International to Domestic Transfer at Atlanta Airport

Question

Thanks to all for the links posted about this topic - I've read them.

Alas, I'm still a bit confused. How do we get to the domestic terminal after going through immigration and customs. We are on one Delta ticket for both flights and only have carry-on luggage. We have a 2 hour layover and are on the last flight of the day to our final destination. Yes, I know that this was not a great option, but it was the only one. I tried looking at the ATL airport website but did not find that helpful.

Might there be a chance that we could make the connection? I suppose the worst case scenario is that we have to spend the night in a hotel near the airport and fly the next day. I wonder if Delta would cover the cost since they booked the ticket with a 2 hour connection.

Thanks, in advance, for responses.

Answer

It sounds like you've got a bit of a tight connection, but it's definitely doable with careful planning. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you navigate the transfer from the International Terminal (Terminal E) to the Domestic Terminal (Terminal 1) at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and make your connection.

Steps to Transfer from International to Domestic Terminal at ATL:

Immigration and Customs: After landing at ATL from your international flight, you’ll first go through immigration and customs in the International Terminal (Terminal E). Since you're traveling on a Delta flight and have carry-on luggage, you should be able to exit the customs area relatively quickly. However, it’s still important to allow some buffer time in case there are any delays.
Shuttle to Domestic Terminal: Once you've cleared customs, you'll need to take the Airport Shuttle to the Domestic Terminal (Terminal 1). The shuttle is free, runs frequently, and will take you directly from Terminal E to the Domestic Terminal. The ride typically takes about 10 minutes, but you should factor in the time for waiting for the shuttle, which can vary depending on how busy the airport is.
Security Check: Once you reach the Domestic Terminal, you’ll need to go through security again if you’re flying to a domestic destination. Since you’re not checking any luggage, this should go relatively quickly, but it's still something to keep in mind when estimating your connection time.
Gate Information: After clearing security, you’ll proceed to your gate for your next flight. Make sure to keep an eye on the gate number and any potential flight updates or gate changes, as the airport can be very busy, especially if you’re on the last flight of the day.

Will You Make the Connection?

A two-hour layover can be tight, but it’s certainly possible to make the connection if everything goes smoothly. Here’s a rough timeline:

Immigration and customs can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on the time of day and how busy the airport is.
The shuttle from Terminal E to the Domestic Terminal usually takes about 10 minutes, but you should add some extra time in case you have to wait for it to arrive.
Going through security at the Domestic Terminal could take 10-20 minutes, depending on the crowd and time of day.

Given all of this, if everything is running on time, you should have enough time to make your connection. However, you’ll need to move quickly and keep an eye on the time to avoid any last-minute rushing. If you're worried about time, it might be worth mentioning to Delta that you have a tight connection so they can assist you if needed.

What Happens if You Miss Your Flight?

Since Delta has booked both flights under the same ticket, they are generally responsible for getting you to your final destination if you miss the connection. If you miss your flight due to a short layover, Delta will usually rebook you on the next available flight. Depending on the situation and availability, they may also cover the cost of a hotel near the airport for an overnight stay.

While Delta will typically provide accommodations if they are responsible for the missed connection, it’s a good idea to confirm the details with the airline before your flight. Be sure to ask about their policies regarding missed connections, hotel accommodations, and meal vouchers if necessary.

Final Tips:

If you’re concerned about the tight layover, you can ask Delta about options for expedited security or assistance to help you make the connection faster.
Check with Delta if there are any earlier flights from your international destination to give you a little more buffer time.
Arrive at the gate for your domestic flight as quickly as possible to ensure you’re ready to board when it’s time.

Good luck with your flight! Hopefully, everything will go smoothly, and you’ll have a great time on your final leg of the journey. Safe travels!

International to Domestic Transfer at Atlanta Airport

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