Passengers arriving from Seoul’s Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) on Delta Air Lines will now have a more streamlined experience when connecting to other flights. Delta announced that these travelers no longer need to wait for and recheck their luggage after clearing passport control; instead, checked bags will automatically transfer to the next flight, similar to domestic connections. The airline estimates this change could save passengers an average of 25 minutes during layovers.
This update follows recent adjustments in U.S. airport security protocols for certain international arrivals. In recent months, the U.S. has relaxed baggage and security requirements for passengers flying from countries like the United Kingdom and Australia into major hubs such as Atlanta and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). For example, Delta and Virgin Atlantic recently removed the bag and security recheck requirements for passengers connecting in Atlanta after inbound flights from London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR). American Airlines also began a “one-stop security” trial at DFW for arrivals from LHR.
Despite this new convenience for travelers from South Korea, they are still required to reclear security before boarding their next flight in Atlanta; only their baggage process is simplified at this stage.