Anyone know about ATL Airport...Connecting Flight with Short Layover ...

Delta just emailed me an iternary change that shortens my layover in ATL to a mere 47 minutes on THANKSGIVING DAY no less. We leave MEM at 6:30 am now instead of 6:05 so basically we lose close to 30 mins.
And they changed the plane to a Canadian Airjet 900 so if we want to bring a carry on, it better be tiny cause we will have no time to wait outside the plane for a our carry on bag.


There are only 2 flights going to Mobay on Thanksgiving. We could catch the later flight but that puts us into Negril almost at dinner time and our vacation is a short 5 days.

I was hope some of you out there that have a lot of expereience flying outta ATL with Delta to Mobay. I can't recall if I have to run a long ways, take a tram etc etc. I know the gates probably change, but usually its the same terminal. I will be flying in from Memphis.


Also has anyone ever been in the situation where you luggage did not make it on the flight to Mobay? Did you have to go back to the airport or was it brought to you? We are staying at Xtabi so its not a big AI place where shuttles run all day.


Thoughts or suggestions?

Well, that should be fun! We did the MEM to ATL flight on Delta last year on our way to MBJ. Heading out was swift and seamless but beware - you'll need to get from one end of the airport to the other. The tram is a must. We had time to use the restroom and grab a quick snack while we moved but it was pretty much get off and get right back on. I've never flown on Thanksgiving - the extra crowd may make it a challenge. Hope for good weather and no delays at MEM as well.

Our flight back was a bit more of an adventure as the pilot didn't know where he was supposed to go at ATL and we ended up in the middle of the parking lot, exiting commando-style at the rear of the plane and getting bussed to the terminal.

Enjoy your trip!

We too have had a short layover at ATL (37 minutes I think) it did involve running and pushing but we made it! It can be done!! :cool:

Have a great trip!

Hi CC!
I live in Atlanta and have been using the airport for years....and use Delta mostly for Mo'bay as its our main airline hub here and we get great pricing. The airport is HUGE and as you know, 45 minutes isnt a lot of time and its hard to say if its enough and is dependent on what terminal and gate you are are arriving and departing from. Your next flight should pretty much start boarding when you land and the doors shut 10 minutes prior to departure so....unless I'm mistaken.... you really only have about 35 minutes.

The only time my luggage did not make it to Jamaica was the only time I flew Air Tran down. It arrived the next day and was delivered to my hotel. I now bring a few necessities in my carry on in case this happens again.

Hey Twister I was hoping you might chime in. And thanks to all the others for their comments and suggestions as well.

I'm on the fence with this one. Reality is we will have about 40 mins to jump off the plane and get on the plane to Mobay in the ATL airport.
There is another flight that leaves outta MEM at 8:47am arrives in Mobay at 3:05pm. It has a 1hr 1/2 layover.

The safe girl in me says switch flights and go with the longer layover at ATL. The risky girl in me says "stick with the short layover and run like hell thru the airport, because you are only in JA for 5 days including this day of travel." Still either way I also have to consider its on Thanksgiving Day which could mean a very crowded airport....but also more delays in my favor..

Delta told me we could switch flights at anytime for free. And if we want to take the chance they will try to get us on the next flight out....provided there is enough seats available for us.
Right now the later flight is wide open, but Delta suggested I keep checking it as Thanksgiving is a long ways away from July.

As you suggested....I would keep an eye on the available seats. I dont see many empty seats when I fly anymore. They seem to have plenty of empty seats and then the day before, or day of, it books up. I've seen that several times in the last month.

I think you can make the connection as long as your flight arrives on time. Delta is pretty good about that in Atlanta since everything connects through here. Keep an eye to see your gate and terminal. It's possible it will change but I'd breath easier knowing you dont have to change terminals and use the tram.....which is quick but consumes time.

My wife is on a plane now as she flies several times a week travelling for her work. I'll get her input on this also and let you know what she thinks about this.

I would opt to take the later flight. Not saying it can't be done, but it would be tough! We use to connect through ATL, but now days, generally go through Charlotte. ATL is such a large airport that I would rather arrive at a later time in JA, rather than chance arriving with no luggage or a day late. The last time we connected there, we rushed and made our connection. However, they didn't rush our luggage which arrived 2 DAYS later. Good luck!!

