How Do You Connect Through a Major US Hub Airport?

Summary

The steps

1. 1

   Read Your Boarding Pass Before You Land

   Your boarding pass for your connecting flight is the single most important document you have when you touch down. It tells you your departure gate, terminal, and scheduled departure time, which together tell you how much time you have and how far you need to travel.

   Check these three things the moment the seatbelt sign turns off: (1) the departure gate for your next flight, (2) whether that gate is in the same terminal or a different one, and (3) the scheduled departure time. If you are using a mobile boarding pass, open it before you land so you are not searching for it in a crowded aisle.

   Do this

   Open your boarding pass app or locate your paper boarding pass before the plane lands.,Note your next departure gate, terminal designation, and scheduled departure time.,Calculate how many minutes you have from your estimated arrival to your next departure.

   Example

   If your boarding pass shows Gate B22 and you are arriving into Terminal A, you know immediately that you need to move between terminals. At a large hub like ATL, terminals are labeled alphabetically and connected by an underground train (the Plane Train), so knowing your terminal letter before you deplane lets you head straight to the train without stopping to read maps.

   Best practice

   Enable push notifications in your airline app before your trip. Gate changes happen frequently at hub airports, and an app alert is faster than finding a flight information display screen (FIDS).
2. 2

   Understand Whether You Need to Re-Clear TSA Security

   Not all connections require going back through a TSA checkpoint. Knowing the rule before you land saves significant time and prevents wrong turns.

   Domestic-to-domestic connections: TSA is authorized to require screening of all persons entering the sterile area of a US airport under 49 U.S.C. 44901. However, if you are already in the sterile area and your connecting terminal is accessible via a secure internal connector, you remain in the sterile area and no re-screening is required. If the two terminals are not connected airside, you must exit and re-clear a TSA checkpoint (49 U.S.C. 44901).

   International-to-domestic connections: Under 19 U.S.C. 1459, any person arriving in the US from a foreign port must report to a CBP officer at the first US port of entry. There are no exceptions for same-ticket itineraries or short layovers. After clearing CBP, you collect checked bags, re-check them with the airline, and pass through a TSA checkpoint (49 U.S.C. 44901) before reaching your domestic gate.

   Do this

   Confirm whether your arriving flight is domestic or international before you land.,Check the airport's terminal map to see whether your terminals are connected airside.,If connecting from an international flight, follow CBP signs immediately after deplaning and allow extra time for the customs, bag re-check, and TSA process.

   Example

   A traveler flying from London to Atlanta (ATL) and then onward to Nashville must report to CBP at ATL under 19 U.S.C. 1459, collect checked bags, re-check them at the airline's bag drop, and pass through a TSA checkpoint under 49 U.S.C. 44901 before reaching the domestic departure gate. This is true even if both flights are on the same ticket and the same airline.

   Best practice

   Check the CBP website (cbp.gov) before international travel for the latest entry requirements, including Mobile Passport Control and Global Entry eligibility, which can reduce time at the CBP inspection stage.
3. 3

   Navigate Between Terminals Using Overhead Signage

   Hub airports are designed for high passenger volume, and their wayfinding systems are built to move large crowds efficiently. The fastest navigation tool available to you is the overhead directional signage, not your phone map.

   As soon as you step off the jet bridge, look up. Signs will direct you toward connecting gates, ground transportation, baggage claim, and inter-terminal connectors. At most large US hubs, inter-terminal movement is via a secure airside train, a moving walkway, or a secure corridor. Follow the signs for your terminal letter or gate range rather than stopping to consult a map.

   Flight information display screens (FIDS) are positioned at regular intervals throughout the terminal. If your gate has changed since you boarded your first flight, the FIDS will show the updated information. Check a FIDS screen as you move, especially if your airline app has not yet sent a notification.

   Do this

   Follow overhead signage immediately after deplaning; do not stop to look at your phone until you are moving in the right direction.,Locate the inter-terminal connector (train, walkway, or secure corridor) for your destination terminal.,Check a FIDS screen en route to confirm your gate has not changed.

   Example

   At ATL, the Plane Train runs beneath all terminals and the international terminal, connecting them in a continuous loop. Signage for the Plane Train is visible from every gate area. A connecting passenger who knows their destination terminal letter can board the correct train direction without consulting a map.

   Best practice

   If you are unfamiliar with the airport layout, download the airport's official app or visit the airport's website before your trip. Most large hub airports publish interactive terminal maps. Do this research before you travel, not while you are rushing to a gate.
4. 4

   Find Your Gate Quickly and Confirm the Departure

   Once you are in the correct terminal, move directly to your gate. Do not stop for food, shopping, or restrooms until you have physically confirmed your gate location and departure status.

   When you reach the gate, check the display screen at the podium. Confirm that the flight number, destination, and departure time match your boarding pass. Gate changes at hub airports are common, particularly during irregular operations. If the gate display shows a different flight, check the nearest FIDS screen or your airline app for your updated gate.

   Do this

   Walk directly to your gate before doing anything else in the terminal.,Confirm the flight number and destination on the gate display screen.,If the gate display does not match your flight, check a FIDS screen or your airline app immediately.

   Example

   A passenger arriving at their connecting terminal and heading to Gate C14 should walk to C14 first, confirm the display shows the correct flight, and only then decide whether there is time for a coffee. If the display shows a different flight, the FIDS screen will show the updated gate for their flight number.

   Best practice

   Set your airline app to send gate-change alerts for your connecting flight before your trip begins. Most major US carriers offer this as a standard notification setting.
5. 5

   Handle a Tight Connection

   A tight connection is one where your scheduled layover is short, or where an inbound delay has reduced your available time significantly.

   Before the door opens: Let a flight attendant know you have a tight connection. The crew can notify the gate agent, who may be able to alert the connecting gate to hold the flight briefly. Airlines sometimes hold a connecting flight for a small number of passengers on a delayed inbound, but this is at the airline's discretion and is not guaranteed.

   When the door opens: Move to the front of the aircraft if possible. Do not wait for overhead bin bags if it will cost you significant time; checked bags can be retrieved later.

   In the terminal: Move at pace, follow overhead signage, and do not stop. Ask airport staff rather than other passengers for directions.

   At the connecting gate: If the door is still open, board immediately. If the door is closed but the aircraft has not pushed back, speak to the gate agent. If the aircraft has pushed back, the gate agent will direct you to the airline service desk, where your rights under 14 CFR Part 250 apply if the delay was caused by the airline.

   Do this

   Notify a flight attendant of your tight connection before the door opens.,Move to the front of the aircraft as the plane taxis to the gate.,Follow overhead signage at pace; do not stop for food, shopping, or restrooms.,Speak to the gate agent at your connecting gate if the door appears closed.

   Example

   A passenger on a flight delayed by 30 minutes who has a 50-minute layover should notify the crew before landing, move to the front of the cabin, and follow the inter-terminal connector signs immediately. Arriving at the gate while the door is still open, even by a few minutes, is the goal.

   Best practice

   When booking travel, choose itineraries that meet or exceed the airline's published minimum connection time (MCT) for that airport. MCTs are airport-specific and reflect the airline's own assessment of the minimum viable layover under normal conditions.
6. 6

   Rebook If You Miss Your Connection

   Missing a connection is stressful, but your options are clear and your rights are defined under US federal rules.

   Same-ticket itineraries: Under 14 CFR Part 250 and the DOT's Fly Rights guidance, if you miss a connection on a same-ticket booking because of a delay or cancellation, the airline must rebook you on the next available flight at no additional fare. Keep your original boarding passes and note the cause of the delay.

   Separate-ticket bookings: If you booked your connecting flight on a separate ticket, the airline operating your second flight has no obligation under 14 CFR Part 250 to rebook you at no cost. Travel insurance that covers missed connections may apply; check your policy before travel.

