Intl from domestic

Question

My daughter just came back from Germany

She told me the shuttle was running late I said did you check in with delta I n domestic and they told her to take shuttle.i had told her ahead if time she coukd take train if she checks in at domestic. Am I wrong.maybe train was down fir some reason.she had long wait for shuttle coming back.coukfnt she have been able to take train back.she asked the help station people and they told her to tske shuttle agsin.a week later.it was late again

Appreciate and feedback

Answer

It sounds like there was some confusion about the best way for your daughter to get from the domestic terminal to the international terminal at the airport. I’ll break down the options and provide some context to help clarify the situation.

At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, there are multiple ways to get from the domestic terminal (Terminal South) to the international terminal (Terminal F), and these methods can vary based on factors like timing and availability.

1. The SkyTrain: Normally, the SkyTrain is the fastest and most efficient way to travel between the domestic and international terminals. It runs regularly and is free of charge. The SkyTrain is accessible from the Domestic Terminal’s South Terminal (which is where Delta operates its domestic flights). If your daughter was checking in for a flight at the domestic terminal, she could have used the SkyTrain to get to the international terminal.

However, there are a few things that might have caused the SkyTrain to be unavailable:

SkyTrain Service Interruption: There could have been a temporary interruption in SkyTrain service, possibly due to maintenance or operational issues, which might explain why your daughter was directed to take the shuttle instead.
Time of Day: Depending on the time of her flight, the SkyTrain could have had a limited service window, or there could have been operational issues, causing a longer wait or delays.
Security Requirements: In some cases, passengers traveling from the domestic terminal to the international terminal might be directed to take a shuttle for security or operational reasons.

2. The Shuttle: The shuttle service runs between the domestic terminal and the international terminal and is typically used for passengers who may not be able to use the SkyTrain. The shuttle is an alternative, though it can sometimes be slower due to waiting times, especially if the shuttle service is delayed or running late. If your daughter had a long wait for the shuttle, it may have been due to staffing or scheduling issues.

3. Why the Help Station Directed Her to the Shuttle: The airport help station staff likely advised her to take the shuttle because it was the most reliable option available at that time. If the SkyTrain was down or experiencing a delay, the shuttle is the backup. In some cases, airport staff may also prefer to direct passengers to the shuttle if there are concerns about timing or availability of the SkyTrain.

What You Can Do Next Time:

Check SkyTrain Availability: Before traveling, you can check if the SkyTrain is running or if there are any scheduled maintenance periods that might affect its operation.
Allow Extra Time: Since both the SkyTrain and shuttle can experience delays, especially during busy times, it's always a good idea to allow for extra time when connecting between terminals.
Use the Airport’s App or Website: The Hartsfield-Jackson airport website or app may provide real-time updates on SkyTrain status and other transit options. This can help you plan ahead and avoid confusion if there are service interruptions.

In summary, you were right to suggest the SkyTrain, as it is typically the most efficient way to get between terminals. However, it’s possible that there was a service interruption, which is why the staff recommended the shuttle. It’s always helpful to have both options in mind, and checking real-time updates can give you more flexibility in your travel plans.