44 minutes at Atlanta airport to change flights

Question

I am flying from Tampa to Memphis via Atlanta. I change planes at Atlanta and have 44 minutes to change from one flight to another. Is this doable? I fly into the domestic terminal south, and assume the Memphis flight is also from there.

Thanks for any advice.

Answer

With 44 minutes between flights at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL), it is possible to make the connection, but it will depend on a few factors. Since both flights are domestic, and if they are departing from the same terminal (Terminal South, which is used for domestic flights), your chances are good—but it's still a bit tight. Here are some things to consider:

Same Terminal Connection: If your incoming and outgoing flights are both in Terminal South (Domestic Terminal), the walk between gates could be relatively short. However, if your flights are in different concourses (A, B, C, or D), the walk could be longer, and you might need to use the SkyTrain or shuttle, which takes extra time.
On-time Arrival: If your first flight is on time and you’re arriving at the gate close to your departure time, you may still have time to board your next flight, but there’s little room for error. You’ll want to keep an eye on the time as soon as you land.
Gate Location: Some gates are farther apart than others in the domestic terminal. If you know your gate for your Memphis flight in advance, you can plan your route. ATL has good signage, so follow the signs to your next gate.
Priority Access: If you have TSA PreCheck or priority boarding, it can help you move faster through the security lines (if necessary). Some connecting flights allow you to bypass security if you’re staying within the same terminal.
Flight Delays: If your incoming flight is delayed, it may be more difficult to make the connection, especially if your gate is far away. It's important to check with the gate agents for the status of your flight, especially as you get closer to your connection time.

It’s doable, but it will require a quick pace. I recommend informing the gate agent of your short connection time as you board your first flight so they can assist you in any way possible if there’s a delay. If you miss the connection, Delta (if that’s your airline) will likely place you on the next available flight to Memphis, though this could add time to your trip.

Good luck with your connection, and safe travels!

44 minutes at Atlanta airport to change flights

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