Traveltalkonline.com Forums


SXM Cruise Schedule TTOL Sponsors SXM Travel Calendar
Forum Statistics
Forums39
Topics38,433
Posts310,101
Members26,538
Most Online2,218
Jan 21st, 2020
Top Posters(30 Days)
RonDon 115
pat 42
Todd 40
jazzgal 40
Member Spotlight
Posts: 21
Joined: July 2022
Show All Member Profiles 
Today's Birthdays
ecco, OceanDrop, vincent
Who's Online Now
30 registered members (Memphré, magpie, jaxon60, Midsouth, TravelHat, eightzerobits, GeorgeC1, sugarae, xrayman67, LINNY, SXMScubaman, Standrea, ericlut, SXMBND, Kennys, bailau, CaribbeanCanadians, jazzgal, BHK, 11 invisible), 982 guests, and 72 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Connection in Atlanta #165638
07/12/2018 11:35 AM
07/12/2018 11:35 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Curious as to people's experiences with connections in Atlanta. Thinking about booking a trip with 1.5 hours connection time coming HOME from SXM through Atlanta. Unless we have Global Entry (which we may end up getting) or mobile passport (which I THINK works in Atlanta??), I'm loathe to book that quick a connection. Thoughts???


Carol Hill
SXM Sponsors
Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Carol_Hill] #165639
07/12/2018 11:43 AM
07/12/2018 11:43 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,569
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,569
Auburn, WA
With out GE I would never opt for that short of a connection time at any airport especially if your not sitting towards to front of the plane.

Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Carol_Hill] #165640
07/12/2018 11:43 AM
07/12/2018 11:43 AM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
Carol, Atlanta utilizes the Customs Mobile passport app. You may try that for expediency.

That being said...if your flight leaving SXM is late....I think you are cutting yourself too short on time. Atlanta is HUGE! Busiest airport in the World.
You must take a train to a different terminal for your domestic flight.


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: BeachKitten] #165642
07/12/2018 12:21 PM
07/12/2018 12:21 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Have you used Mobile Passport in Atlanta? I figured it was cutting it too close.. There are two other flights the same night into Orlando AFTER the flight that only has the 1.5 hours connection time. That's the only reason why I was considering it, figuring if I missed the connection, I could still make the later flight. Can't imagine those other flights are all full normally. Will probably go with the one which is 3 hours connection..

Last edited by Carol_Hill; 07/12/2018 12:22 PM.

Carol Hill
Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Carol_Hill] #165648
07/12/2018 01:30 PM
07/12/2018 01:30 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
We have Global Entry, so I didn't use it.

I would definitely take the 3 hour connection. You can get to the next gate in a leisurely fashion. Have dinner or get a drink at the airport. Sit in a rocking chair...lol.
Do a mini massage!


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: BeachKitten] #165649
07/12/2018 01:43 PM
07/12/2018 01:43 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
We'll see, I want to do Delta Comfort, and I might not even have enough miles to do the quicker flight, so it may not be an option. The only reason why I'm tempted is because of the two later flights the same night..


Carol Hill
Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Carol_Hill] #165655
07/12/2018 03:19 PM
07/12/2018 03:19 PM
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 215
Michigan
mprevo Offline
Traveler
mprevo  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 215
Michigan
We have traveled thru Atlanta on every trip to SXM. I have made it on a short connection (90 minutes) before but it was nerve racking for me. We also usually sit toward the front of the plane and are able to exit pretty quickly.

I have seen the custom lines move really well and I have seen them totally stall because of the crowds. We also only travel with carry ons so that is faster. Don't forget if you have any checked luggage you need to go to the baggage claim, pick up all of your luggage, go thru customs, then recheck your baggage for the balance of your flight. I don't think I would push the 90 minute layover if I had to deal with checked baggage. It seems that by the time a person picks up their luggage it puts you quite far back in the line.

We traveled with another couple one year (they had checked bags and we had carry ons only). They ended up getting through the customs line about 20-25 minutes after us. I know this because I was watching the clock to see how much time the checked bag adds. Hope this helps.

Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Carol_Hill] #165658
07/12/2018 03:51 PM
07/12/2018 03:51 PM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 363
The Villages, FL
deputydog1157 Offline
Traveler
deputydog1157  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 363
The Villages, FL
So I feel safe that on my trip in September from SXM to Sarasota via Atlanta which has a 3 hour layover won't be an issue. I am originally from New York and MANY years ago I had a part tie job chauffeuring a limo in New York City. The wait for the JFK international arrivals could be many hours waiting for the client to get through customs so I guess 3 hours should be safe. I thought that 3 hours was going to be close but based on these comments it seems it'll be a little quicker.



[Linked Image]
Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Carol_Hill] #165661
07/12/2018 04:21 PM
07/12/2018 04:21 PM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
P
PelicanPirate Offline
Traveler
PelicanPirate  Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
We have not had problems in Atlanta with tight connections. The thing i would consider is there one or more flights after your planned one. If none id be more worried.

Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Carol_Hill] #165665
07/12/2018 04:29 PM
07/12/2018 04:29 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 882
Arizona
M
marybeth Offline
Traveler
marybeth  Offline
Traveler
M
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 882
Arizona
Carol, I think 90" is too close a connection even using Mobile Passport. The walk from the plane to C&I is long, even with the moving sidewalks. The hold up is usually at the re-checking luggage & going thru security bottleneck. I'm so use to flying thru ATL I don't see the size as an issue. Once you're thru security you're on the train going to your concourse, maybe 5-7". A minimum of 2 hours is what I aim for.


MB
Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Carol_Hill] #165669
07/12/2018 05:29 PM
07/12/2018 05:29 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 226
PnPinNC Offline
Traveler
PnPinNC  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 226
We just came home through ATL and used Mobile Passport - we breezed through. We had a two hour connection, and had time for dinner.

Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Carol_Hill] #165671
07/12/2018 06:35 PM
07/12/2018 06:35 PM
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 383
U
Uksimonusa Offline
Traveler
Uksimonusa  Offline
Traveler
U
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 383
The problem we have had in ATL, is the TSA check after customs, no pre-check and long lines, our connections to MLB have always been around 2 hours, and we've had time to grab a sandwich to take on the plane, but that's about it, and that's with Global Entry

Last edited by Uksimonusa; 07/12/2018 06:35 PM.
Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Uksimonusa] #165680
07/12/2018 07:17 PM
07/12/2018 07:17 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
IF we paid for Global Entry, we should get TSA pre-check, although I guess not guaranteed. And as I have said, there are TWO flights the same night after the flight with the short connection. I'm just talking out my sleeve though, as I am a consummate worrier, so probably won't risk it!!!


Carol Hill
Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Carol_Hill] #165685
07/12/2018 07:52 PM
07/12/2018 07:52 PM
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 383
U
Uksimonusa Offline
Traveler
Uksimonusa  Offline
Traveler
U
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 383
Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
IF we paid for Global Entry, we should get TSA pre-check, although I guess not guaranteed. And as I have said, there are TWO flights the same night after the flight with the short connection. I'm just talking out my sleeve though, as I am a consummate worrier, so probably won't risk it!!!


You do get precheck with GE, BUT when you clear customs in ATL from an international flight, you have to go through TSA security check again to get airside, this check line does not offer Pre-Check :-(

Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Carol_Hill] #165691
07/12/2018 09:15 PM
07/12/2018 09:15 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,569
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,569
Auburn, WA
You mean to say there isn't an additional line that is for precheck next to the normal one? Most airports do.

Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Uksimonusa] #165693
07/12/2018 09:20 PM
07/12/2018 09:20 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Wow, that's weird..


Carol Hill
Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: SXMScubaman] #165694
07/12/2018 09:30 PM
07/12/2018 09:30 PM
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 383
U
Uksimonusa Offline
Traveler
Uksimonusa  Offline
Traveler
U
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 383
Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
You mean to say there isn't an additional line that is for precheck next to the normal one? Most airports do.


