Transfer times in the US since 11th Sept

[big.al]

I am scheduled to transfer at Atlanta from a Delta transatlantic flight (from Manchester) to an internal Delta flight to Orlando (MCO) in April. Tickets have not yet been issued but the transfer time at ATL is only an hour and a half.

This isn't such a big problem outbound because there are plenty of DL flights from ATL to MCO, but on the return leg the time between landing at ATL and departing for MAN is just over an hour. If I miss the connection the next departure ATL-MAN is the same time on the following day.

Given the additional (I hope!) security measures in place since September, is this really sufficient? Does anyone know what the regulations are when transfering at ATL (with the same airline) - i.e. do we have to collect baggage and check-in again, or just identify our bags and go straight to departures, or are bags checked through? I doubt the latter will apply for security reasons but I'm concerned that there is little time to hunt the bags on the carousel and get checked in again.

Our travel agent tells us the airline will examine the transfers and adjust departure times accordingly, but has anyone had any experience of this they can share with me?

Regards,

[PaperTiger]

No problem on the return. Bags will be checked through to MAN at MCO and you won't see them again until you arrive. (Maybe not even then <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> ).. .You may have to change concourses at ATL but they are all airside of security. Connected by train.

Outbound could possibly be a problem. You'll have to go through immigration and customs at ATL, put your bags on the 'connection' belt and maybe change concourses. Hour and a half is a bit tight IMO, but as you say there are lots of southbounds and Delta will put you on the next available if you miss the scheduled.

[Sharjah Night Shift]

I ask to be booked on a later connecting flight than the one offered in the airlines timetable as I prefer a planned longer stop over to missing my connecting flight. Some agents are reluctant to book the flights for me claiming the published connecting times are possible.

On a recent trip LGW-IAH-LAS with Continental (see the thread about them in this forum) we arrived at the gate area in time to see the onward flight they wanted to book us on push back. Our inbound flight had landed on time but due to a ground handling cock up and having our shoes disinfected by the Dept. of Agriculture in customs.

Overall I would have made about 75% of connections on trips to the US had I taken the connection offered in the timetable. My profile explains why I don't mind hanging arround in airports.

[knobbygb]

The international arrivals hall at ATL is in the international concourse, so you don't have to take the train all the way to the main terminal to re-check your bags (this saves a good 20 mins). Last time I arrived there (admittedly a couple of years ago) we were at the connecting gate 15 mins after de-planing. I know things won't be the same now, but even so, I think you'll have enough time.

Make sure you find out which gate you're departing from ASAP (before arrival if poss. - they should tell you before you land - technology eh?)

A monorail runs from the international concourse to the main terminal via 5 (I think) other concourses - just go down the escalator from arrivals (after dropping off your re-check bags) and catch the monorail to the correct concourse. If you've not been there before it can be a bit confusing. There are about 50 gates per concourse so they are number A1 to A50, B1 to B50 etc. You'll arrive at concourse E. Check the departure screens (hundreds of them!) - the flights are listed alphabetically, not by time so make sure you get the correct flight number - there'll be probably 4 or 5 others listed to the same destination.

Main thin - enjoy your trip!

PS - don't worry about the return trip - if the flights on time. You'll be at the departure gate in 15 to 20 mins and won't see your luggage.

[ 16 February 2002: Message edited by: Knobby ]</p>