International Terminal Arrival Domestic Terminal departure

Question

Hi - I’m arriving from London to Atlanta and connecting to a domestic flight with delta to San Juan

All on one ticket but I know I have to collect my luggage and complete immigration/customs etc when I first arrive.

I have 4 hours between flights so assuming this is plenty

I’ve never done this before so hoping it’s pretty straight forward when getting off the plane and just follow all signs to baggage collection etc, is there somewhere I drop my bags again afterwards?

Then if anyone could tell me how easy it is to then get from the international terminal to the domestic terminal south that would be amazing.

Thank you

Answer

Your 4-hour connection time should be plenty to make your flight to San Juan from Atlanta after arriving from London, but it’s good to be prepared and know what to expect when connecting between the international and domestic terminals.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Immigration and Customs (International Arrival):

Once you arrive at the international terminal (Terminal F), you’ll first need to go through U.S. immigration. Follow the signs to "Passport Control" or "Immigration" once you exit the plane. After clearing immigration, you’ll collect your luggage at the baggage claim area. This is required for all international arrivals, even if you are connecting to a domestic flight.

2. Customs:

Once you have your luggage, you’ll proceed through customs. There will be customs officers who may ask questions or inspect your bags. Since you’re connecting to a domestic flight, it’s important that you collect your bags before proceeding to the next step.

3. Re-checking Your Bags:

After passing through customs, you’ll need to recheck your bags for the domestic flight. There are designated counters in the international terminal (Terminal F) where you can drop off your checked bags for your connecting flight. Look for signs for "Domestic Connections" or ask a staff member for guidance. You won’t need to exit security—just drop your bags off and they will be sent to your San Juan flight.

4. Transferring to Domestic Terminal South:

After rechecking your bags, you’ll need to transfer to the Domestic Terminal South (Terminal A). The easiest way to do this is by taking the SkyTrain, which is a free automated people mover that connects the International Terminal (Terminal F) to the Domestic Terminals (A, B, C, and D).
Follow the signs for the "SkyTrain" once you’ve rechecked your bags. It’s a short ride and very straightforward. The SkyTrain operates frequently, so you won’t have to wait long.
Once you arrive at the Domestic Terminal South (Terminal A), follow the signs to your departure gate. Since you're flying with Delta, your gate should be located within Terminal A or B, but be sure to check your boarding pass for your exact gate number.

5. Additional Tips:

Make sure you check your flight's gate information as it could change, so monitor the flight boards once you reach the Domestic Terminal.
With a 4-hour connection, you’ll have ample time to grab a bite to eat or do some light shopping at the Domestic Terminal while waiting for your flight to San Juan.
If you’re uncertain about the process at any point, don’t hesitate to ask a staff member—they’re there to help guide you through the connection process.

Overall, while it may seem a bit overwhelming the first time, the process is pretty straightforward. The signs are clear, and the SkyTrain makes the transfer between terminals easy. With 4 hours, you have more than enough time to handle the steps and make your connecting flight to San Juan comfortably.

International Terminal Arrival Domestic Terminal departure

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