Transfer from International to Domestic

Question

Hello. I’m arriving at the International Terminal from South Korea with Korean Air. I have a connecting flight to Orlando with Delta. I have to go through passport control, customs, and baggage claim. How do I transfer from the International Terminal to the Domestic Terminal? I’m confused about whether I should take the Plane Train or the shuttle.

Answer

When arriving at the International Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) on a flight from South Korea with Korean Air and connecting to a domestic Delta flight to Orlando, you will need to go through a few steps to transfer between terminals. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:

1. Passport Control and Customs: After you land in the International Terminal (Terminal F), the first thing you'll do is go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for passport control. This is required for all international arrivals. You will then proceed to baggage claim, where you’ll collect your checked luggage (if you have any). If your luggage is already checked through to Orlando, you can skip this step.

2. Domestic Transfer Process: Once you've cleared customs and retrieved your luggage, you will need to transfer to the Domestic Terminal (Terminal South) for your Delta flight. Here's how you can do that:

Plane Train: The Plane Train is the most convenient option to get between terminals at ATL. After clearing customs and picking up your luggage, follow the signs to the Plane Train. The Plane Train is an automated underground train system that connects the International Terminal (Terminal F) with the Domestic Terminal (Terminal South). You will board the train at the International Terminal, and it will take you directly to the Domestic Terminal in just a few minutes.
Shuttle Bus: Another option, although less commonly used, is the shuttle bus. If you’re traveling with checked luggage and need to transfer to the Domestic Terminal, you may need to take the shuttle bus, but the Plane Train is generally faster and more straightforward. The shuttle bus picks passengers up at designated locations in Terminal F and transports them to the Domestic Terminal.

3. Checking In for Delta Flight: After you arrive at the Domestic Terminal via the Plane Train, you will head to the Delta check-in counters if you haven't already checked in online. If you have checked in online and only need to drop off luggage, follow the signs to the Delta baggage drop area. Make sure to have your boarding pass and ID ready.

Summary:

The easiest way to transfer from the International Terminal to the Domestic Terminal at ATL is by using the Plane Train. Once you clear passport control, customs, and baggage claim, follow the signs to the Plane Train, which will take you directly to the Domestic Terminal in just a few minutes. If necessary, you can also take the shuttle bus, but the Plane Train is generally more efficient. After that, proceed to your Delta gate for your connecting flight to Orlando.