ATL Checked Bag for Int Flight with Domestic Layover

Question

I have an upcoming Delta Flight ATL>SEA>YVR so my ultimate destination is International but I have a domestic layover. Can I check a bag at the International Terminal? I've seen conflicting information.

Answer

If you're flying from Atlanta to Vancouver with a domestic layover in Seattle, you're correct that there is some confusion regarding checked baggage procedures, especially when there’s an international segment involved. Here's how it works:

When flying on a Delta flight with an international destination, like YVR (Vancouver), and a domestic layover (SEA), your checked luggage will typically be tagged all the way through to your final destination, YVR, even though you’re passing through a domestic layover. This means that you should not need to pick up your checked bag in Seattle during the layover. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

International Flight Connections: If your international flight departs from the International Terminal at ATL (Hartsfield-Jackson), your checked bag will generally be processed for the entire journey, and you won’t need to retrieve it at SEA (Seattle). You’ll drop off your checked bag in Atlanta, and it should be transferred automatically to your connecting international flight in Vancouver.
Domestic Layovers and Re-checking Bags: If you’re connecting to an international flight but first need to clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Seattle, you may be required to collect your checked baggage at SEA and re-check it for your international flight to Vancouver. This typically happens if you’re arriving on a domestic flight and then transitioning to an international flight that departs from a different terminal.
Consult Delta: Because procedures can vary slightly based on the flight and airport, it’s a good idea to confirm with Delta directly. Delta agents can verify whether your bag will be transferred automatically in Seattle or if you'll need to collect and re-check it before continuing to Vancouver.

In summary, if you're traveling on a Delta international flight with a domestic layover, your checked bag should normally be processed for the entire journey to your international destination. However, always check with the airline before your flight to ensure there are no special procedures or changes, particularly if you are going through customs in the U.S. during your layover.

ATL Checked Bag for Int Flight with Domestic Layover

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