Not been on a plane in 10 years

[Lindley]

All security is done at your original point of departure, in this case Ashville. There won't be much of a line to speak of.

This is true for many airports, but just FYI, not all of them. Boston Logan, for instance, requires you to go through security again if you need to make a connection in a different terminal due to its layout.

Also, your first point of landing outside the US will require a trip through customs.

 

[PKTrekGirl]

All security is done at your original point of departure, in this case Ashville. There won't be much of a line to speak of.

Since he's only connecting at ATL there won't be any security to speak of. Just a lot of walking from his Ashville arrival to his Amsterdam departure. Lots...and lots...of walking. I suggest taking the tram.

This is very good news. I knew it was that way with domestic connections (obviously), but I wasn't sure if he would have to go through anything when he made the switch to international here. I know that a few years ago (post 9/11) when I went to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, and flew through Canadian airports as connections, I had to go through lines in Canada (both ways), lines in Hanoi (on the way in to Vietnam), Siem Reap (on the way out of Cambodia) and Atlanta (on the way in to the US). I'm also reasonably sure I had to go through lines in Bangkok as well (only a stopover on the way out of Cambodia). I went through so many lines on that trip that I can no longer remember which ones were customs lines, which ones were check-in lines, and which ones were security lines. Going to Europe or Japan is much easier, because those are all direct flights out of here, so you only have to do everything once.

If he gets to do the whole thing in Ashville with nothing repeated when he moves to international at Hartsfield, that is VERY good for him. That will make it easy-squeezy - at least on the way out of the US (and yes - the only way to go out to the international terminal is by train/tram, unless you are really looking to get your exercise in for the day ). But on the way back in to the US, he is going to have go through the whole pick up your luggage, go through customs, re-check our luggage thing at Hartsfield. I don't see any way around that since this is where he will touch down in the US. So that part will still suck.

Still...overall, he's lucky to be missing a lot of the Hartsfield chaos. Almost makes me want to drive to Chattanooga to board a plane next time - the extra drive time would more than make up for the time spent at Hartsfield, standing in those massive lines. Likely I'd end up flying through Atlanta anyway...but who cares if I miss the ticket/check-in nightmare and the security semi-nightmare?

 

[Deckerd]

My parents used to fly abroad all the time - they've been to Australia 5 times! Now they refuse to fly because of the utterly ridiculous time spent standing around and queueing. My dad's disabled and it kills him.

 

[Squiggy]

All security is done at your original point of departure, in this case Ashville. There won't be much of a line to speak of.

Since he's only connecting at ATL there won't be any security to speak of. Just a lot of walking from his Ashville arrival to his Amsterdam departure. Lots...and lots...of walking. I suggest taking the tram.

This is very good news. I knew it was that way with domestic connections (obviously), but I wasn't sure if he would have to go through anything when he made the switch to international here. I know that a few years ago (post 9/11) when I went to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, and flew through Canadian airports as connections, I had to go through lines in Canada (both ways), lines in Hanoi (on the way in to Vietnam), Siem Reap (on the way out of Cambodia) and Atlanta (on the way in to the US). I'm also reasonably sure I had to go through lines in Bangkok as well (only a stopover on the way out of Cambodia). I went through so many lines on that trip that I can no longer remember which ones were customs lines, which ones were check-in lines, and which ones were security lines. Going to Europe or Japan is much easier, because those are all direct flights out of here, so you only have to do everything once.

If he gets to do the whole thing in Ashville with nothing repeated when he moves to international at Hartsfield, that is VERY good for him. That will make it easy-squeezy - at least on the way out of the US (and yes - the only way to go out to the international terminal is by train/tram, unless you are really looking to get your exercise in for the day ). But on the way back in to the US, he is going to have go through the whole pick up your luggage, go through customs, re-check our luggage thing at Hartsfield. I don't see any way around that since this is where he will touch down in the US. So that part will still suck.

Still...overall, he's lucky to be missing a lot of the Hartsfield chaos. Almost makes me want to drive to Chattanooga to board a plane next time - the extra drive time would more than make up for the time spent at Hartsfield, standing in those massive lines. Likely I'd end up flying through Atlanta anyway...but who cares if I miss the ticket/check-in nightmare and the security semi-nightmare?

I hate Hartsfield with the passion of a thousand dying suns. When I'm planning flights, I don't mind a layover unless it's in Atlanta. I'll stay 3 hours at Midway rather than 30 minutes in Atlanta. Ohhhh how I had that airport with it's wee beady eyes!