I have personal experience with a very short layover in Atlanta with Delta Airlines last November. I can say from personal experience that it IS possible to do…BUT It was incredibly stressful.

We were not going to Montego bay though, we were coming BACK from Montego Bay.

I received an Email notification from Delta only a few days before my flight departure that the later flight I was SUPPOSED to take (with a 3 hr layover) was now cancelled. My new itinerary looked like this:

Departs 4:00 pm Montego Bay
Arrives 7:07 pm Atlanta, Georgia

Departs 7:45 pm Atlanta, Georgia
Arrives 10:15 pm San Francisco, California

This was the last flight going to SF that day and I had to be at work the next morning. I had used all my vacation/sick days for this trip so Missing that flight was NOT an option for me.

Our flight was late getting into Atlanta. So we had exactly 29 minutes to get off the plane and catch that next flight. We informed all the passengers around us about the situation. So they gave us some space to get off the plane as fast as possible. Then we broke into a mad run. First we were confronted by a long line at customs, We showed the man our ticket and he put us up front. Then we had to re-check in our carry-on bags. We threw off our shoes, put our bags and ourselves through the scanner. Pulled ourselves back together and continued to run with our shoe laces untied down the terminal corrodor. screaming “excuse me! Sorry! We’re going to miss our flight!! Sorrysorrysorry!” . Of course , then we had to take a TRAM to get to the right terminal.

We arrived completely breathless at exactly 7:45 and an airport worker was closing the door to the tube. He said the plane was already pulling away and it was too late.

I wordlessly walked away because I knew if I tried to speak I would burst into tears. I was devastated.
Markus explained the situation to him and showed him our airline tickets. He took pity on us, especially when he discovered that it was the last flight of the day and he actually called the plane back in.

Everyone in the plane gave us dirty looks when we came on board. There were a lot of comments like “Wow, I never had a plane turn around for me, what makes THEM so special?…etc” So embarrassing! We got on that plane though and as a result, I still have my job.

I’m just sharing this, so you are aware of the potential drama you might face.

Since this is going to Montego Bay and not returning from… You won’t have to deal with half of what we did. (customs/scanner) It’s definitely possible to pull off. If you miss the flight, they’ll just move you to the next one. (Providing there is space). Just be aware that you may have to travel with a tram from the domestic terminal to the international terminal. This takes a bit of time.

Hope this helps! Good luck with whatever you choose, I'm certain you're going to have a wonderful time in Negril regardless of when you arrive. :)

CC...
I was discussing your situation with my wife. You will be flying in on a domestic flight and definitely will not be in the same terminal as your next flight to Mo'bay. You will have to get from your domestic terminal and gate to the tram and take that to the international terminal and go to your departure gate. If your Memphis to Atlanta flight is on time you should be able to make it. I would suggest getting your seats as close to the front of the plane as possible so you can be the first ones off. Remember....your luggage has to change planes too. The airport shouldn't be bad on Thanksgiving day as most people will already have traveled.

My wife says while your situation is doable......she would play it safe and take the later flight. Good luck with your decision.

I would guess that Thanksgiving will not be very crowded with travellers, they would all have flown prior to Thanksgiving. I had to fly on Christmas once and they were only 3 of us on the plane.

If you have to get to the international terminal to fly to JA and you land in a domestic terminal you are messed up. The bus takes at least ten minutes between terminals.

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Originally Posted by tfw73

If you have to get to the international terminal to fly to JA and you land in a domestic terminal you are messed up. The bus takes at least ten minutes between terminals.

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You sure you're referring to the Atlanta airport?
In Atlanta there is no bus between terminals. It is an underground railway system called the Underground Plane Train. It runs every one to two minutes and is high speed.

No I just flew out of atl yesterday. Plane train doesn't run between new IT'LL terminal and rest of airport. You have to take the airport shuttle and it only holds about 16 people at a time.

