Question About Current Airport Issues

patticakes · ‎03-10-2010

Anyone travel recently and have to change flights or have layover in an airport. We'll be flying out of a local airport, which I understand is not too bad; however will have to change flights and layover in Atlanta. Curious what the situation will be when we get there. Any advice?

Laura14 · ‎06-09-2014

If it's a layover, don't go beyond security or you will have a long wait to get back. I live in Atlanta and it's usually a good experience IF you give yourself plenty of time. More now with the issues.

However, the two worst experiences I have ever had traveling were with TSA agents at this airport and that was when they were being paid. Avoid them by staying in the secured area. There's no need to go outside for anything as the ATL is very well stocked with stores and restaurants at the gates if you have some time to kill.

Atlanta also has a plane train which is usually crowded on a good day. I would head towards your next gate on it immediately, to make sure you get there in time depending on how long your layover is.

If you stay beyond security and make sure to immediately get within vicinity of your next gate, you'll be fine.

Atlanta is a very busy airport, but the people there usually handle it and you quite well. Usually.

There are always delays to get going on the runway once you board, because it is so busy, but safe travels. The good thing about a huge, busy airport is that they really do prepare for just about anything.

I've seen lines back to the baggage claim during March Madness weekends and everyone's gotten home.

Somertime · ‎09-18-2010

Cancel current reservations and rebook at a later date. I would never wait that length of time. Atlanta airport is huge to start with and with the delays it will be far worse, not only that it has been said that the majority of flyers with a connecting flight never make it to their connecting flight.

50Mickey · ‎05-21-2010

Atlanta is a disaster with 40% of the TSA agents calling out this week. The good thing is that you will not be in a TSA line in ATL. They are recommending that if you are flying out of ATL this week to get to the airport 4-5 hours in advance.

Good luck!

Laura14 · ‎06-09-2014

@patticakes Just to clarify, if it's a layover only, which means you're getting off the plane to switch to another plane, then you don't go through security again.

An airline rep will meet the plane and tell you what gate you should head to for your next flight.

You then walk, if it's close enough (usually not), or in ATL, you hop the plane train to the next terminal and the gate where your next plane is at.

kaydee50 · ‎02-07-2011

@patticakes I'm not familiar with the Atlanta airport but if you are making a connection there, you shouldn't have to go through security so you shouldn't be affected.

drizzellla · ‎03-14-2010

After my last experience with Atlanta (a couple of years ago) long before this current situation, I would avoid Atlanta all together.

I had a connecting flight. Flew out of Philadelphia and was to eventually get a flight to Jacksonville. When I got to Atlanta my flight was cancelled to Jacksonville. Went to airline booth, they said go to Terminal A, I was in Terminal B. And I had 20 minutes to get to Terminal A and the gate I needed.

Moved fast to get to Terminal A, they sent me back to Terminal B. Stood in line for well over half an hour, behind woman with 3 overnight bags, a large tote bag and large purse. And yes she talked an talked her way onto the plane.

What are the odds of 2 flights cancelled to Jacksonville? And no weather, was sunny and clear. And of course they had to be in different Terminals.

Pecky · ‎03-10-2010

@patticakes wrote:
Anyone travel recently and have to change flights or have layover in an airport. We'll be flying out of a local airport, which I understand is not too bad; however will have to change flights and layover in Atlanta. Curious what the situation will be when we get there. Any advice?

@patticakes You won't have any issues with it being a layover because you don't need to go through security again (only if you leave to go outside the airport) which I don't know why you would.

KCDiva · ‎03-09-2010

My granddaughter flew from LAX to NY last week with zero problems. She flew back yesterday with no problems or delays.

Tori3569 · ‎06-27-2010

@Laura14 wrote:
If it's a layover, don't go beyond security or you will have a long wait to get back. I live in Atlanta and it's usually a good experience IF you give yourself plenty of time. More now with the issues.

However, the two worst experiences I have ever had traveling were with TSA agents at this airport and that was when they were being paid. Avoid them by staying in the secured area. There's no need to go outside for anything as the ATL is very well stocked with stores and restaurants at the gates if you have some time to kill.

Atlanta also has a plane train which is usually crowded on a good day. I would head towards your next gate on it immediately, to make sure you get there in time depending on how long your layover is.

If you stay beyond security and make sure to immediately get within vicinity of your next gate, you'll be fine.

Atlanta is a very busy airport, but the people there usually handle it and you quite well. Usually.

There are always delays to get going on the runway once you board, because it is so busy, but safe travels. The good thing about a huge, busy airport is that they really do prepare for just about anything.

I've seen lines back to the baggage claim during March Madness weekends and everyone's gotten home.

100% agree with everything written here.

All the issues seen on tv right now are people trying to get through security. If you stay on the gate side, you'll be fine.

No need to cancel plans, just follow everything @Laura14 wrote.

I'm in and out of Atlanta frequently and while it is huge, it's organized. Not sure why others are advising to cancel or change flights, you will not be affected by TSA for a layover.