Opinions please

[CCRUZER]

Flying Southwest GSP to TPA in January. Is 42 minute layover in ATL enough time to change planes? I've flown through Atl before so I know it's a zoo. But, I've never flown Southwest so I don't know if all flights originate in the same terminal or if I may have to go from one terminal to another. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.

[Flymia]

minutes is enough, but one small delay and you will be stuck. Though getting to TPA from ATL should not be difficult in case of a missed connection. There are a ton of flights 15-20/day between Tampa and Atlanta though most are on Delta. But there is also the Orlando option as well which also has a crazy amount of flights between Atlanta. 

 

If you are flying in at least 24-hours before the cruise, I would not hesitate much. But if you are flying in the day of or the evening before, then maybe look for a better connection window. 

[CCRUZER]

24 minutes ago, Flymia said:

minutes is enough, but one small delay and you will be stuck. Though getting to TPA from ATL should not be difficult in case of a missed connection. There are a ton of flights 15-20/day between Tampa and Atlanta though most are on Delta. But there is also the Orlando option as well which also has a crazy amount of flights between Atlanta. 

 

If you are flying in at least 24-hours before the cruise, I would not hesitate much. But if you are flying in the day of or the evening before, then maybe look for a better connection window. 

Thanks for the quick reply. We are actually flying in 2 days prior to our cruise. My only concern is missing my connecting flight.Having never flown Southwest before, I don't know if all flights use the same terminal or if I may have to change terminals.

[Flymia]

According to Southwest's website they only use one terminal. That would be terminal C. Even if they did not, with the plane train it takes only a few minutes to get from one side of the airport to the other. 

[Zach1213]

The Southwest operation at ATL is pretty small (as far as footprint goes...it's a small area that they operate out of), so you should not have too far to go. ATL-TPA flights are pretty frequent on Southwest as well, so you should be okay. I would give it a try with your two-day buffer. If you were leaving the same day, no. But in your case, sure.

Edited November 5, 2018 by Zach1213

[CCRUZER]

On 11/5/2018 at 11:59 AM, Zach1213 said:

The Southwest operation at ATL is pretty small (as far as footprint goes...it's a small area that they operate out of), so you should not have too far to go. ATL-TPA flights are pretty frequent on Southwest as well, so you should be okay. I would give it a try with your two-day buffer. If you were leaving the same day, no. But in your case, sure.

Thanks for the info and encouragement. I booked the Southwest flight and much to my surprise, when we land in ATL we don't get off the plane. It's just a layover to pick up more passengers and possibly let some off.So, my concern was all for naught. I saved a lot of money by flying with them and when you factor in the free luggage, it pays for my extra night hotel as well as a one day car rental.I AM a happy cruiser!

[Zach1213]

1 hour ago, CCRUZER said:

Thanks for the info and encouragement. I booked the Southwest flight and much to my surprise, when we land in ATL we don't get off the plane. It's just a layover to pick up more passengers and possibly let some off.So, my concern was all for naught. I saved a lot of money by flying with them and when you factor in the free luggage, it pays for my extra night hotel as well as a one day car rental.I AM a happy cruiser!

 

Yes, Southwest does a LOT of these direct flights (direct = same flight number, but may or may not require an aircraft change). I love being on them...if I have to stop somewhere, it's awfully nice to not have to leave the plane. It also gives you a chance to get a different seat if you want, and just enjoy the quiet for 10-15 minutes before the next load comes on.