes. You probably would not want to take that walk if you land in E and are connecting to a domestic flight in ATL, given PC will likely not be open. Any time saved not waiting in the line at E will be lost getting to F, going upstairs, getting back to the train in F once you are back within security and riding back to the domestic gates.
And for all you know, Qatar may be offloading their giant flight at the same time backing up Immigration at F, which you won't know until you get there.
Last edited by CJKatl; Aug 24, 2017 at 8:05 pm
Aug 25, 2017, 12:33 am
#2365
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: Delta PM, Hyatt Plat-ist, Bonvoyyyyyyed, Hilton $15 Daily F&B Receiver, Food Lion MVP
Posts: 1,203
One more thing, a poster mentioned that if you land in E he "guess(es) there is a walkway or sorts" to F. There is, but it is very, very long. There are some moving sidewalks, but it still takes a long time. Every time I've done the walk, there is someone who has never done it before carping about how long it takes. You probably would not want to take that walk if you land in E and are connecting to a domestic flight in ATL, given PC will likely not be open. Any time saved not waiting in the line at E will be lost getting to F, going upstairs, getting back to the train in F once you are back within security and riding back to the domestic gates.
-passengers terminating at ATL will have their bags show up at F only
-passengers connecting onward will have their bags show up at E only
If you're landing at F, or didn't check any bags, this limitation does not apply, but the option to head from E to F to re-clear there with checked baggage does not exist.
Aug 25, 2017, 8:16 am
#2367
Join Date: Jun 2017
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 34
Thanks for all the helpful info. I didnt know about the pre-clearance in YYZ. Do they have GE kiosks?
Although my flights are CHA-ATL-YYZ-DTW-NRT-DTW-YYZ-ATL-CHA (there was a cheap biz fare posted in the Premium Deals board for YYZ-DTW-NRT) will probably flag "too many border crossings in x amount of time", and may reject my global entry.
Saw that happen to a pax next to me at the GE kiosk in JFK earlier this year.
Although my flights are CHA-ATL-YYZ-DTW-NRT-DTW-YYZ-ATL-CHA (there was a cheap biz fare posted in the Premium Deals board for YYZ-DTW-NRT) will probably flag "too many border crossings in x amount of time", and may reject my global entry.
Saw that happen to a pax next to me at the GE kiosk in JFK earlier this year.
Aug 25, 2017, 8:30 am
#2368
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
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Posts: 10,689
Aug 25, 2017, 8:33 am
#2369
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
Yes. More important, there are expedited lanes, but you may need to show your wallet card, so make sure you have it with you. At YYZ near the DL kiosks, these are on the far end, by the side wall. Like everything at YYZ, there isn't good signage so you might need to ask someone to point you in the right direction.