CUN-LHR via Atlanta - delta first/virgin UC

Hi all,

I am flying home from Cancun to London Heathrow via Atlanta and i am fling Cancun to Atlanta with Delta First and then Atlanta to Heathrow with Virgin UC.

My question is, when i arrive in Atlanta can i access the priority security and if so how do i do this? And what lounge will i have in Atlanta?

Sorry for all the questions, just a bit nervous with indirect flights and want to make sure i have enough time and do it right.

Many thanks,

Dan

Hello,

When you arrive at ATL you will be processed as an International arrival.

Unfortunately US airports do not have any sort of International->International sterile transit process, so you will need to go through the US customs and immigration procedure (so make sure you have an ESTA/Visa!).

After immigration, you will need to grab your luggage (it will not be transferred to the VS104 automatically), pass through customs, and then you can re-check it at the connections desk to the left after customs. This process is a lot smoother if the Delta staff at CUN print 'LHR' on your luggage and not just 'ATL'.
After this there are two options for security - 1) take the "connections" security after rechecking your bag, or 2) go back upstairs to the departures level where they may be some sort of priority security for Business passengers. I say may as I don't actually know if this exists. I can't remember if there is one at connections security.

To be honest, I would just continue through connections security as I have never found the queues there to be particularly long.

After security you can take the escalator back up to the International Terminal and the Delta Skyclub on the upper level is the lounge for Virgin Upper passengers. Though I hear through this forum there are some decent food options in Terminal F. Others may chime in with suggestions!

Only ever connected DL to VS from a US domestic flight so I'm not 100% on this.

However, I think you will arrive into concourse F as international, clear immigration, pick your bags up (if you have any checked), clear customs, dump your bag at the generic transfer belt and then head to security just passed that. There is no priority security here, but it's generally not really needed (in my experience) as I've never waited more than 10 mins, usually less. I think it might be possible to go out the exit as if you're not transferring and head upstairs to the regular security line, I've no idea if there is a priority line or not, but I have heard people with Global Entry/TSA Precheck say it's quicker for them.

The international (F) concourse has a Delta Sky Club lounge you can use with a VS UC ticket. It's nice enough; decent seating and drinks on offer, I just find the food offering a bit ropey. It has a nice outside terrace for when it's not too hot and sticky nor too cold.

I find ATL one of the easiest airports to connect through, especially for an airport of its size and passenger load so I think you will be fine.

Thank you so much for the quick replies and putting my mind as rest. We have 3 hours transfer time so i am sure that will be plenty of time to get it all done?!

Don’t set your expectations too high for the lounges at ATL - always busy, and not at all special. Grab some food and a coffee, but much better to explore other parts of the (huge) airport. Usually some quirky interesting art displays along the basement walkway. Plenty of quiet corners - with power sockets - to sit, rest and recharge.