Apologies, another connection question

Question

I am sorry that I know that this has been answered, but I get confused when different places tell you different things. We will be flying Manchester UK to NOLA via Atlanta on separate tickets Virgin - Delta, connection time just under 3 hours.

I have been told that when we collect our bags in Atlanta, we can recheck them with Delta there and then (same room?) and don't need to take them on the shuttle to the domestic terminal?

Please can someone confirm that this is correct?

Many thanks

Answer

No worries, it's totally understandable to be confused with different information. Let me clarify your situation regarding the connection at Atlanta (Hartsfield-Jackson Airport) and the baggage process for your flight from Manchester (UK) to New Orleans (NOLA) via Atlanta, especially when flying on separate tickets with Virgin and Delta.

Here's what you need to know:

Since you’re traveling on separate tickets, you will need to clear immigration, collect your bags, and then recheck them for your connecting Delta flight. However, the good news is that you don’t need to take your bags all the way to the shuttle for the domestic terminal (Terminal South, where your Delta flight will depart). Instead, you can recheck your bags at a designated location inside the international arrivals area in Terminal F (International Terminal), without needing to leave the building. This process will save you time and effort, especially since your connection time is under 3 hours, which is typically sufficient for this procedure.

Where to recheck your bags: After you clear U.S. Customs and Immigration in Terminal F (International), you will follow signs for baggage claim and customs. Instead of exiting to the shuttle area, look for the Delta recheck counter or the designated area inside the same terminal, where you can drop off your checked bags for your Delta flight.
What to do next: Once your bags are rechecked with Delta, you’ll follow signs to the domestic gates. You’ll go through security again for your Delta flight to NOLA, but you won’t need to take a shuttle between terminals, as the recheck desk is inside the international terminal.
Important: Make sure you have your Delta boarding pass for the next leg of your journey. You’ll need to show that at the recheck counter and possibly at security.

Summary: Yes, after clearing customs and collecting your bags, you can recheck them with Delta right in the international terminal (Terminal F) without needing to take them on the shuttle to the domestic terminal. The Delta recheck counter is conveniently located in the same area where you go through customs, saving you time and hassle.

With just under 3 hours for your connection, this should be more than enough time to handle the recheck process, clear security, and get to your domestic flight. Just keep an eye on the signs, and you should be good to go!

Apologies, another connection question

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