Oops 15 I mean

You can pull up the airport website or do a google search. Folks are having to wait a while to get to and from. Sucks for people who go to the wrong terminal to check in!

We have flown Atlanta over a dozen times until around 06/07.

When we were flying Delta they were the least expensive but they did consistently keep shortening their boarding/connecting times, to the point where it was a concern.

Our last time international terminal was "E" and we always managed to use the tram quite effectively to arrive quickly after de-boarding. Last time was something like 54min to re-board, only 1 time did we have to sprint (literally) but that was due to our flight from KC arriving 15 or 20 min late due to late take off.

On the Christmas deal we flew thru Atlanta 3 days prior to Christmas, we arrived the night before to be prepared, stayed at a close by hotel, arrived next morning 3.5hrs ahead of time only to find 3 to 4 THousand people in line for international flights. It was so bad the Atlanta news was there filming it. Thankfully we raised our hands for help after 2 hours and only moving a few hundred feet, and they put us on airport carts and moved us to the front. That is the only reason we made it. Thats the last time we flew Delta. Since then its Charlotte, US Air, competitive pricing, points on our us airways card, small easy,user frindly connectable airport. This 2006/07 holidays and it spilled deep into the outside sidewalks.

For us it kind of soured us on Atlanta, besides all the perma-construction, re-modeling and lengthy walk/ jogs to the tram.

Jamb

I wonder what they were thinking when they built this new terminal. It is really inconvenient. If you are not prepared you will be surprised when you realize you have to ride a shuttle bus between the IT'LL terminal and all the rest. The ticket agent Monday morning said that he has had some people check in there and then find out they were flying from another terminal. Said they were mad lol. It just opened in may do hopefully the kinks will get worked out and they will find another way to transport passengers to and from.

I hete that, ever since Delta bought out Northwest, that they try to make Memphis another "layover" airport, where you must fly TO Atlanta to get out of the country.. We live in the FL panhandle and always connected in Mem directly to MoBay through Northwest...am I to assume there are no direct MEM->MBJ flights anymore?...Now we're flying USAirways thru Charlotte.

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Originally Posted by tfw73

No I just flew out of atl yesterday. Plane train doesn't run between new IT'LL terminal and rest of airport. You have to take the airport shuttle and it only holds about 16 people at a time.

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The new International Terminal just opened May 16th and I expected it would've been setup like the rest of the airport terminals. According to the website the plane train does go there. The info I'm finding isn't very clear.

http://www.atlanta-airport.com/inter...nger/faqs.html

"Q: Can I ride The Plane Train from Concourse F to Concourse T?
A: Yes, The Plane Train, the Airport's people mover, has been extended to Concourse F. Passengers who arrive at Concourse F can ride The Plane Train from Concourse F to all concourses, including T. The pedestrian walkway also has been extended to Concourse F."

I also see the info on shuttles.

"Q: I accidentally went to the domestic terminal to check in for my international flight. What should I do?
A: A free shuttle service will be available to the international terminal. Shuttles are available at the ground transportation center at the west end of the domestic terminal."


To me this doesnt make sense. Why would someone want to use or have to use a shuttle if, based on what they are saying, the Plane Train is available? It does sound like if you are in a domestic terminal you have to use a shuttle. But is also states that the Plane Train is available at the new F terminal and goes to all areas of the airport.

In re-reading it ...again...lol....maybe its setup so only "arriving" international passengers can use the plane train to get to the other areas of the airport. Why wouldn't you let departing too? Now I'm confused...lol

I can tell you from first hand experience you cannot ride the plane train to the IT'LL terminal. Maybe that is what they are eventually intending? It is a good long wait for sure.

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Originally Posted by tfw73

I can tell you from first hand experience you cannot ride the plane train to the IT'LL terminal. Maybe that is what they are eventually intending? It is a good long wait for sure.

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I'm not sure who told you that, but I took it this past Friday. You go thru security, straight ahead, and down one level. I went from the new terminal to the old one to catch my flight - it took a little longer than it does, say, between stops C and D, but it was there and working just fine. Here is a pic that I took waiting for the train in the new terminal:Attachment 15848

Wanted to add ... while I was waiting to take the train to the older international E, a train pulled in on the other side. So I'm not sure why you weren't able to take it either direction. I had to check in at the new concourse (F), but the agent said that more international flights still come into concourse E. She said it is mostly the big ticket flights that use gates on F - London, Paris, etc.

