Gate Check Stroller w/ 35 Min Layover

[LizAgna]

We will be flying to WDW in a few weeks for only my 4th flight ever. We are considering taking our own stroller and gate checking it but we only have a 35 mintue layover in ATL where we will have to change planes. We will be going from one Delta plane to another so hopefully we won't have to go too far. Is a 35 minute layover with changing planes too short a time to risk gate checking our stroller?

 

[CandCMommy]

When you gate check a stroller, depending on where your seats are, they usually have the stroller waiting when you come off the plane. If not, shortly thereafter. They set them right inside the jetway and you can grab it and go.

Just a word of warning, Atlanta has a couple of different concourses that Delta flies out of and you may have to switch. To do that, you have to get on a tram to take you from one to the other. Just wanted to give you a head's up.

 

[LizAgna]

When you gate check a stroller, depending on where your seats are, they usually have the stroller waiting when you come off the plane. If not, shortly thereafter. They set them right inside the jetway and you can grab it and go.

Just a word of warning, Atlanta has a couple of different concourses that Delta flies out of and you may have to switch. To do that, you have to get on a tram to take you from one to the other. Just wanted to give you a head's up.

Thanks...so it sounds like it will probably be OK to do it then.

Is there any way to find out in advance if we will have to go to a different concourse or stay on the same one? I'm still such a flying newbie!!

 

[bgirl29]

I hate to ask you this but is the 35 min layover really your only option? Atlanta is a huge airport and that is not a lot of time to switch planes there. Alot of posts on here have talked about this not being long enough. If this is your only option just be prepared to really hustle to make your connection.

 

[LizAgna]

It's not our only option but it is the one that we purchased. It was the 1st one that came up so we bought them.

 

[karajeboo]

Atlanta is one of the easiest and most convenient airports to get around (even though it is so large!). I think you'll be fine - and gate checking the stroller means it will definitely make the connecting flight, as opposed to checking it through. Also, if your flight attendant knows that you have only 35 minutes (assuming no delays) she can call ahead and let them know that you are on the way.

 

[jensen]

In your situation, I highly recommend gate checking the stroller. We always gate check our stroller. We typically book short layovers so that we can get into Orlando earlier in the day and when we are (literally) running through the airport to catch our flight, it's alot easier to be pushing a stroller than trying to carry a child. On our last flight, DD fell asleep just as we landed at MCO. We were able to carry her off the plane to her waiting stroller... she slept in the stroller while we checked in for Magical Express. It was great having the stroller with us.

 

[jennilouwho]

I agree with letting the flight attendant know. We had a 15 minute layover once and gate checked our stroller! I was way stressed out. They ended up holding the next plane for us and another family while we had to wait for our strollers.

 

[nemomama]

Is your stroller small enough to fit in the overhead bin? I've never done this myself but am considering it for our next trip (if it's even allowed). To be honest, 35 minutes is a REALLY short layover. I've flown a lot and only a few times has my stroller been waiting for me after gate checking it...usually I'm there waiting as everyone is getting off the plane for them to bring it up.

 

[CandCMommy]

Is your flight early in the morning? If not, you may be able to check online before you leave to see what gate your flight will be using in Atlanta. Just google Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport and see if they list gate numbers for their flights. However, I would not depend on this as being set in stone. Gates frequently change throughout the day.

How old is your child? Are they too big to use a Bjorn or something similar? Our son is 7 mo's and every time we've flown since he's been born we've used it instead. Works out great!

 

[LizAgna]

Our flight from B'Ham lands in ATL at 7:50am and we depart for MCO at 8:25am. That's a good idea about letting the flight attendant know about our short connection. I have almost decided to check the stroller instead of gate checking it. Our youngest DD is 4 and I think she can make it through the airport. If she needs a stroller when we get to Epcot that day we can rent one.

Karajeboo - it's good to hear that opinion about ATL most people around here (meaning home) dread connecting through it!!

If we were experienced air travelers I wouldn't be so nervous about it. Thanks for all of your help!!

 

[SueM in MN]

The gate agent should be able to give you a good idea about whether you have enough time to gate check the stroller or not.
Rather than check it as baggage, it might also be possible to gate check it for gate delivery at Orlando rather than at your connecting point.

 

[Princess Roo]

The ATL airport is well-designed for connections. Unfortunately, it's also huge!

Here is a link to a map of the terminals: http://www.atlanta-airport.com/Default.asp?url=sublevels/terminal/termmap.htm
It takes a long time to walk from one end of a terminal to another, so bringing a printout of the maps will let you know how far you need to go. (If you need to sprint or stroll!)

Toward the end of the flight, I would ask the flight attendant for the gate you are coming in to and also your new gate.

Bring Delta's phone number with you and the flight number of the next ATL-MCO flight. If you miss your connection, it's often much easier to rebook on the phone rather than waiting in a line.