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Atlanta’s airport is one of the busiest in the country, but you’ll be able to navigate it with ease.
Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (destination code ATL) is one of the largest–and busiest–passenger airports in the world. With six concourses funneling an average of 230,000 people per day to their destinations, Hartsfield-Jackson can be intimidating the first time that you walk its concourses due to the sheer size and bustle. However, navigating ATL can be a breeze if you follow these tips.
Arrivals
Once you arrive in Atlanta, proceed from your gate to baggage claim. The airport is well-designed, with concourses arranged alphabetically, connecting to the main terminal. The exception is the T-concourse, which is situated between Concourse A and Baggage Claim. There are signs in the underground train (known as the Automatic People Mover, or APM), which will whisk you from your arrival concourse to the main terminal. Just be aware of this lettering anomaly and breeze past it to baggage claim and ground transportation.
Once you have your bags (carrying-on is the preferred method as ATL is a big airport–it can take a while for the bags to make it to baggage claim), follow the well-marked signs to ground transportation. Taxis are available to take you into the city, but they can be pricey as the airport is located 10 miles south of downtown and traffic can impede your speed.
Consider taking a shuttle to your hotel, or take Atlanta’s public transportation system, MARTA (Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)–it’s one of the most convenient ways to get around Atlanta. MARTA runs from north terminal, right off the baggage claim area, into downtown Atlanta and stops at several destinations including Buckhead.
Tip: If you’re arriving in the international terminal (Concourses E and F) and want to take MARTA to your destination, a free shuttle bus runs between the airport MARTA station and the international terminal 24 hours a day.
Layovers
If Atlanta is not your final destination, don’t worry about trying to fill the hours between flights as there is plenty to do. There are several member lounges if you’re looking for some comfy chairs, fast free wi-fi, complimentary snacks and a quieter environment; if you’re not a member, most lounges offer day passes to use the facilities for a fee.
Those passengers interested in passing the time with a little shopping will find plenty to browse. In addition to offerings from big-name designers like Ferragamo, Coach and Michael Kors, there are the usual shops offering reading material, souvenirs and health and beauty products. For a taste of some of Atlanta’s well-known destinations, take a stroll through shops from the Atlanta Aquarium, the Atlanta Zoo and the Atlanta Braves to pick up a last minute gift or memento.
For a true ‘taste’ of Atlanta, use your layover time to explore the culinary side of Atlanta as several of the city’s iconic eateries have outposts in the airport. For higher-end fare, check out One Flew South, Ecco or Jekyll Island Seafood Company. Need a pick-me-up? Cafe Intermezzo offers quality caffeine in the form of espressos and lattes. Other options include fare from The Varsity, Sweet Auburn Market and The Pecan Bistro.
Tip: Is your layover long enough to warrant an extended rest? Make your way to Concourse B and look for the Minute Suites. Always open, you can choose the time you’d like to stay and get some shuteye before you’re on your way.
Departures
While it may be emotionally difficult to leave Atlanta, the logistics are quite simple. ATL conducts more than 12oo daily domestic departures, so they have the system down pat–and so will you.
If you have a rental car, make plans to arrive at the airport approximately two hours before your domestic flight. While the return system runs smoothly, it still takes some time to gather your belongings and make it to your gate. Even if you’re arriving by private transfer or MARTA, it’s wise to arrive at least 90 minutes before your flight. Security wait times can exceed more than 30 minutes during peak travel times (weekdays between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., so make sure that you leave yourself enough time to make it to your gate.
Tip: If you’re flying domestically (within the United States), the T-Concourse security line might be shorter. The T-Concourse services one gate, while the main security hub services Concourses A – D. Depending on the lines on the main gate, it might be quicker to enter through the T-Concourse and then make your way to your ultimate destination. The airport’s website posts security checkpoint wait times and offers Trak-a-Line, a service which will email you with security wait times.
For those passengers flying internationally from ATL, the international terminal (Concourses E and F) makes it easy to get on your way with its own drop-off, ticketing and check-in areas and security checkpoints.
All security measures are in effect at ATL, so make sure that your liquids don’t exceed 3.4 ounces and fit into a quart-sized clear plastic bag. Make sure you have your boarding pass and picture ID available and ready to present. If you’re part of the TSA Pre-Check system, you’ll be able to leave your computer in your bag and shoes on your feet, but if not, be prepared to remove these items before going through the scanner.
Once you’re through security, it’s time to make your way to your gate. The airport is designed in a linear fashion, with each concourse servicing specific airlines and arranged with the T-Concourse first and Concourses A – F following. The fastest way to your gate is on the train, known as the Automatic People Mover (APM), which can take you from security to your gate in less than five minutes. However, if you have more time and want to walk, there are wide hallways and moving sidewalks that you can use to reach your gate. There are several art galleries in between concourses featuring various exhibits, from African art to Atlanta history.
While the Atlanta airport can be intimidating, it’s easy to navigate arrivals, departures and even layovers when you’re planning your trip to Atlanta because it’s all worth it once you arrive.
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- Contributed by Katie Coakley
The post A Guide to Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in Atlanta appeared first on Atlanta Things To Do.