I flew out Monday, after you. We had to take the shuttle.

Based on what you two are saying it sounds to me that what I read is correct. You can take the Plane Train FROM the new International terminal to other parts of the airport....just not TO it.

Makes no sense to me why they would do this?

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Originally Posted by Mr. Twister

Based on what you two are saying it sounds to me that what I read is correct. You can take the Plane Train FROM the new International terminal to other parts of the airport....just not TO it.

Makes no sense to me why they would do this?

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They did this because 'they' are incompetent.
As a resident of Atlanta (as am I) you must know the constant controversies regarding the airport.
Having to take a bus from the new International terminal to the older one for passengers continuing on is to be expected from a 'friends & family' oriented jobs program.
Just Poor Planning :(

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Originally Posted by dave

They did this because 'they' are incompetent.
As a resident of Atlanta (as am I) you must know the constant controversies regarding the airport.
Having to take a bus from the new International terminal to the older one for passengers continuing on is to be expected from a 'friends & family' oriented jobs program.
Just Poor Planning :(

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You don't have "to take a bus from the new International terminal to the older one" ... see my post above! I took the train, the photo is real and clearly marked "concourse F"....not sure what the disconnect is, not sure why others couldn't find the train, but it is there and working just fine. I got on the train in the new terminal this past Friday morning and got off one stop later at concourse E. Honest...lol!

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Originally Posted by Lynntt

I got on the train in the new terminal this past Friday morning and got off one stop later at concourse E. Honest...lol!

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I think Dave had it backawards.
You can take the Plane Train FROM the new F terminal to other parts of the airport. You have to take the shuttle TO the F terminal though.

Lynntt ....did you ride the Plane Train TO the F terminal also?

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Originally Posted by Mr. Twister

I think Dave had it backawards.
You can take the Plane Train FROM the new F terminal to other parts of the airport. You have to take the shuttle TO the F terminal though.

Lynntt ....did you ride the Plane Train TO the F terminal also?

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No I didn't; however, while I was waiting for the train to E a train came in on the other side. Because I was trying to figure out the new setup I asked someone who got off where that train was from - she said she got on at check-in. So I can't confirm, maybe she was confused. But I personally checked in at the new terminal and took the train to the old one.

Lynntt....thanks for the info. I'm sure we'll get this figured out...lol.

These "improvements" at ATL just reaffirms our decision to make a change and fly out of Charlotte instead. Thank you for sharing this recent info.

Thanks everyone for your input. Sorry I went MIA for a few days. The Independence Holiday and then I could not remember my N.com password. TY ROB!!!
Yeah this decision kinda sucks not just cause they moved up the layover to 37 mins, but also downsized our plane. First leg is a Canadian Airjet 900 and you know the overhead cargo space is about as large as a shoe box (women's shoes, not boots LOL). Good chance our luggage would not make it on the next flight with only 36 mins from touch down to takeoff.

We are still sleeping on it, but leaning more towards taking the later flight, it has a longer layover and get us into Mobay at 3:05pm instead of 1pm on Thanksgiving. Since there is only 2 flights that day, we need to really think about if we want to take the chance. Nothing says Happy Thanksgiving worse than being stuck in the ATL airport. OMG no way.
One option is stay one extra day. We both have limited vacation time but we might be able to swing that. Honestly we NEED IT BAD. This is first time back to JA in over 3 yrs and really the first real vacation we have had in 3yrs. And we plan to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. so maybe playing it safe is a beter bet for this trip.

Thanks for all the good information about changes to ATL International terminal. Its good to know. Love this board for all the help you guys give people including myself.

Have a good weekend folks.

Twister,.....you and your wife going be in JA during this time? Just checking.

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Originally Posted by CC(US)

Twister,.....you and your wife going be in JA during this time? Just checking.