 

[PKTrekGirl]

I hate Hartsfield with the passion of a thousand dying suns. When I'm planning flights, I don't mind a layover unless it's in Atlanta. I'll stay 3 hours at Midway rather than 30 minutes in Atlanta.

Can't say as I blame you. I hate Hartsfield with the same level of passion. Only in my case, it's a lot harder to avoid as I live in Atlanta.

That said, your comment about 30 minutes at Hartsfield made me laugh. Because chances are, if you get a 30 layover at Hartsfield, your arrival gate and your subsequent departure gate will invariably be 3 terminals away from each other....and both gates WAAAAYYYY down at the end of line of their respective terminals. So you get to sprint. Yee-haw!

Running shoes recommended travel gear and half-marathon training required.

 

[TorontoTrekker]

Still...overall, he's lucky to be missing a lot of the Hartsfield chaos. Almost makes me want to drive to Chattanooga to board a plane next time

I flew to Chattanooga about a year and a half ago, when I went to Chattacon. I think that on my return trip, I had the quickest and most pleasant check-in procedure I'd ever experienced (with the exception that I was saying goodbye to my then-bf, who was driving home to Atlanta ).

Actually, I just booked my flight for this year's Dragon*Con about an hour ago (I'm terrible when it comes to booking flights, even when I know I'm going somewhere a year in advance). I've learned that when possible, it's better to take the bus to Buffalo and fly from there. I think the cheapest Toronto-Atlanta flight I was able to find was $450 - Buffalo-Atlanta is $174, and the bus is under $30. (I just have to be at the bus terminal at 7 in the morning. It was almost worth the extra $250 to be able to sleep until a civilized hour. But then I'd have had to deal with the insanity at Pearson, and change planes in Newark. At least the bus has wi-fi.)

Oh, and Hartsfield may be a zoo, but at least you have a subway link from the airport to Midtown. They keep talking about building a subway line out to the airport here, but it keeps getting put off because City Council thinks that there's a "war on the car" must be defeated at all costs.

 

[Captain Ice]

I hate Hartsfield with the passion of a thousand dying suns. When I'm planning flights, I don't mind a layover unless it's in Atlanta. I'll stay 3 hours at Midway rather than 30 minutes in Atlanta. Ohhhh how I had that airport with it's wee beady eyes!

I've been through Midway (I think), and don't remember it being a bad place, but this makes me:

A) Wonder what kind of special, third level hell Hartsfield is and,

B) Grateful that almost every time I've flown back east and had to change planes, my connection has been in St. Louis, Indianapolis, or Charlotte.

C) Wonder if Hartsfield can be any worse of a connecting airprot than Kansas City International (Never, ever, ever again flying into or out of this hellhole)

 

[TorontoTrekker]

I've been through Midway (I think), and don't remember it being a bad place, but this makes me:

A) Wonder what kind of special, third level hell Hartsfield is

Well, I don't mind Hartsfield that much - it's just very crowded. Plus, Hartsfield is usually full of military people travelling back and forth, and I... um... appreciate men in uniform.

My worst-ever experience was at LAX. I spent two hours in the check-in line, only to find that I'd been directed to the wrong terminal because my flight was a codeshare. I had to run past two or three other terminals to get to the correct one, wearing my winter coat despite it being something like 25C/77F because it was February and it was about -5 in Toronto. I showed up at the other check-in desk sweating and out of breath. They took one look at my passport picture - in which I had a beard, which I'd shaved off - and my sweaty, out-of-breath condition, and sent me to "secondary screening". The airline that was actually operating the flight was El Al. That was fun. Not.

I generally find that I have to give myself three hours or more when I'm flying out of Pearson.

 

[Crewman Wunline]

I have not been on a plane in 10 years and in 5 weeks I am leaving for a 2.5 week stint in the czech republic. I have not been in Europe since 1999 and that was the UK. This is going to be an interesting trip. I will be working most of the time but would like some suggestion on going through the airports and things. I have CPAP machine,if you know what that is , and a knee brace, so I am sure to get the full treatment. I hear they have good beer in czech, so that will be a bonus.

I would advise taking ALL the lliterature on your C-PAP ("Continuous Positive Airway Pressure system, for those of you who aren't familiar, as opposed to "BiPAP") AND the unit itself with you on the plane. Remember it's a $2000-to-$2500 device, and that you can always buy more clothes if your check-in bag gets lost, but how do you replace a C-PAP in a foreign country? With all the original literature along, you can show any doubtful security person exactly what it does. Do you still have the original zipper bag it came in? Not only would the custom pockets contain the mask, harness, and hose, safely and neatly, but also the shoulder strap make lugging it easier, and a matching manufacturer logo on the bag couldn't hurt.
Good luck, and happy contrails!

