Flying indirect via Atlanta

[Tink2312]

Hi,

Although I've booked a Virgin non-stop flight to Orlando for my trip in November, my parents (who were indecisive about going) are now thinking of joining me (I guess I'll let them ). The price of the Virgin flights are a bit steep now so they're looking at trying indirect (something which we'll probably have to do for our planned trip next October judging by Virgin's prices for this year). Anyway, the cheapest indirect flights are with Air France/ Delta via Atlanta. I'm a little concerned though about the transfer time on the return leg - there's only 1 hr 2 mins to change from one plane to another - does this sound ok or stupidly short? Also, am I correct in believing that although the transatlantic leg is sold by AF, it is operated by Delta and that if one flight is delayed and they miss their connection, Delta/ AF would have to put them on the next available one at no cost?

Does anyone have any experience of Delta/ Air France or that route via Atlanta?

I'm sure we'll become old hands at indirect in the future (I think we'll have to be unless we're prepared to pay Virgin's stupid fares) but at the moment it's got me a bit worried.

 

[wayneg]

We do the Man to Atlanta route almost every year, did it again last Monday then down to Miami, going home next Monday we fly Tampa~ATL~MAN.

Last monday we did quite well, immigration in 20 mins but when we got near the front we were taken across to the US desks, others behind us had longer lines in the international section, I would estimate upto 45 mins. Then you go downstairs & collect luggage, go thru customs and baggage recheck. We then joined the security line, this was quite short today, about 15 mins, it can snake around the building. Shuttle to next terminal, our gate was the furthest away. total about 1 hour from landing to gate.

We landed at the old terminal, I have heard the new international terminal is faster and better but you have no idea if you will enter there.

Most hubs I accept 1+ hours (although I prefer 90+ mins) but Atlanta is a definite 90+ mins for me, I never accept the 1 hr option.

As for missing the connection, they will get you on the next available flight at no cost, its their responsibility to get you to your final destination. They usually get you on the next flight but not always, friends missed theirs thru Atlanta a few years back, they were in Buiness class, had to accept going din to MCO in economy to get on next flight otherwise it was next day.

 

[Tink2312]

We do the Man to Atlanta route almost every year, did it again last Monday then down to Miami, going home next Monday we fly Tampa~ATL~MAN.

Last monday we did quite well, immigration in 20 mins but when we got near the front we were taken across to the US desks, others behind us had longer lines in the international section, I would estimate upto 45 mins. Then you go downstairs & collect luggage, go thru customs and baggage recheck. We then joined the security line, this was quite short today, about 15 mins, it can snake around the building. Shuttle to next terminal, our gate was the furthest away. total about 1 hour from landing to gate.

We landed at the old terminal, I have heard the new international terminal is faster and better but you have no idea if you will enter there.

Most hubs I accept 1+ hours (although I prefer 90+ mins) but Atlanta is a definite 90+ mins for me, I never accept the 1 hr option.

As for missing the connection, they will get you on the next available flight at no cost, its their responsibility to get you to your final destination. They usually get you on the next flight but not always, friends missed theirs thru Atlanta a few years back, they were in Buiness class, had to accept going din to MCO in economy to get on next flight otherwise it was next day.

Thanks so much for taking the time out of your hol to give me that description - very helpful. I knew you'd come up trumps!!

I think there are slightly earlier flights out of Orlando for a small increase in the cost so I'll tell them those would be better, giving them a longer connection time.

 

[wayneg]

Sorry I was in a rush when I read this morning, if its the return leg then 1 hr should be fine, all you do is get off one plane onto the next, no immigration or bag recheck to do.

 

[Tink2312]

No probs. I think the flight 1hr earlier (giving a 2hr connection time) would probably be best for them anyway - I can just imagine how stressed they'd be having only an hr to make it. They're also looking at US airways via PHL now. I think Kayak and Skyscanner will get some use this week whilst they try to find the best price. Coming in about £480 at the moment, which is roughly the cost of the Virgin M&M fare I got (now increased by about £70) but the indirect via ATL were as low as £460 earlier on today. If only they could make up their minds