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No. We are going to be there for the next holiday. Xmas & New Years! Wish I could see you. Maybe next trip ;-)

I'm going to talk to some local friends about the airport. This is bugging me since we fly so much. Gotta get if figured out....lol. Linda will be at the airport next week. Worse case scenario she'll find out then. We are on vacation at home right now so no flying this week :D

I have travelled to Jamaica ON the actual day of Thanksgiving Day a couple of times now. I can't say for sure, now, with the new airline policies of less planes and more crowded planes - but a few years ago, in 2008 and 2010, it was a great travel day. Because it is the only day that whole week when there were very few travellers AND they didn't jack up the fares trying to get people like me to fly that day. The other days usually set records, but not that day. Think about it - everyone else flies the few days before and heads home the few days after.,

As for the short layover in ATL - I would do what you could to avoid it. Since THEY made a change like this, do they allow you to change to go thru, say, Charlotte, Orlando, or even Baltimore (sorry it's been awhile since flown Delta so not sure of connecting cities to MBJ). As others have said, in ATL you will definitely have to change terminals. And if you have the bad luck of both arriving at a gate way out at the end of one terminal, and departing at a gate also at the end of another - it's a long walk/run to/from the center of each terminal (where Ground Transportation is) to catch the Tram/bus/whatever.

If it were me, I would switch to the later flight - getting in to MoBay at 3PM ain't that bad. Who wants that stress if the worse happens. Not to mention Thanksgiving could have snow and delay your initial flight to Miami - getting in even later. Doubtful in Memphis - but who knows where that plane is arriving from.

Best of luck.

I was just at the Atlanta Airport. The Plane Train map clearly shows that it runs both TO and FROM the new International terminal. I'm not sure why or even if the shuttle buses are being used at this point.

Will know more after aug 2nd, as I have a short layover in Atlanta coming from Detroit.

ok I'm back again with an update. So I changed to the later flight to have a longer layover and twice they have changed this flight as well. I'm so screwed. I went from a 37 min layover and changed my plane ticket to the later flight and now Delta knocked the layover from 1 1/2 hrs to 1 hour EXACTLY. I'm coming in from MEM which usually is on time and I'm on a Canadian Airjet like 7th-8th row so I'm pretty close to the front. We will NOT be bringing anymore than small backpack cause you know it can take a few minutes to get carry on's outta the plane into the gate area.

Oh and this is the last flight Delta has going to Mobay that day. There are only two on THanksgiving. My luck go figure.

As for arriving in ATL from another domestic flight after reading all the comments which I greatly appreciate, I'm confused.
Can I take the tram from a domestic terminal to the new Internation terminal or do I have to wait for bus? If its a bus where do I catch it? So confusing.
Someone told me it runs only every 15 mins, but I think that's bogus...can someone verify its faster than that?

We are flying Business Elite in First Class on the trips from ATL to Mobay and Delta offered to provide us with an assist in one of those carts, but I am starting to feel very guilty about using that when someone who might not truly be able to run (unlike the 2 of us) won't have that option. On the other hand I haven't been in ATL in years and really worried I will take a wrong turn.

Honestly if I could just run through the airport I could probably find it easier than waiting on a bus, tram, etc.

I remember the days when you could have someone call the departing gate and let them know you were on your way. Guess those days are long gone.

Any suggestions i'm open. 1 hr and that's hoping there are no delays.

CC (US)

I go through Hartsfield-Jackson 20 times a year (In North Florida we say "when you die if you're going to Heaven or Hell you're going through Atlanta)

Check out at which gate your flight arrives on any given day. Most times it will be the same at which you will arrive . Check out which gate your Delta leaves from using the same parameters)

When you know that I will help you figure it out ....

Cap

Yep we passed through the new terminal both ways in Aug and the tram thing goes to the new terminal no problem, no bus!

If you look about 5 posts up ....I confirmed all this in July :D I know for a fact as I've done it myself....that you can get to the International terminal by the Plane Train tram and there is no need to ride a bus.

Attachment 18156

Thanks Twister for the confirmation. I'm glad to hear we won't need to take a bus. I'll check on the gates the night before and prepare with the airport map. And wear my running shoes!!!