When I travel, especially to the islands, many of my flights connect through Atlanta. I mostly fly Delta because I use my points, and Delta seems to offer flights to many of the destinations I visit. Atlanta is a very busy airport. It ranked No. 1 worldwide for passenger traffic in 2025, with about 106.3 million passengers. Since I connect through ATL often, I want to share a few things I’ve learned about getting around and planning my travel day.
Give yourself time to get to your gate
In my video, I’m landing in Atlanta and finding my way to the train so I can get to my next flight. ATL is a big airport, and you may need to take the train to reach another gate or terminal. Give yourself plenty of time to navigate, especially if you’re traveling with kids. You don’t want to feel rushed while trying to find your way around. If you plan to eat during your layover, include that in your timing too. Make sure you have enough time to enjoy your food and still get to your gate.
Think ahead about what you eat on the plane
I prefer to eat my airport meal before boarding. I don’t usually like eating a full meal on the plane unless the airline provides it. They plan for meals to be served onboard, but if you’re bringing food from the airport, be considerate of the people around you. Strong food smells can make a close cabin uncomfortable.
If you don’t have enough time to eat at the airport, think about what you order and whether it’s something you want to eat on the plane.
Familiar food can make ordering easier
When I’m somewhere unfamiliar and don’t know what to order, I often choose a type of food I already know I like. Mexican food is usually a familiar backup for me, whether I’m in another state or another country.
This time, though, the Mexican food I ordered was really bad. I was so hungry that I ate about half, but I couldn’t finish it and threw the rest away. Knowing what you usually enjoy can make choosing a meal easier, even though it doesn’t guarantee that every restaurant will get it right.
Early flights can help you make more of your day
I don’t like early flights, but a 5:30 or 6 a.m. departure can give you more time at your destination. In my experience, an early start may also leave more same-day flight options if you miss a flight, depending on availability and the airline’s rules.
With Delta, I check whether I’m eligible for complimentary upgrades and put myself on the waitlist. That’s one benefit I look for when I fly with them.
Even with those advantages, early flights don’t work well for me and my family. I prefer flights around 11 a.m. or noon. I like to arrive at a reasonable time, get to the hotel, check in, and relax. Ideally, I want enough time to be in bed around 9 p.m.
On this trip, I had to take an early flight, but I’ve learned I prefer to set aside one day for travel and one day for return rather than starting my trip before sunrise.
Plan for the kind of travel day you want
Whether you’re traveling solo or with your family, give yourself enough time to get through the airport, take the train, and eat without rushing. Think about your flight time and what kind of travel day works best for you. Atlanta is a frequent connection for me, and planning helps me feel more prepared.
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