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
Sep 12, 2022, 11:22 am
#2971
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Now in SLC
Programs: DL GM 1MM, MR LT Titanium
Posts: 4,119
Yes. Your passport will be checked at LGA check in AND the gate agent at ATL will check that you have your passport. 50 minutes is fine if LGA-ATL is on-time, but there's not much room for delays there and LGA can experience heavy delays if weather goes through. I'd probably be looking to switch to an earlier LGA-ATL flight for that reason.
Sep 12, 2022, 11:49 am
#2972
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: VPS
Programs: IHG Diamond, Delta PM, Hilton Gold, Accor Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 7,269
The gate passport check before boarding the international leg is cursory and effectively making sure you haven’t accidentally dropped it in the toilet between the ‘real’ passport check and making your way airside to the plane. They’ve also been playing around with facial recognition in lieu of boarding pass on those kinds of international flights so you may see that there.
Sep 16, 2022, 6:38 pm
#2974
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 18,947
My strategy would be to book the longer layover and then try to standby/SDC on arrival if time permits.
Sep 16, 2022, 8:45 pm
#2975
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,049
If your flight is on time, parks at F, and you have Global Entry, I think it's doable, but still probably insane to plan it that way... per usual, what are the consequences of misconnecting, are there other flights to your final destination, etc. and who are they on. DL is good about protecting across multiple tickets although I don't know if that applies if you knowingly violate the notional MCT.
My strategy would be to book the longer layover and then try to standby/SDC on arrival if time permits.
My strategy would be to book the longer layover and then try to standby/SDC on arrival if time permits.
Sep 17, 2022, 6:52 pm
#2976
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: AA PLT the rest, Kettle Power
Posts: 667
I know that's no guarantee...
Oct 21, 2022, 3:38 am
#2977
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Hotlanta.
Programs: I've gone underground!
Posts: 4,608
Terminal F/International terminal precheck time
I’m posting here for lack of a better place. While the TSA website says precheck is available starting 5a at terminal F, it isn’t. The hours of operation are still posted as 7-10a, 2-7p. The line this am (a Friday) is >100 people deep/20-30 min with only two x-ray machines in operation.
*edited to add: they gave the precheck card
*edited to add: they gave the precheck card
Last edited by emma dog; Oct 21, 2022 at 3:45 am
Oct 23, 2022, 8:27 am
#2978
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: FRA/SXB
Programs: FB Gold
Posts: 1,999
Considering two separate tickets, AF 682 inbound to ATL and then a DL domestic flight departing 2h later. Skypriority, checked bag, Global Entry. Think it's something realistic ?
Yes, I'm aware of the responsabilités/risks if inbound gets delayed (I'm on my own for a new ticket). Did something similar before with a 3h gap with no issues, but that was during covid when no one else was flying, i think all of 50 of us on the AF flight.
Yes, I'm aware of the responsabilités/risks if inbound gets delayed (I'm on my own for a new ticket). Did something similar before with a 3h gap with no issues, but that was during covid when no one else was flying, i think all of 50 of us on the AF flight.
Feb 5, 2023, 3:51 pm
#2980
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Alaska
Programs: DL-Diamond/2MM, Alaska Gold, Marriott Titanium, LT Plat.
Posts: 114
Intl-Dom times at ATL
Two of us very mature ladies with carry-on bags to push/pull around are arriving in ATL with 1:52 layover. I have Global Entry, she does NOT. I am very concerned about the short layover. We have DL Comf seats on domestic flight from ATL - SMF (5 1/2 hr flight). IF we miss our domestic connection, there will be a long wait for the next flight and we will probably get middle seats in the back of the plane. That is a long flight being in that type of seating.
Can someone advise as to whether they think the 1:52 layover is reasonably doable ????
Can someone advise as to whether they think the 1:52 layover is reasonably doable ????
Feb 5, 2023, 4:27 pm
#2981
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: Waffle House DM
Posts: 469
Well, hate to sound like a politician, but it depends.
Mostly, you should be able to do this. I recently came through ATL with a family member who didn’t have Global Entry and it took her about an additional 15 minutes to clear immigration. But it depends very much on the time of day and how many other international flights have just arrived. Afternoons are usually busier with all the European flight arrivals, but we all made a connection from landing to the new gate in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and that was waiting for checked bags. With carry-on only, you should be fine.
Mostly, you should be able to do this. I recently came through ATL with a family member who didn’t have Global Entry and it took her about an additional 15 minutes to clear immigration. But it depends very much on the time of day and how many other international flights have just arrived. Afternoons are usually busier with all the European flight arrivals, but we all made a connection from landing to the new gate in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and that was waiting for checked bags. With carry-on only, you should be fine.
Feb 5, 2023, 4:30 pm
#2982
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,049
Two of us very mature ladies with carry-on bags to push/pull around are arriving in ATL with 1:52 layover. I have Global Entry, she does NOT. I am very concerned about the short layover. We have DL Comf seats on domestic flight from ATL - SMF (5 1/2 hr flight). IF we miss our domestic connection, there will be a long wait for the next flight and we will probably get middle seats in the back of the plane. That is a long flight being in that type of seating.
Can someone advise as to whether they think the 1:52 layover is reasonably doable ????
Can someone advise as to whether they think the 1:52 layover is reasonably doable ????
Where are you coming from? We could suggest alternatives if there's delays posted before your flight into ATL.
Worst case they likely could route you via SLC/LAX to keep you in C+.
Mar 5, 2023, 1:19 am
#2983
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: Madison, WI
Programs: Delta Platinum Medallion, Marriott Platinum Elite, World of Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 63
Hey all,
Just want to confirm with the experts - I'm flying CUN-ATL-MSN and I've got a 1 hour 37 minute connection. This is above MCT and we do have a later flight from ATL-MSN if we miss due to delays, so we should be covered, but just wanted to get some insight on what the process is after deplaning at ATL. Will I have to go through customs, pick up/recheck my bag, and then security? I've got Global Entry which should help!
Just want to confirm with the experts - I'm flying CUN-ATL-MSN and I've got a 1 hour 37 minute connection. This is above MCT and we do have a later flight from ATL-MSN if we miss due to delays, so we should be covered, but just wanted to get some insight on what the process is after deplaning at ATL. Will I have to go through customs, pick up/recheck my bag, and then security? I've got Global Entry which should help!
Mar 5, 2023, 10:18 am
#2984
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Now in SLC
Programs: DL GM 1MM, MR LT Titanium
Posts: 4,119
Apr 11, 2023, 12:56 pm
#2985
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: RDU
Posts: 5,242
RDU-ATL-FCO with 1 hr 7 min layover in Atlanta
Can anyone advise minimum connection time going from RDU-ATL-FCO? Delta has changed our schedule 4 times already. We have a 1 hr 7 min connection in ATL. Will we change terminals, and if so, how easy or difficult is that? I have not been in Atlanta for several years. And we originally did not book such a short layover. When booked it was 1 hr 50 min. We travel May 11. Should we expect any weather problems?
I spent an hour chatting with Delta, error messages and all. I found an earlier flight out of RDU. But the Delta agent said "oh you have no availability in Comfort Plus on the ATL-FCO flight", despite already holding seats and a reservation. I don't understand this part.
I spent an hour chatting with Delta, error messages and all. I found an earlier flight out of RDU. But the Delta agent said "oh you have no availability in Comfort Plus on the ATL-FCO flight", despite already holding seats and a reservation. I don't understand this part.