Atlanta - return connection
Mar 24th, 2007 | 12:13 PM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,521
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I'd say yes. I returned to Atlanta Wednesday to find Immigration positively packed: both sides of Immigration open, more passengers than I'd ever encountered there by a factor of at least 10, and yet I still got through in a reasonable amount of time.
Once through Immigration you'll pick up your checked bags for the trip through Customs/Agriculture (which is no wait, just walk through and hand your little piece of paper to the official standing there) and re-check your bags. Because it's already tagged for transfer through to your final destination this step also requires no wait, just handing it off to the attendant at the conveyor belt. Note that even returning Atlanta residents have to go through re-checking their bags at this point (they travel to regular baggage claim for final pick-up).
Finally you'll have to wait (less than 5 minutes on Wednesday, even as busy as it was) and go through security again. You have to go through security because you've had access to your checked baggage and could potentially have removed something contraband from that bag.
Very, very important information about this security screening: if you purchased anything in another airport before you left that's liquid or liquid-y you will need to transfer it to your checked bag after you've cleared Customs but before (obviously) re-checking your bags. If you arrive at security with a nice bottle of port or perfume it will be confiscated. And don't think you'll just run back and stuff it in your checked bag at that point, because your checked bag is long gone, finding its way to your next plane.
Once you're past security you'll proceed down the escalator to the train that will take you to your next gate. ALWAYS take the train.
Once through Immigration you'll pick up your checked bags for the trip through Customs/Agriculture (which is no wait, just walk through and hand your little piece of paper to the official standing there) and re-check your bags. Because it's already tagged for transfer through to your final destination this step also requires no wait, just handing it off to the attendant at the conveyor belt. Note that even returning Atlanta residents have to go through re-checking their bags at this point (they travel to regular baggage claim for final pick-up).
Finally you'll have to wait (less than 5 minutes on Wednesday, even as busy as it was) and go through security again. You have to go through security because you've had access to your checked baggage and could potentially have removed something contraband from that bag.
Very, very important information about this security screening: if you purchased anything in another airport before you left that's liquid or liquid-y you will need to transfer it to your checked bag after you've cleared Customs but before (obviously) re-checking your bags. If you arrive at security with a nice bottle of port or perfume it will be confiscated. And don't think you'll just run back and stuff it in your checked bag at that point, because your checked bag is long gone, finding its way to your next plane.
Once you're past security you'll proceed down the escalator to the train that will take you to your next gate. ALWAYS take the train.
Mar 24th, 2007 | 12:16 PM
#4
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 74,699
Likes: 0
Hi T,
I think your connection is OK, but I would be happier with 3 hrs.
IIRC, your luggage will be taken off the plane and sent to a baggage area.
You pick it up and go through Customs and Immigration.
You recheck your baggage for your connecting flight.
I think your connection is OK, but I would be happier with 3 hrs.
IIRC, your luggage will be taken off the plane and sent to a baggage area.
You pick it up and go through Customs and Immigration.
You recheck your baggage for your connecting flight.
Mar 24th, 2007 | 12:23 PM
#5
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 74,699
Likes: 0
Hi Therese
>I returned to Atlanta Wednesday to find Immigration positively packed:....and yet I still got through in a reasonable amount of time.<
Our last flight out of Atlanta, I checked with TSA for waiting times the morning of our flight - "10 min".
Since my Lady Wife prefers to wait an hour instead of being late by a second, we arrived at ATL an hour earlier than I thought necessary.
We waited on the security line for 1:15 hr.
>I returned to Atlanta Wednesday to find Immigration positively packed:....and yet I still got through in a reasonable amount of time.<
Our last flight out of Atlanta, I checked with TSA for waiting times the morning of our flight - "10 min".
Since my Lady Wife prefers to wait an hour instead of being late by a second, we arrived at ATL an hour earlier than I thought necessary.
We waited on the security line for 1:15 hr.
Mar 24th, 2007 | 12:34 PM
#6
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,605
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The next choice leaves Atlanta at 10:31pm.. almost 4 hours. I'd hate to be in the airport that long after such a long flight (with newbies in tow) if it wasn't necessary.
Would it be 'safe' to say we'll book the 8:20 flight and assume the airline will put us on the 10:31 flight if there was a delay in arrival from Venice or in going thru the security again?
Would it be 'safe' to say we'll book the 8:20 flight and assume the airline will put us on the 10:31 flight if there was a delay in arrival from Venice or in going thru the security again?
Mar 24th, 2007 | 12:45 PM
#7
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,521
Likes: 0
Are you flying Delta (far and away the most likely if you're going through Atlanta)? If your flight from Venice is late and they know you're on it they may delay the departure of the Orlando flight in order to accomodate you, though since there is another flight out that evening they may just put you on that one. If you're flying Delta all the way it is safe to assume that you'll be put on that next (presumably the last) flight if there are seats available.
Note that Ira's 1 hour and 15 minute wait at security at ATL was for the main security gate, not the security gate at international arrivals. I've yet to experience that long a wait (apart from the day before Thanksgiving, etc.) and routinely make it through in less than 15 minutes. It was very busy the Wednesday before last when I was departing, and I waited about 30 minutes total.
Note that Ira's 1 hour and 15 minute wait at security at ATL was for the main security gate, not the security gate at international arrivals. I've yet to experience that long a wait (apart from the day before Thanksgiving, etc.) and routinely make it through in less than 15 minutes. It was very busy the Wednesday before last when I was departing, and I waited about 30 minutes total.
