43 min Layover in ATL with 2 kids - would you do it?

[MickeyMom2Boys]

Airtran has a great rate at our preferred time for our return flight, but it is a 1 stop flight with a 43 minute layover in Atlanta. We will be travelling with a 2 year old and a 5 year old. Is this doable?

I am new to flying so I have no idea how this works. I'm guessing we would have to get off the plane, wait for our luggage, then trek to the next gate with luggage, kids, stroller, and car seat? Doesn't sound like enough time to me. What do you think?

 

[dudspizza]

Airtran has a great rate at our preferred time for our return flight, but it is a 1 stop flight with a 43 minute layover in Atlanta. We will be travelling with a 2 year old and a 5 year old. Is this doable?

I am new to flying so I have no idea how this works. I'm guessing we would have to get off the plane, wait for our luggage, then trek to the next gate with luggage, kids, stroller, and car seat? Doesn't sound like enough time to me. What do you think?

You won't have to wait for luggage. They move it for you. All you need is your family and carry ons. If you gate check anything like a stroller, you would have to wait for that.

Simply, you get off the plane and head for the next gate. They start boarding 30 minutes before take off, so you would have to hustle. Airtran uses 2 of the terminals at Atlanta, so if both flights are in the same terminal, you are good. But, if you have to change terminals, you are pushing it with little kids.

I would try it, but it is going to be tight, IF, all flights are on schedule.

Duds

 

[Bob P]

Hi,

Is it a one-stop flight or a connecting flight?

One-stop means it's the same plane. Connecting means you have to change planes.

And if it is a connecting flight you do NOT have to go claim your luggage, your bags will be checked through to your last stop.

 

[mommy*RN]

Hi,

Is it a one-stop flight or a connecting flight?

One-stop means it's the same plane. Connecting means you have to change planes.

And if it is a connecting flight you do NOT have to go claim your luggage, your bags will be checked through to your last stop.

Dumb question -- where do you find out if it is one stop or connecting. I'm looking at flights from MKE to MCO and there are only non-stop and one-stop listed on the main page. None of them say "connecting".
Thanks!

 

[MickeyMom2Boys]

It's a one-stop. So I won't have to change planes? Just wait the 43 mins until it takes off again? That's great!

Thanks for all of your help!

 

[MickeyMom2Boys]

I just called Airtran to confirm that we would not have to change planes with this particular 1 Stop flight. They said if it shows only 1 flight # you would not. If it shows 2 flight #s you would. Unfortunately this shows 2 flight #s. I'm not sure I'm brave enough to try to change planes with 2 kids in under an hour - especially being new to flying!!

 

[dudspizza]

They said if it shows only 1 flight # you would not. If it shows 2 flight #s you would. Unfortunately this shows 2 flight #s.

THis is the key to tell whether it is a 1 stop (without changing planes) or a connecting flight.

Duds

 

[Belle & Ariel]

We have booked close flights that the airline has later moved our second leg to a later flight giving us hours at the airport. I would not book it because of this possibility.
We always allow one hour between segments.

 

[CarolA]

I just called Airtran to confirm that we would not have to change planes with this particular 1 Stop flight. They said if it shows only 1 flight # you would not. If it shows 2 flight #s you would. Unfortunately this shows 2 flight #s. I'm not sure I'm brave enough to try to change planes with 2 kids in under an hour - especially being new to flying!!

Warning! AIRLINES LIE!

I can't tell you how many flights I have been on where the Flight Attendant announces as we get to the gate "If you are continuing on this flight to XYZ there has been an equipment change. You will now depart from gate X" SO one stop often does mean "connect" The only exception would probably be SW!

 

[bopper]

I wouldn't do it. It would be tough if there are no delays, but if there are any delays then you are stuck.

 

[Telcogirl]

I wouldn't do it either. We booked our flight to Orlando via Atlanta with a one hour layover. We only had carry-ons. Our plane leaving Providence was delayed, so we got into Atlanta late.

We sat on the tarmac for an additional 20 minutes because there was no gate for us.

Meanwhile, our connecting flight left for Orlando without us.

Anything can happen that will throw off the best of plans. With two small children in tow, I wouldn't risk it.

