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I am planning a trip from Charlotte to San Francisco to visit family. Looking at the flights - I have my choice of layover cities..... Atlanta - meh been there (lived there) Detroit, Minneapolis and Salt Lake City. Which should I choose and why - approx 1 hour layover....
From that list, you’re flying Delta, and they tend to do hubs well in general. I really like Detroit Metro- the McNamara terminal there is lovely, easy to navigate, and entirely rebuilt in the 21st century. The food there has also really improved in recent years. MSP isn’t bad- it’s just slightly like an Escher print where you seem to have to go in circles a few times to find your gate so pay attention to signage. Have my first Salt Lake connection later this year so can’t say yet about that one.
A 1-hour layover isn't very long. It's really just 30 minutes, since your outbound flight will begin boarding 30 minutes prior to departure. Don't expect that you're going to have time to walk around or eat. You'll have time to find a bathroom, get to your gate, and maybe grab some food along the way. I avoid Atlanta because it's very large, sprawling, and busy. It can be tough to make connections, especially if your inbound flight is delayed for any reason. The other three are fine, and all else equal, I'd choose any of the them.
I guess I asked because I was surprised when I saw Detroit and Minneapolis as possibilities. I've flown into all but Salt Lake City and that may be the one I choose just for to say I've been to Utah! hahahaha. Yes the airline is Delta and I'm traveling at the end of the summer - so it's not a weather concern. As I said in another thread, it's been 10-12 years since I've flown and I'm overthinking the planning because of the distance, and changes in travel regulations. I've been fortunate to live close to my vacation spots over the last few years - driveable. But San Francisco isn't driveable from NC for a vacation - or at least in my book! I'm sure I'll have other questions,
I guess I asked because I was surprised when I saw Detroit and Minneapolis as possibilities. I've flown into all but Salt Lake City and that may be the one I choose just for to say I've been to Utah! hahahaha.
IMO, it doesn't "count" if you don't leave the airport. YMMV.
1 hour layover isn't even worth the discussion. Time to get off the plane, walk to new terminal, and you will be boarding next flight. You won't have spare time to really do anything one way or another.
I would base it on ease of getting from one terminal to another and none of the airports you listed, all of which I have been to, none I consider a problem except for delays out of Atlanta, maybe winter weather in the northern airports (but, even then, really winter weather in one hub could impact flights everywhere nationwide).
And yes, changing planes in an airport doesn't "count" as visiting the state. That's the rules!
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