Flying into Atlanta for a layover to MCO. Nervous with a question?

[maryj11]

I will say, if you just miss a train, you would probably be able to walk between B & A before the next train shows up. The train is definitely faster if you have to go multiple concourses.

Thanks ! Good idea.

 

[maryj11]

I don't think the gate-to-gate connection process will be the problem. The much greater threat to making the connection is that your flight INTO ATL gets delayed and causes you to miss the connection.

OTOH, it's Atlanta and Delta. If you miss one flight, they'll put you on the next one.

I think you'll be fine.

Oh good thank you.

 

[DebbieB]

Worst case scenario if your flight lands later than expected or takes too much time taxiing to the gate you can always nicely ask the flight attendants to let you off first - I’ve had to do this and people are generally kind about letting you off first to catch your connection.

The FA’s know the plane is late, they know Atlanta is a big hub airport, I’ve heard them make an announcement to allow connecting passengers off first.

 

[maryj11]

I’m becoming less anxious about this lol. As long as a train runs from B to A and we don’t have to go all the way around the airport. Or we can walk if we have to wait on a train. Who knows if we may get lucky and both arriving and departing flight will be in the same concourse.

 

[spiders]

Delta is normally a 1,000 flights per day hub. It’s not 1,000 right now and it won’t be in January. I wouldn’t worry about delays unless it’s snow. If it’s snow then the whole thing will he screwed.

 

[maryj11]

Delta is normally a 1,000 flights per day hub. It’s not 1,000 right now and it won’t be in January. I wouldn’t worry about delays unless it’s snow. If it’s snow then the whole thing will he screwed.

We leave August 6 so there won’t be snow. Even though right now I wish there was with temps in the 90’s here

 

[butterscotchcollins]

I’m becoming less anxious about this lol. As long as a train runs from B to A and we don’t have to go all the way around the airport. Or we can walk if we have to wait on a train. Who knows if we may get lucky and both arriving and departing flight will be in the same concourse.

The trains go both ways in a line from A through E (I believe) so you won’t be stuck going in a circle, you can pick your direction You’ll be ok! Don’t be nervous, enjoy your trip!

 

[spiders]

We leave August 6 so there won’t be snow. Even though right now I wish there was with temps in the 90’s here

Oh, sorry. I thought you said something different.

 

[ScubaCat]

The trains go both ways in a line from A through E (I believe) so you won’t be stuck going in a circle, you can pick your direction You’ll be ok! Don’t be nervous, enjoy your trip!

actually it's BAGGAGE--T--A--B--C--D--E--F

It's a big airport but connections aren't really that long. Many other airports are worse and have MUCH longer distances to go for connections. Their signage is superb, too.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I'm thinking DFW is worse. Yes, I believe they have a team or train, or carts, but I recall it being one big horseshoe. My home airport is BOS, so I've never had to change terminals, but it technically has five that may or may not be connected by long hallways and an outdoor shuttle. That, okay, also stops at the airport subway station.

 

[maxiesmom]

The FA’s know the plane is late, they know Atlanta is a big hub airport, I’ve heard them make an announcement to allow connecting passengers off first.

Unfortunately I've seen that request ignored more than once.

If at all possible, sit near the front of the first plane. You need to get off as quick as you can. Your goal is to make it to your next gate. Do not stop for any reason. Use the restroom on the first aircraft if needed. Get to your gate, and then if you have time, you can get a snack or use the restroom.

I've done that short a connection thru Atlanta on Delta, and we had to haul it to get to our gate. And that was with the minor miracle of our first flight arriving early.

 

[maryj11]

Unfortunately I've seen that request ignored more than once.

If at all possible, sit near the front of the first plane. You need to get off as quick as you can. Your goal is to make it to your next gate. Do not stop for any reason. Use the restroom on the first aircraft if needed. Get to your gate, and then if you have time, you can get a snack or use the restroom.

I've done that short a connection thru Atlanta on Delta, and we had to haul it to get to our gate. And that was with the minor miracle of our first flight arriving early.

You would think they wouldn’t make a layover at Atlanta so short

 

[butterscotchcollins]

actually it's BAGGAGE--T--A--B--C--D--E--F

It's a big airport but connections aren't really that long. Many other airports are worse and have MUCH longer distances to go for connections. Their signage is superb, too.

