Delta Layover in Atlanta

[toocherie]

I usually fly non-stop (because of some disability issues) but fares are so high right now that I am looking at a one-stop on Delta that includes a 1-2 hour period in Atlanta. Having NO experience at this--if both flights are on Delta will I be in the same general area? Or is there a possibility that I might land in one part of the airport and need to get to a whole other portion? Thanks for the help!

 

[maxiesmom]

You may have to move to a different wing. Delta has a huge presence in Atlanta, it is one of their hubs. There is a tram that runs from section to section, if you have to move, take it. It is much easier and quicker than walking.

 

[OKW Lover]

As the PP noted ATL is huge. However, its very well organized and any connection time greater than an hour would work out fine there. We fly Delta very frequently and connect in ATL regularly.

 

[edbo77]

You'll be OK - for a very large airport, I find it easy to navigate between gates if needed.

 

[JanJan324]

Very glad to hear this since this is the first time I'll be traveling through ATL as well!

 

[loves to dive]

No worries, ATL is our home airport, we call it Delta Airport since they are in just about every terminal. They have what they call the plane train (can't make this stuff up) and it's really fast to get from one terminal to another.

 

[xlsm]

We flew into Atlanta for a layover last summer for the first time, and will be doing it again in December. We had to use the plane train to get to a different area, but even though it is busy, there are lots of signs and we found our way easily.

 

[GreatLakes]

1-2 hours is plenty of time to get from one far end of Atlanta to the other. I have had layovers there often and the way it is laid out with each terminal connected by what is essentially a subway makes it very quick and easy to get around in my experience.

 

[AquamarineSteph]

The only problem I've ever had making a connection at Atlanta was coming back to the US from another country and having to find luggage, go through customs & security, etc. Even then I made my next flight, thanks to the train that runs from one terminal to another. This is a huge airport, but it's far easier to navigate than many others.

 

[kydisneyfans]

Did my first layover in Atlanta back in April. I was scheduled to have a 1:40 layover. Our flight was delayed leaving Lexington and my connection was in another terminal via "Plane Train". My planned dinner time turned into a quick cheeseburger at McDonalds and the second plane was loading when I arrived. Have some research done just in case you have to move quicker then planned.

 

[dreiwhit]

Living in the south and flying Delta means that you will go through ATL. There's even a joke here that when you die, you have to first go through ATL. When I had to fly for work, I went through ATL on 90% of my flights. I swore that ATL got busier every time I went through there.

Its very likely that your arrival terminal and departure terminal will be different. You can either take the automated airport train, or walk. I've walked it before when I've had a long layover and the departure terminal isn't too far away. Delta's regional affiliate usually would arrive at Terminal D and I would have to go to A or B to catch my next flight.

ATL isn't that confusing of an airport. Its laid out where the airport train and walkways between terminals are underground. You take escalators or elevators up to the level of the terminal. When you get to the terminal, you are in a center "atrium" area and the gates are located on wings off each side of the "atrium." Look for your departure gate and go in that direction. They have plenty of signs and directions and a big bank of monitors to check flight status.

I always tried to program in a 2 hour layover in ATL just to handle any arrival delays, changing terminals and getting a quick bite to eat. You can download maps of each terminal to see where the gates, the restaurants and the shops are located. If you are coming in from overseas, you may want to allow 3-4 hours since you will have to go through customs.

 

[DebbieB]

One time I flew on a redeye from SNA after D23 through Atlanta. We arrived around 4:30am, the place was deserted. It was so bizarre! I think we arrived on A, my connection was on D. The food court wasn't open so I decided to go down to D to wait for something to open. I had to walk, the train wasn't running. I got down there and there was no one around except some people sleeping on the chairs! I decided I didn't want to hang around there, so I went back down and the train was now running. I got on it by myself and it went up to the next stop and sat there! I got freaked out and got out and walked back to A. By then the food court had opened and everything started to come to life!

 

[dreiwhit]

One time I flew on a redeye from SNA after D23 through Atlanta. We arrived around 4:30am, the place was deserted. It was so bizarre! I think we arrived on A, my connection was on D. The food court wasn't open so I decided to go down to D to wait for something to open. I had to walk, the train wasn't running. I got down there and there was no one around except some people sleeping on the chairs! I decided I didn't want to hang around there, so I went back down and the train was now running. I got on it by myself and it went up to the next stop and sat there! I got freaked out and got out and walked back to A. By then the food court had opened and everything started to come to life!

Wow! I've never been to ATL when it was deserted. I think the earliest i've been there is 7am, and it was already busy.

I think if I would have had your experience, I would have had to double check to make sure Delta dropped me off at the right airport!

 

[Hisgirl]

The worst you'll have to do it go to the center of your terminal, ride the escalator down, get on the train and get off at a different terminal, ride the escalator up, then walk to a different gate. We actually had our last flight to orlando leave out of an international gate, so taking a very long train ride to F terminal is possible too!

 

[xlsm]

One time I flew on a redeye from SNA after D23 through Atlanta. We arrived around 4:30am, the place was deserted. It was so bizarre! I think we arrived on A, my connection was on D. The food court wasn't open so I decided to go down to D to wait for something to open. I had to walk, the train wasn't running. I got down there and there was no one around except some people sleeping on the chairs! I decided I didn't want to hang around there, so I went back down and the train was now running. I got on it by myself and it went up to the next stop and sat there! I got freaked out and got out and walked back to A. By then the food court had opened and everything started to come to life!

And I thought it was weird seeing MCO deserted after a delayed late night flight...picturing ATL empty is bizarre and a little creepy, lol!!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

If you have some disability issues you can ask Delta for assistance to the next flight. I would recommend that as it's a big airport.​

 

[mco65]

I am probably biased because ATL is my home airport as well but IMO, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is the best in the country... with DFW coming in at 2nd.

 

[dreiwhit]

I am probably biased because ATL is my home airport as well but IMO, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is the best in the country... with DFW coming in at 2nd.

I agree. When I had to fly to the western US, I would fly American Eagle to DFW not only because I don't like to fly east to go west, but also because I really grew to like DFW. Especially their quiet rooms where I could sit in peace and quiet, watch a movie on my tablet and charge up all my electronics.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I am probably biased because ATL is my home airport as well but IMO, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is the best in the country... with DFW coming in at 2nd.

DFW is way down my list.... It's great if you are flying in and out of there but connecting there is a pain. It's so spread out it makes Atlanta looks compact IMHO

 

[Raimiette]

Does anyone know how close I'll be cutting it with a 55 minute layover? It's already booked so I can't change it regardless but I'm starting to get a little freaked/stressed out since a google search has people who are saying under an hour isn't enough time to catch the connecting flight in Atlanta due to its size.

I am flying domestic from Buffalo with the 55 minute layover/connection in Atlanta and then off to Orlando.

Anyone have experience in catching a connecting Delta flight in Atlanta in under an hour?