International flight with an overnight in Atlanta

Question

Hello,

We are flying into the Atlanta airport [9:00pm] (from Milwaukee) and plan to stay the night at a nearby hotel for a next morning International flight (Delta) to Aruba [7:30am].

1.) A recommended nearby hotel (restaurant/bar preferred).

2.) It's my understanding that we can check bags all the way through to our destination if our layover in Atlanta is between 6-12 hours. Can anyone confirm this?

3.) If our bags are checked all the way through, the next morning, can we enter the domestic terminal and head straight though to security (I'm assuming we'd already have boarding passes, and no bags to check in, from when we get on in Milwaukee).

Just looking for our easiest options from airport to hotel (domestic flight) and then hotel back to airport (international flight).

Appreciate your input!

Answer

Overnight layovers at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) are common, and planning ahead will make your connection smoother. Here’s a detailed breakdown addressing your questions and options for hotels, baggage, and terminal logistics.

1. Recommended nearby hotels with restaurants/bars:

Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway: Located directly on the domestic terminal skybridge, this hotel is extremely convenient for late arrivals and early departures. It has an on-site restaurant and bar, making it easy to grab dinner and a drink without leaving the hotel.
Hyatt Regency Atlanta Airport: A short drive from the airport with a free shuttle service. The hotel features a full-service restaurant and bar, and many travelers find it comfortable for overnight stays.
Hilton Atlanta Airport: Offers a free airport shuttle, on-site dining, and a bar. Rooms are modern, and the location is convenient for early morning international departures.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Airport: Provides free airport shuttle service and includes a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast. It also has a bar/lounge area, making it a good choice for a late-night arrival.

2. Checked baggage for international connections:

Yes, if your airline is Delta and both flights are on the same ticket, your checked bags from Milwaukee can typically be tagged all the way through to Aruba. Even with a layover of 6–12 hours, your bags should transfer automatically between the domestic and international flights. Always confirm with the Delta agent at Milwaukee when you check in to ensure your bags are checked through to Aruba.

3. Morning airport procedures:

If your bags are checked through and you already have boarding passes, you can enter the domestic terminal in the morning, proceed directly to the security checkpoint, and then walk to your international terminal gate. You do not need to check in again or pick up your bags. For Delta, the domestic and international terminals are connected via the ATL Plane Train or pedestrian walkways, so transfer is straightforward.

4. Transportation options:

Hotel shuttle: Most nearby airport hotels provide free 24-hour shuttle service between the hotel and airport terminals. This is often the easiest and most reliable option, especially early in the morning.
Taxi or rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate at ATL, but during peak hours or late at night, shuttles may be more convenient. It’s easy to request a ride from the hotel to the international terminal if you prefer.
Walking: Only feasible if your hotel is directly connected to the terminal (like Marriott Gateway). Otherwise, use shuttle or rideshare.

In summary, staying at a hotel like the Marriott Gateway is ideal for minimal stress on a late arrival and early international departure. Confirm with Delta that your bags are checked through to Aruba, and plan to use the hotel shuttle or a short Uber/Lyft ride back to the international terminal. With these arrangements, your overnight layover should be smooth and comfortable.

International flight with an overnight in Atlanta

More Atlanta Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions