How easy is it to connect between flights at Salt Lake City airport?
Las Vegas to San Francisco is a short journey taking around one hour. On my trip to the UK, I flew on Alaska Airlines in their First Class cabin which was a very comfortable experience for this amount of time.
On the trip back to San Francisco the non-stop options were minimal or extremely expensive and a connection at Salt Lake City proved to be one of the best options. I also ended up with a connection on my return flight to Europe as Salt Lake City is regularly scheduled to feature KLM’s newest business class seat and priced out very effectively.
It’s safe to say that I was apprehensive about my Las Vegas to San Francisco connection on Delta Air Lines. The airline offers connections at Salt Lake City totalling a tiny 33 minutes! Here’s what you can expect.
Salt Lake City International has received significant investment
SLC is, effectively, a new airport following a redevelopment programme that began in 2014. This new development replaced the aging terminals in 2020 with it consisting of a single terminal with two main concourses connected by an underground walkway.
Soon the two concourses will be extended further in phase two which will allow for additional space to serve extra aircraft to the hub.
A note of caution
My two experiences at Salt Lake City International consisted of:
A domestic connection
A US to international connection
This is important because these types of connections are less hassle than an international to US connection. Unlike most countries, the US require connecting passengers who originate from a third country to collect their bags and recheck them - either at the regular check in desk or a transfer desk. This is applicable to all US airports, not just SLC, but makes the process of international to US connections a lot more hassle than elsewhere. Where possible, transfer outside the US.
SLC features a very un-American airport style with open, airy spaces
The two concourses are near identical in design with a long row of departure gates on either side and clear markings for the destinations.
The airport has sensibly installed water fountains throughout, which ensures you don’t need to spend an excessive amount on bottled options.
Travelling between the two concourses is clearly signposted and easy to do by following signs to either A/B/C/D gates.
The walk on the underground tunnel takes, at most, five minutes for passengers to transit and is simple. Walking from one end of a concourse to another takes around five to ten minutes.
And it really is that easy…
My connection took no more than 10 minutes when going from one concourse to the other. I suspect the worst case connecting walk time would be twenty minutes.
Conclusion
In both my times connecting at Salt Lake City International, I had an excellent experience. I expected a stressful time thinking back to needing to walk between several terminals when connecting at San Francisco - but Salt Lake City feels like a modern hub airport. While 33 minutes is too short for a connection, especially with flight delays, SLC feels like an airport where that is feasible if you don’t mind the stress or thrill of it all.
