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
Dec 17, 2018, 12:59 pm
#2521
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Formerly at PIT, now planted near MSP.
Programs: No flights since April 2019 (Medical Issues). Lost all my status.
Posts: 1,483
Dec 17, 2018, 1:13 pm
#2522
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Now in SLC
Programs: DL GM 1MM, MR LT Titanium
Posts: 4,118
Hello all
Sorry for a newbie question but I am looking for advice on connection info in ATL
We are flying from Detroit to Atlanta and on to Punta Cana (PUC) via Southwest Airlines on a cheap Wanna Get Away ticket.. Our layover in ATL is 1 hour and 5 minutes. So my research seems to vary wildly on whether this is enough time or not. As I interpret, it will be just like a connection on a normal flight, we will not have to collect bags and go through security on the way to Terminal F (International).
We are flying mid May so no expected delays in Detroit but storms in atlanta could be a problem as well?
Sorry for a newbie question but I am looking for advice on connection info in ATL
We are flying from Detroit to Atlanta and on to Punta Cana (PUC) via Southwest Airlines on a cheap Wanna Get Away ticket.. Our layover in ATL is 1 hour and 5 minutes. So my research seems to vary wildly on whether this is enough time or not. As I interpret, it will be just like a connection on a normal flight, we will not have to collect bags and go through security on the way to Terminal F (International).
We are flying mid May so no expected delays in Detroit but storms in atlanta could be a problem as well?
Dec 18, 2018, 3:41 am
#2524
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 2
This is the Delta forum, but I'm guessing your entire ticket is on Southwest? If so, you have everything correct, and 65 minutes is plenty of time as long as the first flight is on-time. If the first flight is on DL and the second flight is on Southwest, then you really have two separate tickets and will have to pick up your bag between your flights. 65 minutes isn't nearly enough time in that case.
Yes my entire ticket is on Southwest. We have a super early flight out of Detroit at 6:30AM so I hope for no delays - Shouldnt have any worries of snow or ice that time of year but a rain storm or mechanical or other issue hopefully not.
Dec 24, 2018, 1:15 am
#2525
Join Date: Jul 2006
Programs: DL DM/MM
Posts: 2,275
Connecting in ATL (some advice) -- KE to DL
Hi All,
I'm flying from ICN-ATL on KE, and I'm supposed to arrive at 9:10 AM. I need to get from ATL to SFO, and there's a non-stop flight on DL that departs at 10:50 AM. Do you all think this is a doable connection (on two separate tickets)? I'm flying in J on KE, and I'm a DM and have GE. I don't intend to check bags, though TBH, I wonder how strict KE is with cabin baggage for premium pax. The alternative pretty long layover in ATL (departing at like 2:30 PM), or pay more for a one-stop flight and arrive later.
What do you all think? Is this connection doable?
I'm flying from ICN-ATL on KE, and I'm supposed to arrive at 9:10 AM. I need to get from ATL to SFO, and there's a non-stop flight on DL that departs at 10:50 AM. Do you all think this is a doable connection (on two separate tickets)? I'm flying in J on KE, and I'm a DM and have GE. I don't intend to check bags, though TBH, I wonder how strict KE is with cabin baggage for premium pax. The alternative pretty long layover in ATL (departing at like 2:30 PM), or pay more for a one-stop flight and arrive later.
What do you all think? Is this connection doable?
Last edited by UVAhoo06; Dec 24, 2018 at 1:37 am
Dec 24, 2018, 2:05 am
#2526
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Orlando, FL Area
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Posts: 29,988
I wouldn't advise such a short connection using two separate tickets. If anything delays you getting to your ATL-SFO flight you will be out of luck unless you find a sympathetic agent willing to let you standby for a later flight.
Dec 24, 2018, 4:31 am
#2527
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Programs: KE Skypass Morning Calm Member, OZ Club
Posts: 2,352
KE isn't typically strict on carry on bags. I mean if it looks obviously too large then they'll say something, but it's not typical that they make you weigh your carry on or put it in a sizer.
I fly ICN-ATL once a year to visit for the past 7 years or so. All seasons I come and go. And at that morning time, there is NO ONE in the F terminal. I use Mobile Passport and they literally had to open the line for me since I was the only one.