Thank you! I knew I had my letters wrong lol - for all the times I’ve flown into and out of ATL (dozens and dozens) I am lucky that I’ve had a connection out of different terminals maybe once? But the trains (taken to baggage many times!) are pretty quick if you can catch one right.

 

[_19disnA]

Atlanta is a huge airport and have been on several connecting flights from there. Shorter layovers are possible when connecting with the same airline. I would look at the either the airline or airport website to get a sense of the layout and how the transportation works so you have an idea where you are going. Try to sit near the front of the plane (if possible) since that can save a LOT of time upon arrival. Have often seen people who sit in front of the aircraft place overhead luggage several rows BEHIND them and then act miffed when they can't get to their luggage. Everyone on the plane has someplace they want to be, so don't expect to be the only person with other plans. A little common sense on an airplane goes a long way. It seems a lot of people try to avoid paying luggage fees so they lug onto the aircraft baggage that should normally be checked. Only take with you things you expect to need while intransit and will fit under the seat, so you will be able to deplane more quickly. Check the display screens so you know departure gate of your connecting flight. Sometimes they change, so be sure to check that upon arrival at the connecting airport.

Move quickly to you connecting gate, avoid shopping/sightseeing/eating....etc. until you get to the gate. If you have time to spare, then you can get a snack/beverage before taking the next flight.

 

[maryj11]

Thank you! I knew I had my letters wrong lol - for all the times I’ve flown into and out of ATL (dozens and dozens) I am lucky that I’ve had a connection out of different terminals maybe once? But the trains (taken to baggage many times!) are pretty quick if you can catch one right.

Oh that gives me hope that our connection will be in the same place.

 

[maryj11]

Atlanta is a huge airport and have been on several connecting flights from there. Shorter layovers are possible when connecting with the same airline. I would look at the either the airline or airport website to get a sense of the layout and how the transportation works so you have an idea where you are going. Try to sit near the front of the plane (if possible) since that can save a LOT of time upon arrival. Have often seen people who sit in front of the aircraft place overhead luggage several rows BEHIND them and then act miffed when they can't get to their luggage. Everyone on the plane has someplace they want to be, so don't expect to be the only person with other plans. A little common sense on an airplane goes a long way. It seems a lot of people try to avoid paying luggage fees so they lug onto the aircraft baggage that should normally be checked. Only take with you things you expect to need while intransit and will fit under the seat, so you will be able to deplane more quickly. Check the display screens so you know departure gate of your connecting flight. Sometimes they change, so be sure to check that upon arrival at the connecting airport.

Move quickly to you connecting gate, avoid shopping/sightseeing/eating....etc. until you get to the gate. If you have time to spare, then you can get a snack/beverage before taking the next flight.

I watched a couple YouTube videos of the airport last night . That helped me to get familiar with the airport.
We always take a carry on luggage that fits in the bin. I measure them to make sure they are not to large.
I did change our seat selection.The closest seats I could get were row 24.

 

[sam_gordon]

Oh that gives me hope that our connection will be in the same place.

PP doesn't say what airline they're on. As has been said, Delta will have flights at every terminal, but primarily ABC (and I think T) for domestic flights. Smaller planes will probably be concourse C and the larger ones (usually heading to MCO) will depart from A or B. That's not a guarantee though.

 

[sam_gordon]

You would think they wouldn’t make a layover at Atlanta so short

The minimum connection time at Atlanta is 35 minutes. As others have said, 48 minutes is a comfortable amount of time if everything is normal.

 

[karen4546]

Ok thanks! Will we have to go on a train to get to our gate? We only bring carry on so we shouldn’t have to worry. We usually have a bag in the bin and small backpack we take to our seat.

yes you will have to use the train - at least i am 99% sure because we always have to use the train. two adults with no mobility issues will make it no problem though.

 

[JimMIA]

How exactly did you do that? Would the FA respond to a call button while taxiing?

I don't know if they'll respond while the aircraft is taxiing, but I've had a number of cases where they have made announcements that some passengers had close connections and if you're not in a rush to please keep your seats. People are generally very cooperative in that situation.

I don't think OP will have any problem in ATL as long as their arrival is on time.