Change over time at airport

Question

We are flying to Dublin from JFK with Delta and our changeover has been moved to Atlanta airport only allowing us 60mins!

Arrival time 18.42 departure 19.40pm is this enough time?

Thank you in advance for any help.

Answer

Hi there!

A 60-minute layover at Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a bit tight, but it may still be possible to make your connecting flight, depending on a few factors. Here's some information to help you assess whether you'll have enough time:

1. Terminal Information

Atlanta is a large airport, and depending on your arriving and departing gates, the time it takes to get between terminals can vary. Delta primarily operates out of Concourse T, A, B, and C, and their international flights usually depart from Concourse E or F. If you're arriving on a Delta flight and your connecting flight is also with Delta, you’ll likely remain within the same terminal area, which is advantageous.

2. Immigration & Security

Since you're flying internationally from JFK to Dublin via Atlanta, you will need to go through U.S. immigration, customs, and security screening. Normally, when transiting through ATL for international flights, you would have to clear customs at the first point of entry into the U.S. (i.e., Atlanta), even though your final destination is Dublin. This can take some time depending on how busy the airport is. If your arriving flight is on time, this could be the most significant part of the delay, especially with a 60-minute window.

3. The Tight Window

Given that your flight from JFK is scheduled to arrive at 18:42 and your flight to Dublin departs at 19:40, you essentially have only 58 minutes. For international connections, most airlines recommend having at least 1.5-2 hours between flights, especially if you need to clear customs. A 60-minute layover is definitely on the shorter side, but if your arriving flight is on time and your departure gate is relatively close, it may still be possible.

4. Tips for a Tight Connection

Check Gate Information: Make sure you know both your arrival and departure gate in advance. If both flights are operated by Delta, the gates may be close enough that you don’t need to go through security again, but this is something to confirm.
Move Quickly: As soon as you deboard, follow the signs for international connections or connecting flights. Keep an eye on the time and move as quickly as possible.
Contact Delta: If you’re concerned, reach out to Delta to confirm your gate information and whether your connection window is viable. If your flight is delayed, Delta may rebook you on a later flight to Dublin.
Consider Travel Insurance: Given the tight connection, you might want to consider having insurance or checking with Delta about rebooking policies in case of a missed connection.

5. What to Do If You Miss the Connection

If your flight is delayed or you miss your connection, Delta typically rebooks you on the next available flight to your destination. However, 60 minutes is cutting it close, and while it’s technically possible, the timing doesn’t allow for much flexibility if there’s a delay.

Conclusion: While 60 minutes is a short layover, it's possible you may be able to make your flight, especially if both legs are with Delta and your gates are close. However, you should be prepared for the possibility of needing to rebook if there are any delays. If you're worried, you can contact Delta to see if they can provide more details or assist with a smoother transition.

Safe travels, and I hope you catch your flight without any issues!