 

[Crewman Wunline]

My parents used to fly abroad all the time - they've been to Australia 5 times! Now they refuse to fly because of the utterly ridiculous time spent standing around and queueing. My dad's disabled and it kills him.

I hear that--I'm not going anywhere without my chair. It's wheeled, but not a wheelchair, technically it's a "patient transport chair," and it makes waiting in lines merely excruciating instead of life-threatening. Needless to say, I generally avoid situations where I need to wait in lines. I haven't been on a plane, f'r'instance, since 1997. And there's no air travel in sight for the foreseeable future, either...sigh. I wish Dr. Crusher could wave around a hummy-twirly doodad and make it all better!

 

[Crewman Wunline]

I hate Hartsfield with the passion of a thousand dying suns. When I'm planning flights, I don't mind a layover unless it's in Atlanta. I'll stay 3 hours at Midway rather than 30 minutes in Atlanta. Ohhhh how I had that airport with it's wee beady eyes!

I've been through Midway (I think), and don't remember it being a bad place, but this makes me:

A) Wonder what kind of special, third level hell Hartsfield is and,

B) Grateful that almost every time I've flown back east and had to change planes, my connection has been in St. Louis, Indianapolis, or Charlotte.

C) Wonder if Hartsfield can be any worse of a connecting airprot than Kansas City International (Never, ever, ever again flying into or out of this hellhole)

I live in Indianapolis, and we have a shiny new terminal. Welcome one, welcome all!

 

[PKTrekGirl]

I hate Hartsfield with the passion of a thousand dying suns. When I'm planning flights, I don't mind a layover unless it's in Atlanta. I'll stay 3 hours at Midway rather than 30 minutes in Atlanta. Ohhhh how I had that airport with it's wee beady eyes!

I've been through Midway (I think), and don't remember it being a bad place, but this makes me:

A) Wonder what kind of special, third level hell Hartsfield is and,

B) Grateful that almost every time I've flown back east and had to change planes, my connection has been in St. Louis, Indianapolis, or Charlotte.

C) Wonder if Hartsfield can be any worse of a connecting airprot than Kansas City International (Never, ever, ever again flying into or out of this hellhole)

Ice, here is the chief reason why Hartsfield is, as you say, the 'third level of hell':

http://http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World's_busiest_airports_by_passenger_traffichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World's_busiest_airports_by_passenger_traffic

In terms of passenger traffic in and out of here, it's the busiest airport in the world, and has been every year for quite some time.

Which really sort of makes sense - Atlanta is a very large city with only one major airport (most large US urban centers have at least two - some of them more), and to make matters still worse, it is the world headquarters and thus largest hub of Delta. And finally, it is the only major international airport in the Southeast save maybe Miami (which is a long ways away) - so almost all air traffic into or out of the Southeast comes through here.

This all adds up to massive numbers of people, and thus, really long lines - particularly at ticketing/check-in for Delta (other airlines not nearly as bad, but still not fun by any means) and for going through airport security. And on the other end of the process, the wait for checked baggage. On several occasions, I have waited over an hour for my flight's bags to hit the carousels...and that was from the time I arrived at the carousel myself, which is usually more than 30 min from the time the flight lands since you have to get in from the outlying terminals to reach the baggage claim, and that takes time on the underground train, etc. Baggage claim at Hartsfield REALLY sucks. And talk about a free-for all! Good lord! A billion impatient travelers milling around in a massive crowd, waiting for what seems like an eternity for their luggage. Talk about a grumpy mob! It's not pretty at all.

Bottom line - it all adds up to an 'unsatisfactory' travel experience.

Interesting though - While I was on that Wiki page, I took a moment to look through the other airports on that list of the 30 busiest, and I have actually been through about 25 of them. And the only one on that list that I like LESS than Hartsfield is Charles deGaulle...and that one not because of the crowds but because the last few times I've been through there, they were doing renovations and it was really grungy dirty. One of the airports on that list is actually my favorite airport in the world (Hong Kong International), so it IS possible for a busy airport to be clean, well run, and with a 'feeling' of organization and things being 'in control'. Hartsfield, most of the time, just feels like a chaotic free-for-all. And air travel is already enough of a PITA without that feeling of massive crowds and chaos pressing in on you from every side.

