Recommendations for flying into Atlanta

cowman

cowman

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My wife and 5yo have been watching shows at the Georgia Aquarium and they want to go either on the way to or from FL next month. I've never been to that area, KFTY looks like probably the closest airport geographically but IDK if there are better choices. Should we plan on a car or are there decent transport options(Uber/other) for 3 adults and a child? I imagine we'd only be there a day, maybe stay for one night and move on depending on the weather situation. Any other big must-see attractions?
 
RYY is the best, I fly in there nearly every week. Inexpensive, great service, and yes, it’s further north, but it’s not a big deal at all. You can be downtown in about 20 minutes or less depending on traffic. They would be my choice.
 
RyanB said:
RYY is the best, I fly in there nearly every week. Inexpensive, great service, and yes, it’s further north, but it’s not a big deal at all. You can be downtown in about 20 minutes or less depending on traffic. They would be my choice.
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Inexpensive??

Did Hawthorne get sold or ease up on their ramp fees?

FTY isn't in the best part of town.
 
cowman said:
My wife and 5yo have been watching shows at the Georgia Aquarium and they want to go either on the way to or from FL next month. I've never been to that area, KFTY looks like probably the closest airport geographically but IDK if there are better choices. Should we plan on a car or are there decent transport options(Uber/other) for 3 adults and a child? I imagine we'd only be there a day, maybe stay for one night and move on depending on the weather situation. Any other big must-see attractions?
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Day trip? Uber and FTY. Staying overnight? RYY and rental car.
 
EdFred said:
FTY isn't in the best part of town.
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How about PDK?

I just looked at RYY and (I assume due to rush hour traffic) it's nearly an hour drive to the Aquarium... maybe not as bad depending on the time of day. I don't know our schedule yet or if we'll overnight or not, probably going to depend on how weather looks on our way down/up.
 
kyleb said:
Day trip? Uber and FTY. Staying overnight? RYY and rental car.
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Enterprise rental is 1 min away from KRYY and will pick you up. But given Atl traffic, and if you’re staying in the downtown area, skip the rental car and just Uber everywhere.

PDK - I would avoid. Very busy, very crowded. Kind of a zoo. IMHO - it’s a C level of traffic with D level runways and air control staffing next to an Air Force base air space.

I live close to KRYY and assuming you don’t travel during rush hour it’s not an hour to down town. I think my Uber from just south of KRYY (west Marietta) to the Atl airport - even further - was 40 min.
 
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cowman said:
How about PDK?

I just looked at RYY and (I assume due to rush hour traffic) it's nearly an hour drive to the Aquarium... maybe not as bad depending on the time of day. I don't know our schedule yet or if we'll overnight or not, probably going to depend on how weather looks on our way down/up.
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PDK is an option, but not one I'd choose for the reasons WDD elaborated on. RYY is anywhere from 20 minutes to a lifetime away from the Aquarium. Rush hour tapers off by 9:30 AM and picks up again at 3:30 PM. I live halfway between RYY and the aquarium. My expectation would be a 25-30 minute trip outside the rush hour(s) and a 45 minute trip during rush hour. In either case, all it takes is one idiot (or one presidential visit) to completely upset the apple cart.

FTY is a much easier get - shorter distance and a less travelled corridor.
 
Went into PDK last year. Not that bad as long as you’re on your game.
 
EdFred said:
Inexpensive??

Did Hawthorne get sold or ease up on their ramp fees?

FTY isn't in the best part of town.
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I never get charged a facility fee. All of their charges have been very reasonable in my many experiences.
cowman said:
How about PDK?

I just looked at RYY and (I assume due to rush hour traffic) it's nearly an hour drive to the Aquarium... maybe not as bad depending on the time of day.
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PDK is okay, but it is on the pricier side in my experience. Also, Atlanta is an hour drive from Atlanta no matter how you slice it. I usually go in the evening and can make it from RYY to downtown in about 20 minutes.
 
PDK is busy, but I think most of those who give it a bad rap are coming in VFR. In your Saratoga an IFR arrival should be no big deal. Unfortunately, the family run FBO that I used to work for sold out to Aero Centers. Still a lot of good folks that work there, but I haven’t kept up with their pricing compared to Signature and Atlantic. I agree with the comments have made about RYY and FTY.
 
EdFred said:
FTY isn't in the best part of town.
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This

I did KPDK when I went in fall 2022. Nice, and fees were not outrageous.

IIRC KRYY was closed that weekend due to runway work.
 
As another possibility, my airport KCVC is 36 miles from aquarium. The Uber ride would be longer, but parking is free, gas is relatively cheap and numerous hotels close to airport that would be less than in town. Plenty of places to eat too.
 
You might have meant KVPC / Cartersville
 
Got stuck at Covington once No Cab,no Uber. If it wasn’t for the nice pilot working on a Baron I’d missed my business meeting. Gave me a ride
 
For what you're looking for, PDK is ideal. I flew out of there for 15 years before moving up to KLZU a couple of years ago. It's much closer to the aquarium and central Atlanta and not as difficult as previously mentioned. There are many flight schools there, including Georgia Tech Flying Club with five training aircraft, and the kids do just fine getting in and out. Just have your taxi diagram in front of you. Ask for progressive taxi if you are unfamiliar with larger Class D airports
 
hoot777 said:
Got stuck at Covington once No Cab,no Uber. If it wasn’t for the nice pilot working on a Baron I’d missed my business meeting. Gave me a ride
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That’s not good and is quite surprising. When was this? Maybe a long time ago or you got very unlucky. Sorry it happened.
 
An option at PDK would also be to have the FBO drop you off at the Marta station and take the train to the Peachtree Center Station which is about a 5 block walk to the aquarium.

There is also a large Ferris wheel nearby that your son might enjoy.

Zoo Atlanta is further south, but they are currently the only zoo in the US to have pandas right now, and they are going to be returned to China later this year.

Which ever airport you decide on, let know so maybe we can meet up.

You guys will love the Aquarium, they truly did a top notch job with it.
 
World of Coca Cola could be fun too for your kid. It’s right next to the aquarium. I believe they also have package prices where you can buy entrance to both attractions at a discounted price.
 
Highland Hardware… tool toy store. The best selection of hand made rasps on the planet. Across the street from a great oyster bar in the Virginia Highlands.

That’s all I got.
 
jordane93 said:
World of Coca Cola could be fun too for your kid. It’s right next to the aquarium. I believe they also have package prices where you can buy entrance to both attractions at a discounted price.
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Yeah but bring some cargo straps to fasten them down afterwards. Talk about caffeine OD.
 
Strongly suggest you skip MARTA
 
Just landed at RYY after getting vectored all over the place for traffic and weather. ATC was very accommodating though, line staff friendly. Having a late lunch then off to activities with family.
 
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