 

[crashbb]

Hmm...this may not work for everyone but, I base it on how many flights there are from my connecting city to my destination city.

For example, I had to fly Toronto-Montreal-Mont Joli. There were only 5 flights a WEEK between Montreal and Mont Joli (I think it is know up to 1 or 2 a day, but half stop elsewhere on the way) whereas there are about 20 flights a DAY between Toronto and Montreal.

So, on the way there, I gave myself a very large lay over (it was also in February, so weather delays were likely) whereas coming home I chose the shortest layover allowed. I know that there were many flights between Montreal and Toronto that I could stand-by for if I missed the connection on the way home, but that I would be rather large trouble if I missed the connection on the way there.

So, if *I* were flying AND there were many flights between ATL and MCO, I'd risk the short lay-over. I, however, am not you (nor am I flying with kids), but I thought I'd put it out there.

 

[loriwvu]

We did this last year from Charelston WV into Atlanta. We fly frequently and are familiar with the airport. The key is your first flight being on time. We had an early morning flight so it went well. The two kids didn't like it though because we were very rushed and had to walk very quickly. We actually even had time to stop and use the bathroom near our gate. When you look at your flights check your flight numbers and seats to see if it is indeed a connecting flight. I bet you do have to change flights. Get familiar with the airport if you haven't flown into Atlanta. They have a very convenient train system if you have to change concourses.

Lori

 

[91Coupe]

Get to your gate for leaving. Atlanta is very busy and 43 minutes is really not as much as you might think at that Airport.

 

[maxiesmom]

We just did this in November, and it was very close. We were 3 adults, and 3 kids. We pretty much hauled the youngest (age 8) thru the airport. And I have flown thru Atlanta a few times, so I know my way around it pretty well. Even so, we were all pretty stressed about possibly missing our connection. Being new to flying, I don't think you should attempt it.

 

[noahdove]

I already paid for my flight and we stop in Atlanta and it's only an hour..yes, we change planes and now I am afraid if we have to go to a different terminal we may miss the flight...should I worry now or once we get there?? I will be traveling with an 8 year old..thank you

 

[maxiesmom]

I already paid for my flight and we stop in Atlanta and it's only an hour..yes, we change planes and now I am afraid if we have to go to a different terminal we may miss the flight...should I worry now or once we get there?? I will be traveling with an 8 year old..thank you

You will most likely make your flight, but you don't have any time to dwaddle. Get off of the first plane, check the departures board, and head right for you next plane. Don't even stop for the bathroom, you can use the one on the plane. You should be fine, but you will need to move fast.

Go look at the Atlanta airport's web-site. Atlanta is a huge airport, but it is pretty easy to get around in. They have a subway system to get you around to the different terminals. If you do have to switch terminals, take it. Don't try to walk, it won't be any faster.

When we had our short layover we had to go 3 terminals over, and we made it with a few minutes to spare. And we only had a 47 minute layover.

You will do ok.

 

[noahdove]

Thank you.. I will have to check the site out..I am praying that I will only have to find my gate...I have flown several times, but this is suppose to be a "surprise--fret free" trip....thank you again..

 

[Munchkin'sMommy]

Get to your gate for leaving. Atlanta is very busy and 43 minutes is really not as much as you might think at that Airport.

I totally agree with this. ATL is huge and if you have to switch terminals, you will have a long walk. I have been debating the same thing. A long layover with a 2 year old or a short layover with a 2 year old... I chose the long layover just because I know from experience that when things are going to hell in a handbasket, ATL is one of the first airports to feel the effects, (weather, delays, waiting for gate, crew changes, aircraft changes....I could go on and on)

Take your time and take the longer layover especially since this is your first time through ATL. The airport can be bery intimidating for a first time traveler. I know I was very intimidated the first time I flew through there as a passenger.

Have fun and enjoy your trip.

 

[brandylouwho]

We just had an almost 3 hr layover at ATL with a 18 mo old & a 5 yr old. The time flew by...we got off the plane, retireved our gate checked stroller & headed to the new gate (in a different terminal), went potty, got a bite to eat and had barely finsished eating when it was time to board the next plane. I thought this was funny because I had feared a 2 hour+ layover would be too much time to try to entertain the kids.

I would not personally chance a layover of less than an hour, especially with 2little kids.