Airport timing help!

Question

Hello. We are looking at flights from Salt Lake to Atlanta to Italy. The layover in Atlanta is 1 hour 16 minutes. We won't have checked bags, just carry ons. Is this a sufficient layover time or is it too risky?

Answer

For a layover of 1 hour and 16 minutes in Atlanta, it's generally considered a bit tight, but not impossible—especially if you’re flying on a single ticket, which typically means your luggage (if you had checked bags) would be transferred automatically, though you're not concerned with that since you’ll just have carry-ons.

There are a few factors to consider:

Terminal and Gate Information – The most important factor in determining whether your layover is sufficient is whether your arriving flight and departing flight are in the same terminal or require a transfer between terminals. If they are in the same terminal, you have a much better chance of making the connection in time.
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport Layout – Atlanta is one of the busiest airports in the world, and while it is efficient, the sheer size of the airport means that it can take time to get from gate to gate. If you're arriving at Concourse A or B and your next flight is in Concourse D or E, you may need more time to get to your gate.
Flight On Time – Keep in mind that the timing can get a little tight if your first flight is delayed. If the first flight arrives even slightly late, it could make your 1 hour 16 minute window a bit risky. However, if both flights are operated by the same airline, there is often flexibility with connecting passengers (e.g., they may hold the second flight for a few minutes if necessary).
No Checked Bags – Since you won't have checked bags, that’s a significant advantage. You won't need to go through baggage claim or security again, which will save you a lot of time. Just head straight to your departure gate for your international flight.

In summary, while a 1 hour 16 minute layover is technically possible, it may feel a bit rushed, especially if there are delays or if your gates are far apart. If your flights are with the same airline, there’s a good chance they will assist you if you’re running late. If you are concerned, you could consider choosing a longer layover if possible, or check with the airline to see if they have recommendations based on the layout of your particular flights.

Airport timing help!

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