Korean Job Discussion Forums

Goku · Joined: 10 Dec 2008

I hope someone can help me with this, I have no idea what to do.

I just booked a ticket on orbitz to go home for the summer to Korea.

Now here's the issue.
When flying back to Korea.

I have 45 minutes to change to my international flight.

So that's arrive at Atlanta Georgia airport at 11:51 and board my international plane going to Korea at 12:30.

Is 45 minutes going to be enough for me to get my ass over there? OR am I looking to call orbitz and rip them a new one.

On the bright side, both of the flights are on Delta (an American airline) so baggage won't be so much an issue...

I'm thinking track shoes, sweat pants, and getting an ajumma visor to let everyone know GTFO my way

BritishinSuwon · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 1:55 am Post subject:

I've flown enough to know one thing...nothing is certain when it comes to catching a connecting flight there is no set answer. You can make it in 45 minutes or you can be waiting for some time. There are too many variables when it comes to airports and time.
In all honesty, I'd say try to change your flight time to give you more breathing space between flights.

victorology · Joined: 10 Sep 2007

There are a bunch of factors. Each airport has their own minimum connect time. 45 minutes seems doable but...

If your flight to ATL is delayed, you'll miss your flight.

Also, there's the chance you make the connect but your baggage doesn't. Most lost baggage are the result of misconnects.

I would check the on-time performance for both flights. Even then, it might make sense to allow for a little more leeway.

saw6436 · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Daejeon, ROK

I've been flying internationally for over 30 years. The plus is, you are on one airline. The negative is, as others have posted, there are 2 many variables at play.

As a rule, I shoot for a 2 hour window when changing planes. Two hours seems long but it does give you a chance for a bit of a breather (shave, eat, stretch, etc)

MrMr · Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Location: Korea

As a last resort I'd find out if there is an earlier delta flight to Atlanta. If so go to the airport early and ask Delta customer service if it's possible to get on the earlier flight. I've had airlines do this for me when seats were available. look concerned but be charming.

Goku · Joined: 10 Dec 2008

Someone mentioned that if they are the same airline (they are) that if I missed my flight they would book me on the next availble one, even give me a hotel if needed.

Can anyone confirm this? I'd be willing to stay 12-24 hours then give orbitz the satisfaction of taking my hard earned cash for rebooking.

Maneki Neko · Joined: 15 May 2009

Kikomom · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 12:12 pm Post subject:

If the Atlanta leg is on time, the luggage still has a chance of not making it. Take a change of clothes, toiletries, and your valuables in your carry on luggage.

If the bags don't show up at the pick up in Korea, you can make a claim and the airlines will deliver it to your house when it gets there. Make sure it has a tag with your K-address and hang onto your claim tickets.

Drew345 · Joined: 24 May 2005

I guess as a last thing to check, just to be absolutely sure everything will be OK (since Orbitz is hated by many people), make sure that your two flights are actually on the same reservation (not just the same airline). Call delta and make sure this reservation takes you all the way from your home to Inchoen on one reservation.
One time I had a United ticket to LA (reward ticket), and then another united ticket to Incheon (paid for). They were the same airline, but separate reservations and separate tickets. So it was not possible for me to check my bags through and I had to claim bags, exit the terminal, and re-check-in in Los Angeles (even though same airlines).
I wouldn't even have mentioned this extremely unlikely scenario, except that with so many complaints about Orbitz and their selling impossible tickets, this might be something to check. Very unlikely that they bought two separate tickets though.

waynehead · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Location: Jongno

It might help to tell a flight attendant on your first flight.

I've had connections with layovers under an hour several times, but like you, I was nervous about missing the next flight every time. Luckily, it didn't happen.

The only time I missed a connecting flight was when my flight out of Incheon was delayed on take off for a few hours. But when I got to Vancouver the airline people were there waiting for me and already had me booked on a later flight. So it was no biggee.

DrugstoreCowgirl · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 8:41 pm Post subject:

45 minutes will be cutting it close, but it's possible you can make it if you're sitting near the front of the plane and your arrival gate isn't too far from the departure gate. ATL is a really big airport. Also, your first flight may get in early, which will help a lot! Good luck Smile

jinks · Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Location: Formerly: Lower North Island

penguin · Joined: 16 Aug 2003

Wangja · Joined: 17 May 2004 Location: Seoul, Yongsan

Is there a security check between domestic arrivals and international departures?

In any event, 45 mins sounds tight by any standards.

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2009 3:51 am Post subject:

Basically 45 minutes is a no mistake\delay\glitch connection. It can be done with one airline as they will usually let passengers off at a gate close to your connection in the same terminal.

Any type of snafu and you will be waiting for the next flight to Korea with Delta...which may be the next day but they will have to rebook you.

Personally...I always ask for a 2 hour space between connections. Now that we travel with kids...we ask for 3 hours if possible.

Good luck.