Also, TorontoTrekker is right - especially since we went into Afghanistan (and even more so since we went into Iraq) there is a ton of military traffic that comes through here too, in addition to all the regular passenger traffic. I guess that for him, that's a plus ( ) but for me, it just makes me anxious, watching these young folks go off to risk their lives in those places. I guess that bit is a matter of perspective...but for me, when I see those kids and chat with them on line, I'm not thinking about hot uniforms - I'm thinking about the possibility of these young kids coming home in boxes. So it only makes the whole Hartsfield experience even worse.

Interesting that you have never been through here though - from that, I can only assume you are not flying Delta with an ultimate destination in the Southeast...or I would be REALLY surprised that you managed to avoid us.

In any case, keep up the good work on that front! Best to avoid us if you can.

 

[Captain Ice]

Interesting that you have never been through here though - from that, I can only assume you are not flying Delta with an ultimate destination in the Southeast...or I would be REALLY surprised that you managed to avoid us.
In any case, keep up the good work on that front! Best to avoid us if you can.

That's probably because I try to use mt hometown airline if I'm going anywhere Southwest doesn't fly directly to from Sky Harbor. USAirways has a huge hub in Charlotte that handles most of it's transatlantic flights..

Ed: Looking at the list of world's busiest airports by pax volume and we're 21st....I knew we were busy around here, but damn. We're also evidently 9th in the US.

 

[enlisted person]

I have not been on a plane in 10 years and in 5 weeks I am leaving for a 2.5 week stint in the czech republic. I have not been in Europe since 1999 and that was the UK. This is going to be an interesting trip. I will be working most of the time but would like some suggestion on going through the airports and things. I have CPAP machine,if you know what that is , and a knee brace, so I am sure to get the full treatment. I hear they have good beer in czech, so that will be a bonus.

I would advise taking ALL the lliterature on your C-PAP ("Continuous Positive Airway Pressure system, for those of you who aren't familiar, as opposed to "BiPAP") AND the unit itself with you on the plane. Remember it's a $2000-to-$2500 device, and that you can always buy more clothes if your check-in bag gets lost, but how do you replace a C-PAP in a foreign country? With all the original literature along, you can show any doubtful security person exactly what it does. Do you still have the original zipper bag it came in? Not only would the custom pockets contain the mask, harness, and hose, safely and neatly, but also the shoulder strap make lugging it easier, and a matching manufacturer logo on the bag couldn't hurt.
Good luck, and happy contrails!

I checked the TSA sight and specifically mentioned CPAPs and being able to carry them on. I was going to put my cpcap and everything else in one back pack if I can to save space. I have had the thing for 10 years or so and don't know where all the literature is. What do they call the TSA in foreign countries and how do I check those????????

 

[enlisted person]

I been thinking about this. For my carbon fiber knee brace, I have a pair of pants that zip off into shorts. I will wear them so that I don't have to pull my pants off to show them the brace. Put the long part back one once I clear security so I don't look ridiculous and I can take the brace off then for travel if I want. I need it when I walk not when I sit on a plane but I bet I will get a hard time carrying it through.

 

[TorontoTrekker]

And on the other end of the process, the wait for checked baggage. On several occasions, I have waited over an hour for my flight's bags to hit the carousels...and that was from the time I arrived at the carousel myself, which is usually more than 30 min from the time the flight lands since you have to get in from the outlying terminals to reach the baggage claim, and that takes time on the underground train, etc. Baggage claim at Hartsfield REALLY sucks. And talk about a free-for all! Good lord! A billion impatient travelers milling around in a massive crowd, waiting for what seems like an eternity for their luggage. Talk about a grumpy mob! It's not pretty at all.

Funny, I don't recall ever having an excruciatingly long wait for my luggage. Mind you, the last couple of times I've flown into Atlanta I've had company while I was waiting, so it's possible that it just didn't seem as long as it really was. Or maybe it's because I tend to take airlines that don't have a billion flights - usually I'm on Air Canada, or sometimes I take the bus to Buffalo and fly AirTran from there (that's what I'm doing in a couple of weeks - I save about $300-400 on the airfare by doing it that way, though it does add several hours to the trip in each direction).

The one thing that's always surprised me, though, is that the luggage claim is in a non-secure area - my ex always just walked in and waited for my suitcase with me. Anyone could just walk in and grab a suitcase or three. I don't remember ever seeing a setup like that anywhere else.