Yes there is on the normal check in, but when you are transitioning from an International Flight to a domestic flight, there is the TSA check point with no pre-check

Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Uksimonusa] #165697
07/12/2018 09:55 PM
07/12/2018 09:55 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,569
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,569
Auburn, WA
Hmmm. Really strange carrol you need to check and confirm this one in person.

Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Carol_Hill] #165698
07/12/2018 10:28 PM
07/12/2018 10:28 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 882
Arizona
M
marybeth Offline
Traveler
marybeth  Offline
Traveler
M
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 882
Arizona
Very weird indeed. But absolutely no pre check unless it's changed in the past 2 months. And it's a real zoo if several flights arrive together. If you're coming in early before the big push of flights from overseas come in you might be OK And this zoo is only for people who are connecting. If you're terminating in Atlanta you have to hike a mile over to Terminal F for luggage & customs.


MB
Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: marybeth] #165699
07/12/2018 11:08 PM
07/12/2018 11:08 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,569
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,569
Auburn, WA
No tram?

Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: SXMScubaman] #165701
07/13/2018 06:47 AM
07/13/2018 06:47 AM
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 215
Michigan
mprevo Offline
Traveler
mprevo  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 215
Michigan
I have been through ATL many times. There is no PreCheck going through customs when returning back to the states. I always thought this was weird too, but one does not exist. I even a asked an agent once if there was and he told me no also.

Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Carol_Hill] #165708
07/13/2018 09:23 AM
07/13/2018 09:23 AM
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 95
US
J
jborosara Offline
Traveler
jborosara  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 95
US
Just had this experience at ATL two days ago - not on the way home from SXM but from another Caribbean destination.

It was a Tuesday evening (honestly thought lines would be shorter mid-week) - the mobile app stations were NOT being used - we have the app and asked if we could use them and were told 'no' - they were not in service at the time. Line to get to customs took every bit of two hours - actually it was two separate lines - one line to get to the front of so that we could be assigned a line to get in to. Customs was super simple - stand - show passport - snap picture - go - we weren't even asked to declare anything - not even the Cuban rum I had in my suitcase. Then to grab suitcase and recheck it which is also super simple - it's basically just grab bag from one conveyor and put on another conveyor - don't even have to talk to a person. Then back through security.

the whole ordeal took about 90 minutes to two hours - our flight was already two hours delayed. Many people on the plane badly missed connections. I did not as I know the hellscape that ATL customs can be and know full well that planes to and from the Caribbean are often delayed by quite a lot.

Having said all of that - for me flight planning depends on what I have going the next day. I knew I had to work on Wednesday so missing the connection was not an option - I'm a contracted employee so I don't get paid if I don't work. If I'm flying on a Saturday or Friday and I don't have anywhere particular to be the next day, I will book a tighter connection, but never less than two hours - and never if I have a big group in tow. If I really need to be home the day I am traveling, I book a connection of at least four hours. This one was supposed to be five.. As it was, we just barely made our connection and got home some time just after one am.... which made me a very tired girl the next day... but I got to work - and on time.

My next step is to get GE - we travel alot and out of the country a fair bit (mostly to the Caribbean for diving or sitting on a beach) - BUT that would not have helped us this time with five other family members in tow.

Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: SXMScubaman] #165713
07/13/2018 10:33 AM
07/13/2018 10:33 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 882
Arizona
M
marybeth Offline
Traveler
marybeth  Offline
Traveler
M
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 882
Arizona
No train from immigration to luggage pickup & customs. You don't go back thru security once you've cleared immigaration so you can't access the train. So you miss the zoo like security lines but it is a hike from Terminal E to F.


MB
Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: jborosara] #165717
07/13/2018 10:39 AM
07/13/2018 10:39 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 882
Arizona
M
marybeth Offline
Traveler
marybeth  Offline
Traveler
M
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 882
Arizona
We got GE for just this reason. Only once was Mobile Passport not opened & I swore I would never stand in those lines again. Plus with living in AZ for most of the year it's easy in & out of Mexico with GE.


