Anyone flown from Europe back to US through Atlanta recently? I'm trying to decide if 1.5 hours is enough between a flight from Madrid and catching a flight to west coast (PDX). I'd have checked luggage but nothing to declare for customs. It's either that or about a 4 hour layover...
Posted by
Seattle, WA
1317 posts
If it was 14 hours, I might gamble, but 4 hours is nothing. I had a 3.5 hr layover through Newark once. The lines (passport control & TSA) were not too horrible, and I STILL only had enough time to go to the bathroom and snag a new book to read on the plane before they started boarding. Part of the delay was due to the airline being extremely slow to off-load our checked luggage.
I'd do the 4 hour layover, for sure.
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
We came through Atlanta yesterday and things were moving pretty quickly compared to other times. Steve is correct--it does depend on how many flights arrive near the same time as yours.
I'd say the 1.5 hours is the minimum.
Also, even though you checked your luggage through you still have to pick it up in Atlanta and check it through to your final destination so, in addition to going through customs, you have to go through the security screening process again and then catch a train to your gate.
Based on my experience it takes an hour to get through passport control and security which allows 30 minutes to get to your gate. It's a tough call!
Posted by
Atlanta
1357 posts
That is tight. The 4 hour option may not be a bad idea. Remember, ATL is the busiest airport in the world. If you're coming in mid-afternoon, that's when the bulk of the European flights come in. Getting through passport control, customs, and security could easily take an hour, leaving just 30 minutes to get on the train and get to your gate. The international terminal is at the end of the airport.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Having been through Atlanta numerous times myself, I'd be more comfortable with the 4 hour option. If you find yourself with extra time after you have gotten to your new gate you can always browse the shops in your concourse or get something to eat.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2745 posts
I live in Atlanta. Customs is a breeze.
Immigartion is a NIGHTMARE. They don't rally want you to come home and will subject you to LONG lines and "glaring" questions... (These are men and women who truly "enjoy" thier jobs apparently)
AND THEN... you pick up your luggage (which may or may not be there after the wait for immigration), walk right through customs, recheck your luggage and get in one of the worst run TSA stations ever. (Of course it's made worse by the passengers in front of you who in spite of the signs and announements made will assume that "thier" bottle of booze, perfume etc purchased at duty free will be allowed on. They will hold the entire line up while they try to whine to the TSA about "it's still in the secure plastic")
1.5 hours is tight here!