Help! Short layover in Atlanta

[roselark]

OK, so I am really starting to worry. When I first purchased tickets, we had a 47 min layover in Atlanta for our connecting flight to Orlando. They have changed the departure time for our connecting flight and now it is down to 36 min!!!

We will be 4 adults with at most one small carryon bag each. Considering worst case scenario and we have to get from Concourse D to Concourse A, will we have enough time assuming our first flight lands on time? We are flying Delta (c/o Atlantic Southeast on first leg).

 

[OKW Lover]

It is do-able. The advantage of flying in on the commuter plane is that you get off faster. But you will have to hurry. No time to waste getting something to eat.

 

[Sandi]

We've done at 33 minute layover before on Delta in Atlanta. I'm pretty sure we didn't have to go from A to D though. We ended up using our backpacks as our carry on luggage because we knew we'd have to run to the next flight. And, we really ran. It was me and DD who was 12 at the time. It added to the excitement. I checked for later/different flights, but they either extended the layover to a few hours (yuck) or got us to MCO a lot later (also yuck).

When is your flight? There is still a chance that they'll do some additional changes. You might also want to check to see what the alternatives are now -- recognizing that they might change those flights, too.

 

[roselark]

Our flight is next week: Saturday, December 8th. Our incoming flight is schedule to arrive at 9:44am and the connecting flight is at 10:20am.

Luckily, every single time we have flown out of Madison, WI our flights have been early to our destination...

 

[safetymom]

You might make it. Be sure to be familiar with the airport layout before you get there. If all you have is carry ons you should be OK.

 

[lyzziesmom]

Most airports will allow you to call ahead and reserve a cart upon arrival. When your plane arrives, they will have an employee meet you at the gate with a motorized cart and they will drive you to the gate to meet your connecting flight. You don't have to be handicapped or have small children, anyone can ask for it and it's usually free. It will get you from one gate to another very quickly, probably in 5 minutes or so. I've used it when my DD was little and I traveled alone with her and didn't want to lug her and our luggage around and risk missing our connecting flight, it was great!

 

[halld6479]

I am confused I thought once we checked our luggage for DME we never had to worry about it when changing flights. And it was my understanding that once we passed security checks at one airport you did not have to go through them at the connecting airport?

 

[lyzziesmom]

That's true, but the OP has a connecting flight and has to change planes. If they had checked luggage, that short time between flights might not be long enough for the baggage handlers to transfer the bags from the first flight to the second. But the OP said they have carryon luggage, which they will still have to carry to the second flight. They were not talking about DME or checked baggage or security, just the time to get from one gate to the next to catch their connecting flight.

 

[Colinsmom]

How big are your carry-ons? If you have rollerboards, they *may* not fit on the commuter plane with you. It depends on the size of the plane. If they are too big for the overhead storage, you'll have to gate-check them, which will slow you down getting off the plane since you may have to wait for your bag on the jetway. Just to be safe, try to have just a backpack or smallish soft bag that you can stuff at your feet!

 

[dudspizza]

Here is my suggestion.

#1 Know ATL very well by looking at their teminal maps. http://www.atlanta-airport.com/Default.asp?url=sublevels/terminal/termmap.htm

#2 Start watching your flights daily between now and then. Two reasons. 1st to see if the flights have been on time and second to see what gates they are using. This will give you an idea of what is in store for you when you land.

#3 Check the automated phone line with Delta right before you take off from Madison. It will tell you what gate you are landing at. You can also see what gate you are taking off from. You can also call while still on the plane, after you have landed and are rolling to the gate.

#4 Get off the commuter plane immediately and head for the terminal. When I flew Atlantic Southeast Air they took off downstairs of the terminal. You will get off the plane most likely on the tarmac, head into the terminal, up some stairs to the main level. Then you have to proceed to the center of the terminal. On the way glance at a departures board to make sure your flight gate has not changed. Then hustle to the train, taking it to the terminal your departure takes off from. Under no circumstances try to walk the tunnel from terminal to terminal. Even if you just missed the train, another will be by in 3 minutes and will get you there faster.

#5 RUN if needed to make sure you get there. You can always use the bathroom or grab a bite if you get to the gate and find you have time, but get there first!

Have a great trip!

Duds

 

[CarolA]

That's true, but the OP has a connecting flight and has to change planes. If they had checked luggage, that short time between flights might not be long enough for the baggage handlers to transfer the bags from the first flight to the second. But the OP said they have carryon luggage, which they will still have to carry to the second flight. They were not talking about DME or checked baggage or security, just the time to get from one gate to the next to catch their connecting flight.

IMHO your luggage moves faster then you do at ATL. Your luggage goes on a much more direct route. My luggage has made LOTS of flights I missed over the years! LOL!

 

[roselark]

Thanks everyone! I feel a bit better, but I think I will still worry until it is all over with. I will just make everyone in our party run! Hehe, we can catch our breath once we are on the plane!