Need advice re Atlanta Hartsfield

[David]

From the top, this is not a WDW question, as we are going to DLR, but using Atlanta Harstfield and needed advice from frequent user of that airport, and I will probably have better luck posting here than the DLR section.

Here is the situation:
10 of us are flying from Birmingham to Anaheim to vist DLR. 8 of the tickets were purchased a couple months ago and the last 2 just last night. Unforunately, for the last leg of the flight, from Atl to B'ham, it was not possible to have those two fly at the same time as the rest of us. These 2 are teenagers (16(M) and 18 (F)), and it looks like both will just meet their parents to drive them home rather than wait 4 hours for the next available flight.

We fly when going to WDW but not frequent flyers by any means. So I'm just not sure how easy it will be for them to leave the plane and be able to find their luggage and meet their folks. I realize that they are not little kids by any means, but as these are not our kids (in fact will not meet the 16 until our trip--neices BF) I want to be able to offer any advice to them or their parents on where they need to be, etc. Of course we will be in contact via text or phone till everyone is with their party, but as our connecting flight leaves only 40 minutes after our scheduled landing in Atl, we will have no opportunity to be with them.

Long story, but can anyone who frequents Hartsfield offer any advice?

 

[cowanfamily]

when they get off the plane. Head to the escalator that says baggage claim. At the bottom they will get on a tram. Have them stay on the tram until they reach the baggage claim exit. When they get off the tram have them go up the escalators. Whomever is picking them up will be at the top of these escalators. Atlanta airport funnels all incoming passengers through this point.

 

[wm49rs]

From the top, this is not a WDW question, as we are going to DLR, but using Atlanta Harstfield and needed advice from frequent user of that airport, and I will probably have better luck posting here than the DLR section.

Here is the situation:
10 of us are flying from Birmingham to Anaheim to vist DLR. 8 of the tickets were purchased a couple months ago and the last 2 just last night. Unforunately, for the last leg of the flight, from Atl to B'ham, it was not possible to have those two fly at the same time as the rest of us. These 2 are teenagers (16(M) and 18 (F)), and it looks like both will just meet their parents to drive them home rather than wait 4 hours for the next available flight.

We fly when going to WDW but not frequent flyers by any means. So I'm just not sure how easy it will be for them to leave the plane and be able to find their luggage and meet their folks. I realize that they are not little kids by any means, but as these are not our kids (in fact will not meet the 16 until our trip--neices BF) I want to be able to offer any advice to them or their parents on where they need to be, etc. Of course we will be in contact via text or phone till everyone is with their party, but as our connecting flight leaves only 40 minutes after our scheduled landing in Atl, we will have no opportunity to be with them.

Long story, but can anyone who frequents Hartsfield offer any advice?

It's not that bad. There is a train/tram/subway that connects all the terminals with the baggae claim area. When they get off that train there is a long escalator that takes them up into the main terminal and baggage claim. Their parents can stand at the top of that terminal and wait for them to come up. And the signs for the train are pretty well marked in each terminal.

Basically they will deboard the plane, walk a little ways to a escalator that takes them down to the train, ride it to baggage claim, and then ride another long escalator up to where they can meet their parents and get their bags. It sounds complex, but really isnt.

This map shows better what I am trying to describe. The concourses are the airline terminals, with Concourse T being the stop for baggage claim.

 

[Tomi-Rocket]

suggestion.....

We live about 40 west of the airport (and my DH is an aircraft mechanic for one of the airlines there) and obviously that's where we fly in and out of for any flight we take. I find it fairly easy to navigate the airport so the advice about finding the escalators was right on target, but my advice is once the teens have gotten their luggage have them tell whoever is picking them up to pick them up at the last door that's located near Baggage. (The first dorrs are by the Ticket Counters.) It will be easier to find them because it's not as busy with cars or people. That's what we always do when one of us flies in. Hope it helps!

 

[powlessfamily4]

when they get off the plane. Head to the escalator that says baggage claim. At the bottom they will get on a tram. Have them stay on the tram until they reach the baggage claim exit. When they get off the tram have them go up the escalators. Whomever is picking them up will be at the top of these escalators. Atlanta airport funnels all incoming passengers through this point.

Ah.... but you didn't specify which airline they are on. The information above applies to all airlines except American Airlines. If they are flying American they will not go up the escalator, they will follow the lower level signs to arrive at American Airlines private baggage claim. Hartsfield always has plenty of people around to help if they need it.

 

[David]

We will be flying Delta. And thanks to all of you who offered help and advice. I'm sure I am worrying about nothing, but with the way the world can be sometimes.........

 

[Uncle Lupe]

I've been using that airport and Delta since I was 6yrs old. Atlanta is a large airport but easy to navigate, god bless the train. Usually take the long escalator down to the train then up to baggage claim. Of course you can walk to baggage claim if you want a workout. The signs are clearly marked and the train has automatic announcements and electronic signs that tell you what your next stop will be. Please hold to the poles in the train, I swear that thing has the "01" on the side. If you can stand up with out holding on you are a pro. :lol: Sorry childhood airport game came back to me. Make sure they remember their flight number to easily find their baggage carousel.

With only 40 minutes between your fights if you are changing plans don't be so sure you'll get to your flight. Last time I flew Atlanta we arrived on time then sat on the tarmac for 45 minutes before we could gate. We looked like the airport scene from Home Alone to reach our next flight.

 

[BAD311]

ATL airport is easy. Have them get off the plane, follow the mob of others to baggage claim through the terminal, get on tram it'll take them to BAGGAGE CLAIM, remember T-Gate is NOT baggage claim!

Go up escalators and pick up your stuff at either SOUTH end (95% DELTA 5% AIR TRAN) or NORTH end (everyone else). From there they get their luggage at one of the many pick up points. Ask someone outside the airplane terminal doors where to get luggage at baggage claim as soon as they are off the plane.

Oh and it takes approx. 15-30 minutes for the luggage to start coming up once you're at SOUTH or NORTH sides at baggage claim.

 

[powlessfamily4]

I've been using that airport and Delta since I was 6yrs old. Atlanta is a large airport but easy to navigate, god bless the train. Usually take the long escalator down to the train then up to baggage claim. Of course you can walk to baggage claim if you want a workout. The signs are clearly marked and the train has automatic announcements and electronic signs that tell you what your next stop will be. Please hold to the poles in the train, I swear that thing has the "01" on the side. If you can stand up with out holding on you are a pro. :lol: Sorry childhood airport game came back to me. Make sure they remember their flight number to easily find their baggage carousel.

With only 40 minutes between your fights if you are changing plans don't be so sure you'll get to your flight. Last time I flew Atlanta we arrived on time then sat on the tarmac for 45 minutes before we could gate. We looked like the airport scene from Home Alone to reach our next flight.

That is because they have a 78% ranking for on time departures. Having said that, a good reason is that it is the busiest airport in the world. I love living in Atlanta, but we need more runways!