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16 hour layover in Atlanta

Hello

I am flying from Manchester to Belize with delta airlines and I have a 16 hour layout in Atlanta.

Can I leave the airport as I would like to stay the night at a nearby hotel? If so can someone explain the process so would I need to pick up my luggage and recheck in again?

Thanks

Georgia

If you have a 16-hour layover in Atlanta, you can definitely leave the airport and spend the night at a nearby hotel. Here’s what you need to know about the process:

When you leave the airport for an extended layover, the main thing to consider is whether or not you need to pick up your luggage and recheck it. The process depends on whether your bags are checked through to your final destination (Belize) or if you need to claim them in Atlanta.

Here are the steps you should follow:

  • Check if your luggage is checked through to Belize: If you’re flying on a single ticket from Manchester to Belize with a layover in Atlanta, your luggage is most likely checked through to your final destination. This means you don’t have to pick it up in Atlanta. However, you should confirm this with Delta when you check in for your flight. If your luggage is checked through, you can leave the airport without worrying about your bags.
  • If you need to claim your luggage: If for some reason your luggage is not checked through to Belize, you will need to claim it in Atlanta, exit the customs area, and then recheck it for your flight. Be sure to allow enough time to go through the customs process, especially if you need to pick up your bags and recheck them. You'll also need to go through security again before your next flight.
  • Hotel options near Atlanta Airport: There are plenty of hotels near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Many of them offer shuttle services to and from the airport, making it easy to get to your hotel and back. Some of the popular hotel options include the Hilton Atlanta Airport, Atlanta Airport Marriott, and the Westin Atlanta Airport.

Once you’ve confirmed whether or not you need to pick up your luggage, leaving the airport is straightforward. You can take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft from the airport to your hotel, and if you’re staying for several hours, there’s plenty to see and do in the area. Just be mindful of your return time to ensure you make it back to the airport with enough time to clear security before your connecting flight to Belize.

In summary, if your luggage is checked through to Belize, you can simply exit the airport, stay at a nearby hotel, and come back for your next flight without worrying about rechecking your bags. If you do need to pick up your luggage, make sure to allow extra time for customs, rechecking, and security. Either way, a 16-hour layover in Atlanta gives you plenty of time to relax or explore the city!

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