But as you know in America you have to wait for your bags and then re-check them.....so IMO that's a VERY short connection. Too close for comfort. KE to ATL is typically on time and never has huge delays on arrival (it will depart usually 20 mins after schedule but they pad the schedule so it's on time to land). For instance, today's flight was 57 mins late for departure but arrived on time.
I fly ICN-ATL once a year to visit for the past 7 years or so. All seasons I come and go. And at that morning time, there is NO ONE in the F terminal. I use Mobile Passport and they literally had to open the line for me since I was the only one.
But as you know in America you have to wait for your bags and then re-check them.....so IMO that's a VERY short connection. Too close for comfort. KE to ATL is typically on time and never has huge delays on arrival (it will depart usually 20 mins after schedule but they pad the schedule so it's on time to land). For instance, today's flight was 57 mins late for departure but arrived on time.
Dec 24, 2018, 5:00 am
#2528
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Now in SLC
Programs: DL GM 1MM, MR LT Titanium
Posts: 4,118
1:40 would be plenty if this were a single ticket, but as two separate tickets, I wouldn't risk it, for the reasons mentioned above. I do have to ask about the elephant in the room: can you fly KE ICN-SFO non-stop instead? Going through ATL makes the journey 3600 miles longer.
Dec 24, 2018, 5:07 am
#2530
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,039
Dec 24, 2018, 5:51 am
#2531
Join Date: Jul 2006
Programs: DL DM/MM
Posts: 2,275
Unfortunately, I'm not able to really do that because the ATL-SFO trip is a personal trip rather than a work thing. At the moment, the non-stop in late February is pricing out at $338 one-way in K class. I'm wondering if I'm buying too early, or if this is pretty typical for this captive market...
Dec 24, 2018, 7:54 am
#2532
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Location: WAS
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Maybe I'm crazy, but given OP has GE and does not plan to check bags, and there's now a Precheck lane in the international security screening area, and although I have no direct experience everyone says DL is pretty forgiving if you "misconnect" on separate tickets even due to a delayed partner flight, I think I'd be ok with 1h40 here and I feel like I'm usually more conservative about connecting times and airport arrival etc than most (so this feels weird to me 
)
)
Dec 24, 2018, 7:55 am
#2533
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Are you a US/CANADIAN citizen or from a visa waiver country and have previously entered using your current ESTA? If so 1.40 is plenty of time. There will be a bag recheck right outside customs. They can tag your bags and issue BP. No need to go to domestic checkin.
IF by chance get in late, DL will rebook you even though on separate ticket. They do this when you fly in on a close partner ticket and they've issued the ticket for your missed flight.
IF by chance get in late, DL will rebook you even though on separate ticket. They do this when you fly in on a close partner ticket and they've issued the ticket for your missed flight.
Dec 24, 2018, 10:00 am
#2534
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: MCO
Programs: Delta - PM, HH - Gold, SPG - Gold, Marriott - Plat
Posts: 1,060
Maybe I'm crazy, but given OP has GE and does not plan to check bags, and there's now a Precheck lane in the international security screening area, and although I have no direct experience everyone says DL is pretty forgiving if you "misconnect" on separate tickets even due to a delayed partner flight, I think I'd be ok with 1h40 here and I feel like I'm usually more conservative about connecting times and airport arrival etc than most (so this feels weird to me )
)
Dec 25, 2018, 7:21 am
#2535
Join Date: Jul 2006
Programs: DL DM/MM
Posts: 2,275
Are you a US/CANADIAN citizen or from a visa waiver country and have previously entered using your current ESTA? If so 1.40 is plenty of time. There will be a bag recheck right outside customs. They can tag your bags and issue BP. No need to go to domestic checkin.
IF by chance get in late, DL will rebook you even though on separate ticket. They do this when you fly in on a close partner ticket and they've issued the ticket for your missed flight.
IF by chance get in late, DL will rebook you even though on separate ticket. They do this when you fly in on a close partner ticket and they've issued the ticket for your missed flight.
Out of curiosity, what airlines are considered “close” partners?