MB
Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Carol_Hill] #165742
07/13/2018 03:49 PM
07/13/2018 03:49 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 558
Florida & Beacon Hill, SXM
GaryB Offline
Traveler
GaryB  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 558
Florida & Beacon Hill, SXM
GE was the best money I ever spent to travel. Bar-none, period.
With all the travel Carol and Eric do it is the thing to have.
Good luck.


GaryB
Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Carol_Hill] #165814
07/14/2018 05:12 PM
07/14/2018 05:12 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,613
originally Long Island, NY/now...
irish1223 Offline
Traveler
irish1223  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,613
originally Long Island, NY/now...
We use ATL 9 times out of 10 when we travel just about anywhere. We have Mobile Passport and 'usually' do carry-on only. Still, I would not attempt a 90-minute connection in ATL, or anything under 3 hours, for that matter. As others have stated, it's a LONG hike to luggage pickup and customs (no train access). Also correct is that there is no Pre-Check when returning back to the States, weird as it may seem.


Robin & Ed

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. - Henry Miller

Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: irish1223] #165815
07/14/2018 05:15 PM
07/14/2018 05:15 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Three hours?? That seems excessive. Will probably not attempt the 90 minute connection, although I am still tempted. Like I have said, there are two other connections AFTER the short one, the same night..


Carol Hill
Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Carol_Hill] #165818
07/14/2018 05:27 PM
07/14/2018 05:27 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,613
originally Long Island, NY/now...
irish1223 Offline
Traveler
irish1223  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,613
originally Long Island, NY/now...
Seems so, but we missed on 'on-time' 2-hour connection one time due to long lines and the long walk. ATL can be a madhouse.


Robin & Ed

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. - Henry Miller

Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Carol_Hill] #165819
07/14/2018 05:29 PM
07/14/2018 05:29 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,613
originally Long Island, NY/now...
irish1223 Offline
Traveler
irish1223  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,613
originally Long Island, NY/now...
With that being said, however, we have also made several 2-hour connections in ATL. It all depends on what your risk factors are; and as you said, whether there are later flights for you to catch or not. I'm a nervous nelly when it comes to catching flights, so I prefer to err on the side of caution. LOL!


Robin & Ed

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. - Henry Miller

Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: irish1223] #165827
07/14/2018 07:19 PM
07/14/2018 07:19 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Oh, I'm a nervous Nellie too, so I'm probably just talking out my a$$….. grin


Carol Hill
Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Carol_Hill] #165829
07/14/2018 08:22 PM
07/14/2018 08:22 PM
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,241
New Hampshire, USA
W
WayneB Offline
Traveler
WayneB  Offline
Traveler
W
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,241
New Hampshire, USA
Carol, we have come back through Atlanta the past few times from the Caribbean, and WITH Global Entry, 90 minutes is more than enough time. Without it, I would not chance it, coming to Boston, without a later flight. but if there are 2 later flights, I would go for it, if you really want to get home. We always plan 2 hours, and have dinner, and have time to kill after. 90 minutes would be no problem without dinner. Again, we do have Global Entry.

Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Carol_Hill] #165833
07/14/2018 08:51 PM
07/14/2018 08:51 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,569
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,569
Auburn, WA
" Like I have said, there are two other connections AFTER the short one, the same night.."
That's fine if there are seats on the plain available on those flights and you don't care where you sit. Your luggage would make the original flight but would be sitting at your destination prior to you getting there possibly in an unsecure place.

Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: SXMScubaman] #165835
07/14/2018 09:42 PM
07/14/2018 09:42 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
As far as there being seats available on the later flights, I really don't think that will be a problem. And we generally just book the cheapest seats on the plane. However, we are thinking about booking Delta Comfort for the trip home, if we have enough miles to do it, so that could be a factor. I assume without knowing that there will be Delta Comfort seats available on both legs of the flight, not just the SXM to Atlanta leg. Guess I need to look at seating for second flight..


Carol Hill
Re: Connection in Atlanta [Re: Carol_Hill] #165836
07/14/2018 10:08 PM
07/14/2018 10:08 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,613
originally Long Island, NY/now...
irish1223 Offline
Traveler
irish1223  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,613
originally Long Island, NY/now...
grin grin grin


Robin & Ed

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. - Henry Miller


Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.6.1