   How to rebook: Use the airline app first. If the app does not resolve it, call the airline's customer care line. As a last resort, go to the airline's airport service desk.

   Accommodation and meals: If the delay is within the airline's control (for example, a mechanical issue), many US carriers offer meal vouchers or accommodation assistance under their customer service plans, which are publicly available on their websites. The DOT's customer service plan requirements are set out in 14 CFR Part 259.

   Do this

   Open the airline app and check for automatic rebooking before joining any queue.,If not automatically rebooked, use the app's rebooking or chat function.,Call the airline's customer care line if the app cannot resolve the issue.,Go to the airline's airport service desk as a last resort for complex situations.,Check the airline's customer service plan (required under 14 CFR Part 259) for meal and accommodation commitments.

   Example

   A passenger who misses a connection due to a delayed inbound flight on the same ticket should open the airline app immediately. Many carriers automatically rebook passengers on the next available flight and push a new boarding pass to the app within minutes of the missed connection being detected.

   Best practice

   Save the airline's customer care phone number in your contacts before you travel. During irregular operations, phone queues at airport service desks can be long, and calling from the queue while waiting in line is a common and effective tactic.

What This Guide Does Not Cover

The Rules That Govern Hub Connections

Preparation Before You Travel

FAQ

Do I need to go through TSA security again for a domestic-to-domestic connection at a US hub airport?

In most cases, no. If you are connecting from one domestic US flight to another domestic US flight on a same-ticket itinerary, you typically stay in the secure airside area and do not need to re-clear TSA under 49 U.S.C. 44901. The exception is if your connection requires moving to a terminal that has no secure internal connector, which forces an exit and re-entry through a TSA checkpoint. Check the airport map when you land to confirm whether your terminals are connected airside.

Do I have to go through customs and TSA again when connecting from an international flight to a domestic US flight?

Yes. Under 19 U.S.C. 1459, any person arriving in the US from a foreign port must report to CBP at the first US port of entry. You must collect and re-check your checked bags, and then pass through a TSA checkpoint under 49 U.S.C. 44901 before your domestic gate. This applies at every US hub that serves as a first port of entry, regardless of airline or terminal layout. Check the CBP website for the latest entry requirements.

What should I do if my connection time is very short?

Before the aircraft door opens, let a flight attendant or gate agent know you have a tight connection. Airlines sometimes hold a connecting flight briefly for passengers on a delayed inbound. Once off the plane, move directly toward your gate using overhead signage, avoid stopping, and ask airport staff for the fastest route. If you reach the gate after the door has closed, go immediately to the nearest airline service desk or use the airline app to rebook under 14 CFR Part 250.

What are my rights if I miss a connection on a same-ticket booking?

Under 14 CFR Part 250 and the DOT's Fly Rights guidance, if you miss a connection because of a delay or cancellation on the same ticket, the airline must rebook you on the next available flight at no additional fare. Keep your original boarding passes and document the delay. Use the airline app, the airline's airport service desk, or the customer care phone line to rebook. Separate-ticket bookings do not carry the same protection under 14 CFR Part 250.

How do I find my connecting gate quickly at a large hub airport?

As soon as you deplane, look for the overhead flight information display screens (FIDS) showing your flight number and gate. Most hub airports also have digital gate maps and wayfinding kiosks near the terminal entrance. If your gate has changed since you boarded your first flight, the FIDS will show the updated gate. Airline apps also display real-time gate information and can send push notifications if your gate changes.

What disability assistance rights do I have when making a connection at a hub airport?

Under the Air Carrier Access Act (49 U.S.C. 41705) and its implementing regulations at 14 CFR Part 382, US airlines must provide assistance to passengers with disabilities at no charge, including help with boarding, deplaning, and making connections. Request wheelchair or mobility assistance through the airline at least 48 hours before travel, as required under 14 CFR Part 382 section 382.133. Confirm the arrangement with the gate agent when you arrive at your connecting gate.