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

[CC(US)]

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?

[Clownshoes]

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!

[Jamerican1]

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!!

Have a great trip!

[Mr. Twister]

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.

[CC(US)]

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.

[Mr. Twister]

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.

[yetta]

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!!

[Clarity]

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.

[Mr. Twister]

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.

[Homebrewer]

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.