Better to connect through Atlanta or Cincinnati?

[CarolMN]

We usually fly non-stop from MSP to MCO, but I can't bring myself to pay the fares NWA is charging. Found fares on Delta for $153 to $156 RT. We can connect either through Cincinnati or Atlanta and are traveling to MCO at the end of November and returning in early December. Connection times range from 45 minutes - over an hour. I'm mostly concerned with weather delays.

What do you recommend? Atlanta or Cincinnati?
Thanks in advance for any opinions.

 

[BobH]

I recently connected in Atlanta and I am very glad I took a look at the airport diagram so I was familiar with travel times between gates. The airport has terminals A through E. Each terminal has about 35 gates. Gate 1 will be at one end and gate 35 at the other. The only access to the walkway and trains is around gate 18 in the middle of each concourse. We had 1 hour between planes with Delta but our first plane was 20 minutes late and it was seconds before boarding when we made it from one end of the airport to the other - it took about 12 - 15 minutes even using the shuttle train. I am unfamiliar with Cincinnati but I'd advise you to check Atlanta's airport website for information so you are prepared. I use this site to check most airports I fly into. It takes a little of the stress out of travel when you know what to expect. Http://www.wajb.freeserve.co.uk/uk.htm#s

 

[Rock'n Robin]

We flew into Cinci for our first trip, and Atlanta twice since--this year it's Cincinnati again. I didn't choose this, it worked out better this way, but I think Cinci was easier to get around in. We are going from Toledo to Cinci to Orlando. I think, though, that in either airport having at least an hour is wise. Every time we've gone into Atlanta, coming or going, we are always at a concourse far away--for example, we'll fly into B and have to go to concourse E.
Robin M.

 

[AngKWhite]

Just got back from a trip where we connected in Cinn. going and Atlanta back. Cinn was funny. We had to take a bus from one terminal to the other and it went right through the area where the planes park. Our flight into Atlanta was in the evening and the airport was much less crowded than other trips. I wasn't thrilled about going through Atlanta when I made the flight because it's usually so hectic but our flight only arrived in Atlanta at 9:00 and the terminals were fairly empty. I don't find it difficult getting between terminals. The trains make the trip quick. Just becareful getting on. If the light above the door is blinking red, stand back. My 8 year old was a few steps ahead and started on the train when the doors were closing. We pulled her back just in time to keep our party together. I was real close to sprinting through the corridor to attempt to catch her at the next stop. What a funny site that would have been.

 

[CarolMN]

Thanks for all of your responses. I decided to connect through Cincinnati. I'm more afraid of Atlanta's size and the mess that bad weather there can cause (even if it is less likely than bad weather in Cincinnati), so we're going to take our chances with the weather in Cincinnati. BobH, thanks so much for the airport link - it will definitely help us.

Thanks again for posting!

 

[shoes99]

I usually fly Delta Express direct from Newark but I found an internet special on the Delta website for $156RT for our August trip. This was $50 less pp, so we are going to change in Atlanta on our morning trip down and change in Cincinnati on our afternoon trip back. Thanks for the information. The only thing I am concerned with is the terminal changes in Cincinnati. Looks like previous flights from Orlando have landed at gate B04 and previous flights to Newark have taken off at gate A11.

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

I'll admit I'm biased -- I grew up in GA and have flown in to and out of Atlanta more times than I care to remember. For that reason, Atlanta doesn't seem that confusing to me. No argument here, though -- it IS BIG!!! and I can see where someone not used to it can find it confusing.

I've changed planes in Cincinnati several times -- smaller airport set up similar to Atlanta with the underground tram/walkway connecting the terminals (except for Comair's terminal, where the only way there is by bus). Both are very nice airports, well-marked, and have plenty of diversions (restaurants, shops, etc) if your layover is longer than expected. In either event, check the airport layouts online to get an idea of what is where.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I've done connections in both, and Cincinnati is much better and easier to get around. Atlanta's airport was very dirty the one night I flew in there to make my connection, so I've been avoiding it ever since (Jan 2000).

 

[DisneyKidds]

I used to fly into Atlanta A LOT so I am familiar with the airport and the size doesn't scare me - and I'd take Cincy over Atlanta given the choice. I have flown thru Cincy many times and it is smaller and easier to get around. You made the right choice with Cincy for purposes of ease.

The one advantage that Atlanta offers is tons of options in the event you flight is delayed or cancelled and you need to find something else.