Delta Connection at ATL or JFK?

I prefer ATL because it’s got a straightforward layout and it’s easy to transfer between terminals by tram or walking. I find JFK very confusing and signage is poor.

Though I've had mostly not great experiences there, I'd pick ATL over JFK. As noted it has a logical layout and easy transportation between terminals. It looks like Delta has only one ATL-MUC flight a day (?), so give yourself plenty of cushion on transfer time. If it is a choice for a 1.5 hour layover or a 5 hour layover, go with the long one. Same for your return flight. Food options in international terminal aren't great, so plan for that.

Atlanta airport is huge and spread out. However, I've never found it difficult to navigate. We've connected thru JFK a few times and while that's a pretty poor sample, they did not go well. I personally like to stick to Atlanta when possible. That said, for a cost savings I'd use JFK

Given the mention of terminal changes at ATL, I feel I should specify that an all-Delta-operated* itinerary at JFK does not require any terminal changes at all -- all Delta-operated flights are at Terminal 4.

Previously Delta also operated out of Terminal 2, which definitely made for an annoying change, but that terminal is now closed.

(*I specify Delta-operated because Air France and KLM, who are Delta partners, operate out of Terminal 1. However, if you're flying JFK to/from Munich you are definitely on Delta metal and flying out of Terminal 4, because neither Air France nor KLM operate nonstop flights between New York and Germany -- as you might expect they operate to/from their respective bases, Paris and Amsterdam.)

Great information, thanks. All my flights are operated by Delta so no terminal change at JFK. I always allow at least 3 hours for international connections outbound, sometimes less on return flight. I am very familiar with ATL, but have flown through JFK only twice. Any additional suggestions and tips are appreciated.

Atlanta by all means. Outbound the international terminal security is much, much easier and quicker. And far less crowded. The only downside to the Atlanta international terminal is the restaurant selection is not as good as the other terminals. Believe me, you don't want a Varsity Chili Dog before a long flight. But that can be solved by hopping on the plane train to another terminal and then returning since you'll be in the secure area the entire time. Just thinking about changing in JFK calls for a glass of wine.

"Believe me, you don't want a Varsity Chili Dog before a long flight."

@TC - oh my word...that made me laugh out loud! I can't imagine....

ATL. I flew through there both outbound and home last trip. The world's busiest, but they are very efficient.

Especially if Orlando is your home airport. Much closer to home.

Actually my son and I were in Atlanta last month for GT/Duke basketball game and we enjoyed a chili slaw dog at the Varsity before the game. No indigestion yet!

I've made numerous international transfers at ATL and at JFK. The only reason I would pick JFK over ATL would be a significant cost savings. IMHO, ATL is far superior to JFK as an airport, including as an airport for making transfers. ATL has...

• Better movement of people within the airport
• Better food options. International flights go out of both the E and F concourses -- there are many food options in the E concourse -- F is a little more limited but certainly not terrible. Other concourses are options for food, too
• Far more efficient runway system which results in much less time awaiting take off.
• Fewer flight delays (though can certainly happen with summer thunderstorms at ATL).

JFK and ATL are my primary airports to use. JFK is easiest for me when traveling internationally - lots of nonstop flight options. ATL is my preference for domestic flights and international flights heading to Africa, South America, and some other points west. If the ticket price is significantly lower I’d fly south to ATL then back northeast to Europe and other points east.

As already stated JFK is an easy airport to navigate, efficient re-entry, and no terminal change. It is a worthy connection airport if the ticket savings are significant. If not my choice would be ATL. Grounds operations are stellar. Food options (and loyalty clubs) abound throughout the terminals. Dining costs are outrageous at JFK.

In the distant past my re-entry experiences at ATL have been long, tedious and frustrating. Hopefully there has been significant improvement.

I enter the US twice a year at Atlanta and breeze through with Global Entry.