Checking a bag after customs?

Question

Where is delta check in after I go through customs. Will need to check a bag on different airline on domestic flight. My layover is 3 hours…

Answer

When traveling through Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and needing to check a bag after customs, here’s the process to follow:

After you go through customs, you will pick up your checked luggage at the baggage claim area. Since you need to check a bag for a domestic flight with a different airline, here’s what you should do:

1. Retrieve your luggage: After clearing customs, you will enter the baggage claim area. This is where you pick up your checked luggage from your international flight.
2. Re-check your luggage: After you pick up your luggage, you will need to re-check it for your next domestic flight. The check-in counters for Delta and other airlines are located in the terminal areas, but since you're flying on a different airline, you'll need to go to that airline's check-in counter to re-check your bag.
3. Domestic flight check-in: After retrieving your bag, proceed to the domestic terminal to check it in with the airline you're flying on for the next leg of your trip. You can usually drop off your bag at a dedicated re-check desk or counter. Be sure to have your new boarding pass ready to ensure a smooth transfer of your luggage to the new flight.

If your layover is 3 hours, you should have enough time to go through this process, but it’s always a good idea to check the signage and ask airport staff for any specific instructions. Also, be sure to check if your airline provides any expedited check-in for transferring luggage, as this can save you time.

Important note: Some airlines may allow you to check your bag all the way through to your final destination if both flights are on the same ticket, so it's worth confirming this at check-in for your international flight to see if you need to handle this process yourself or if it can be automatically handled by the airline.