Atlanta airport

Question

We’re flying JetBlue Atlanta-JFK-Edinburgh. Staying the night before at an Atlanta airport hotel to save time in the morning. If our flight leaves at 7.45am what time do you recommend getting to Atlanta airport for in order to check our suitcases? I assume we also won’t have to collect our cases at JFK and recheck them as we are booked through on 1 ticket?

Answer

It’s great that you’re planning to stay at an airport hotel the night before your flight to save time. For a smooth and stress-free experience, here's a detailed breakdown of what to consider for your flight from Atlanta (ATL) to JFK, and then onward to Edinburgh:

Recommended Arrival Time at Atlanta Airport: For an international flight, especially with an early morning departure, it’s generally recommended to arrive at least 3 hours prior to your flight departure. Since your flight is at 7:45 AM, you should aim to be at the airport by around 4:45 AM. Here’s why:

Check-In and Security: Even though you’ve already checked in online, you’ll still need to drop off your checked luggage and go through security. The early morning hours can be busy at ATL, so allowing extra time will ensure you don't feel rushed.
International Flight Protocol: International flights often require a bit more time for check-in, as the airline will need to process travel documents and check your bags. The earlier you get there, the more time you'll have to handle any potential issues.
Airport Size and Security Lines: ATL is a large airport with multiple terminals, and security lines can sometimes be long, especially during peak travel periods. Arriving 3 hours ahead of time will give you a buffer to navigate the airport and get through security without feeling rushed.

Luggage Handling at JFK: Since you’re flying on one ticket from Atlanta to Edinburgh with a layover in JFK, your checked luggage should be automatically transferred from your Atlanta flight to your Edinburgh flight, assuming your layover is within the same airline or code-sharing partners. Therefore, you should not need to collect and recheck your bags at JFK. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Checked Baggage Transfer: As long as your entire journey is on the same ticket and your connecting flight is in the same terminal or close, your checked bags will be automatically transferred to your connecting flight to Edinburgh.
JFK Security: You will still need to go through security at JFK, especially if you’re connecting to an international flight. However, you won’t need to collect your bags unless there’s a significant layover or if your connection involves a different airline without a code-share agreement.

Additional Tips: - Make sure you have all required travel documents, including your passport, any necessary visas, and your boarding pass for both legs of the flight. - Consider signing up for TSA PreCheck if you haven’t already, as this can help speed up the security process, especially for domestic portions of your flight. - Be prepared for any additional health-related requirements or checks, as these can sometimes impact the check-in process, especially for international travel.

Overall, getting to the airport by 4:45 AM should give you ample time to check in, go through security, and board your flight comfortably. Have a smooth trip and enjoy your time in Edinburgh!