Atlanta connection

Question

I’m flying to Orlando from Edinburgh with a 1 hour 50 mins layover in Atlanta…my question is will this be enough time for my family to get through all the checks? We arrive into Atlanta at 1pm local time and our flight is at 2:50pm…any help, tips or advice would be greatly appreciated thanks

Answer

With a 1 hour 50 minute layover in Atlanta, it is possible to make your connecting flight to Orlando, but it will depend on several factors. Here’s some helpful information and tips for navigating your connection:

1. Arrival and Immigration: Since you’re flying in from Edinburgh, you’ll likely need to go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Atlanta. This can take a bit of time, especially with international flights. You’ll need to clear passport control, have your documents checked, and go through security. The process can vary depending on the time of day, but typically it takes 30-60 minutes.

2. Bag Claim and Re-checking Bags: Even though you’re traveling on a connecting flight, your checked bags may be automatically forwarded to your final destination (Orlando), but you’ll still need to clear security and drop your bags off at a designated area. In some cases, you may need to pick up your bags and recheck them, but this depends on your airline and itinerary.

3. Security Check: After clearing immigration, you’ll need to go through TSA security again. Atlanta’s security lines can be long, but they’re typically efficient. It’s advisable to check the TSA wait times on the day of your flight to get an idea of how much time you’ll need for this step.

4. Gate Location: Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson is a large airport, and it has two terminals—Terminal South (Domestic) and Terminal North (International). Depending on where your incoming flight lands and where your Orlando flight departs, you may need to take the Plane Train to a different concourse. The Plane Train is relatively quick, but the time it takes can vary, especially if you have to walk to the gate afterward.

Allow Extra Time: Given the multiple steps you’ll need to complete, it’s recommended to have at least 1 hour 30 minutes between flights. Your layover is 1 hour 50 minutes, which can be enough time if everything goes smoothly, but it’s tight, so be prepared to move quickly.
Check Flight Status: Before your flight, check if your incoming flight is on time and if there are any updates on delays. It will give you an idea of whether you have more flexibility.
Consider TSA PreCheck: If you have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, it will expedite your security process and may save you valuable time.
Speak to Airline Staff: Once you arrive, ask the airline staff for assistance, especially if your incoming flight is delayed. They may provide guidance or prioritize you through security if needed.

5. If You Miss Your Connection: While a 1 hour 50 minute layover is usually enough, delays can happen. If you miss your connection, speak to the gate agents immediately. Airlines typically have protocols in place to accommodate passengers who miss a flight due to tight layovers. They may rebook you on a later flight to Orlando, but you should be aware that it could affect your plans for the day.

Overall, your layover in Atlanta is on the shorter side, but it is possible to make your connection if everything goes smoothly. Make sure you’re ready to move quickly through immigration, baggage claim (if needed), and security, and check for real-time updates on your flight status.

Atlanta connection

More Atlanta Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions