Are we cutting it to close?

Kitts21

DIS Veteran
Joined
Feb 23, 2005
Messages
602
We went ahead and took a chance and bought tix on Airtran for our Dec. trip. We are leaving from Buffalo with a 26min. layover in Atl.,do we have enough time to make are connecting flight in Atl. Has anyone ever flown Airtran into and out of Atl. Are the terminals that Airtran use close together. We used USAir in Jan. and had to use the subway to get from one terminal to another. And I believe that took alomst a 1/2 hour. Any help would be great, and hopefully will ease are minds alittle. Thanks.
 
Well I am pretty sure AirTran is all on one terminal so assuming they are on time you will be fine. 26 minuetes is a little tight, but not much you can do now so I wouldn't panic.
 
i think your chances are 50/50. If everything goes perfect, you should be fine. But one little problem and you will be screwed, weather delay, long line for takeoff, etc. If I were you, I would plan on missing the connection and then be pleasantly suprised if you make it. By planning I mean - have a list of later flights that day on airtran (if it is the last flight, be prepared to spend the night in Atlanta), have plenty of cash on hand for things to buy in the airport and have plenty to do, toys, books, etc. Also have enough clothes and toiletries for one night in a carryon, that way if you end up spending the night in atlanta you don't have to dig through your luggage. BTW if you miss your connection it is the AIRLINE'S fault for scheduling the flights so close together, not your fault so you should get from them at the very least meal vouchers and hotel vouchers if you have to stay the night.
 
I can't believe the airline would schedule your flights so close together. I think Delta makes you at at least a 45 min. layover in Atlanta.

I would also plan on not making that flight and have a backup plan in mind. If everything goes with perfect timing, you'll be pleasantly surprised!
 

Letsbgoofy said:
I can't believe the airline would schedule your flights so close together. I think Delta makes you at at least a 45 min. layover in Atlanta.

I would also plan on not making that flight and have a backup plan in mind. If everything goes with perfect timing, you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Delta does require 45 minutes but they figure you will have to change terminals. AirTran is more centrally located so you shouldn't have to go too far.
 
I believe a legal connection is 30 minutes. Did you book with Airtran or one of the other websites? If you miss a flight on an illegal connection the airline is not obligated to help you out. I would confirm with Airtran before your flight.
 
Although all of AirTran flights use one terminal in Atlanta, it is a BIG terminal. The last time I flew out of Atlanta, my plane was at the furtherest (fartherest??) gate there. Just has I entered the terminal the handle on my rolling carry-on broke (pulled all the way out and wouldn't go back in). So I had to carry that thing all the way to the gate. It was a workout. I wasn't sure I was going to make it in time.

I agree that you should have a backup plan. If the gates are next to each other, you might be ok. But if they are at opposite ends of the terminal, and you have one little delay on you're originating flight, you are probably going to miss that connection.
 
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Try to checkin online as close to the 24 hours advance window as you can then you can pick seats close to the front of the plane, that way you will be one of the first off...you should be ok, seems my flights into Atlanta are always early but of course that doesn't happen all of the time.
 
Air Tran has 12 daily flights ATL/MCO, so if you miss it they should be able to put you on another one. I wouldn't chance it later in the day. I think Air Tran now has gates on C and D concourses in ATL.
 
You may possibly make the connection, but what about your luggage???
 
It has to be a legal connection, it shows on their website. I assume it's the flight that arrives at 6:49p and the connecting flight leaves at 7:15p. You should assume you won't even have time for a bathroom stop in the airport.

Delays can affect incoming and outgoing flights. If Atlanta has delays it might affect both. If bad weather delays your flight from Bufflo even a 60-90 minute connecting time might not be enough. I guess you couldn't find a N/S that works.

Bring enough carryon on for the first day just in case. If you're using ME Disney should grab the luggage, even if it comes in on a later flight. If you're not using ME the airline should transport your luggage to your hotel.
 
I would never book a connection that close together. The worry just isn't worth it to me. I think it is a stretch that you will make it.
Good Luck!!!
 





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