2h layover in ATL- Too short?
 

Hello! I'll be traveling in August from Amsterdam to Miami via Atlanta, and i'm worried my connection is too short to make it through.

I'd be arriving at ATL around 7-8 pm, i don't know if it's usually busy at that time. My main worry is having to make it through security+border patrol, since i'm entering the US i'll probably need to retrieve my luggage, pass it through sorts of a luggage control, and then go through immigration, am i right?

In case i miss my connection, since it's all in one ticket and i bought it on the airline's page, should i expect them to get me on the next available flight (that is with available seats) or would they blame it on me? Flying with Delta btw. I know that Europe Union regulations would make it the airline's responsibility, but i don't know how passengers right's work in America.

Also, do airport personnel provide any kind of aid to those about to miss a connection? Again, i've seen people being rushed around gates and through immigration lines in european airports.

I considered changing my connection but that would mean spending the night at the airport and friends have told me it's not very nice to stay at?

Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post! :)

I think you will be fine. If there is bad weather Atlanta can be a mess but otherwise on a typical day you should be fine.

Yes, you will get your checked luggage and pass through immigration and customs and then there is a place to give your bags back to Delta which is quick. Then you go through security again which is usually not too bad at international arrivals.

Atlanta has 7 concourses with an underground train so getting between the concourses is also pretty quick. If it turns out that you miss your connection Delta will put you on the next available flight and there are several flights to Miami every day.

If you have travel insurance then you have no worries. If not, the only real risk is bad weather. Sometimes Atlanta has heavy thunderstorms which delay flights. It usually works out fine because international arrivals have priority so you would likely find your connecting flight to Miami delayed and you would make the connection. But, if something went wrong and you were stuck overnight you might need to get a hotel (usually Delta wouldn't pick up the hotel if the issue is weather related) . But I think you will be fine.

Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) is about 26 miles from Miami International Airport (MIA). A quick glance at Delta's schedule for tomorrow shows four departures to FLL after 8pm and only two to MIA.

If you do run into problems, you may be able to talk Delta into flying you to FLL instead. Of course, that only helps if you are getting picked up or if you have some flexibility with your ground transportation.

Still, I figured it was worth mentioning.

Given that your other choice involves overnighting at ATL, I would keep the connection and keep your fingers crossed. My only experiences with returning to ATL from overseas are as a citizen which puts me in a different set of lines. I have seen a long backup on more than one occasion when 5 or 6 flights arrive within an hour. I hope that won't be the case for you.

writerguyfl has provided some good advice. You should be able to get there one way or another.

Is MIA your final destination? Hopefully you're not headed for the cruise docks. If that's the case, back up your departure by 24 hours.

Two hours in ATL is plenty. Have a good trip!

I think you'll be fine. Just know which concourse you need to transfer to and those kind of details ahead of time.