How big is the airport in ATLANTA, GA?

[shawnaluvs2teach]

Our layover tomorrow is only 43 minutes, and we've got an infant with us. When we get off our first flight I'll have to wait for our gate-checked stroller and I was hoping to have time to nurse DD before our next flight. My question is: Is Atlanta airport so dang big that I pretty much need to just run from one gate to another? My local airport ( ontario, CA) isn't very big, but I've been to some real biggies like Dallas/Fort Worth and am really scared about not making my connecting flight; and until I get my tickets tomorrow I'm in the dark about how far apart my gates will be in Atlanta. I just want to prepare myself for a sprint!
Thanks .

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

The Atlanta airport is huge, and a 43 minute layover is pretty short. It depends how close your gates are. One thought is to do a quick diaper change during the layover, then nurse her during takeoff. It helps with the ears!

 

[PlutoPony]

You can check your flight numbers and see what gate you arrive at and depart from right now, then look at a map of Hartsfeld on the airport website to see how far apart they are. Personally, I'd grab the stroller and go directly to the gate of your next flight - wouldn't stop to change a diaper, nurse or anything until you get to the gate. Then do whatever you have time for (if anything) at your departing gate. 43 minutes can be tight, and it takes a while to deplane, get your stroller, etc. so needing to sprint is a possibility. And they often close the door to the plane 10 minutes or more before the scheduled departure time. Good luck and hope things go smoothly for you!

 

[DonnaL]

I don't think I would attempt to do much of anything at Atlanta with a 43 minute layover. We had almost an hour a few years back with our then 2 1/2 yr old grandson and it was tough getting to our gate (we came into one terminal and had to get to another.....same airline) I would suggest going online and taking a look at the airport layout before you leave......you won't know your gates but at least have an idea of the terminal layout.

 

[all4fun]

I agree w/the pp's. We've had a couple of layovers (flying Delta) in Atlanta and have always had to take the subway to get to the next gate. 45mins is the bare minimum amount of time I would want in a layover there.

 

[minkydog]

Good luck with that. I would just high-tail it to the next gate--hopefully it will be on the same concourse. Even so, the concourses are long and it can be quite a hike. If you have time, change diapers and nurse when you get to your gate. If not, nurse on takeoff.

 

[babiesX2]

I'm agreeing with the PP's who said move as quickly as possible to the connecting flight's gate. I would compare it to DFW.

 

[alloyd1170]

Pray that you dont have far to go, or need to take the sub. On several occasions, the sub has been broken and we had to walk (more like run) to our next gate. Try that with a 3 yr old, carry on luggage and an infant!

alison

 

[minkydog]

Pray that you dont have far to go, or need to take the sub. On several occasions, the sub has been broken and we had to walk (more like run) to our next gate. Try that with a 3 yr old, carry on luggage and an infant!

alison

The next time that happens, ask for a transport. It's a little car sort of like a jeep--they'll carry you and your "belongings" to your destination if you are struggling.

 

[NotUrsula]

Hartsfield is actually considerably larger than DFW, with about 12 more domestic gates and 6 domestic terminals as opposed to 4. It is also now the busiest airport in the US in terms of arrivals and departures.

If your 43 minutes is from scheduled arrival to scheduled departure, you could be in trouble. The arrival is clocked from when the plane pulls up to the gate and stops, so there is likely to be at least 10 minutes from that point until you actually set foot into the airport; I would assume that you have 30 minutes, not 43. If both flights are on time with that scheduling and your gates are any distance apart, it is entirely possible that by the time you reach the gate, your second plane will be waiting on you so they can close the doors, as they start boarding 30 minutes before scheduled departure. If you have to change terminals you will be lucky to make it even if you have a courtesy cart waiting for you when you get off the plane.

I would mention this tight connection to the gate agent before your first flight, and also to an FA on that flight. The FA will arrange for assistance if it is available for you, and also tell the second flight's gate that you are on the inbound flight, so that when the first flight arrives they will know that you have arrived and are on your way. Take care of toilet issues before the first plane lands -- you won't have time for it on the ground if the outbound flight isn't delayed.

Good luck.

 

[snickerboo]

The gate check for the stroller will go pretty quickly. I would do what notursula advised about informing them. Your problem will be, if your little one is in the stroller, that you'll have to wait for elevators within the airport. That was something I found to be a real PITA there. If your stroller folds easily, fold it and have one adult take it so you can take the escalators.

Good luck!