Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL) Flights & Information

The crown for one of the world’s busiest airports goes to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). With over 100 million passengers per year, the airport is a behemoth of an operation and the home of Delta Air Lines. Because of a simple design and efficient train service, ATL is not as challenging to travel through as you might expect. Here’s some of the most important information to know.

Getting to Atlanta Airport

ATL is located about 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta and while hopping in an Uber or Lyft is a common way to get to or from the airport, public transportation can be a convenient (and often forgotten about) option. MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is located inside the domestic terminal, and the ride from downtown Atlanta takes just about 15 to 20 minutes.

The airport layout and design

How ATL is oriented

One thing that ATL has going for it is its straightforward design. Yes, while there are nearly 200 gates across 150 acres, Hartsfield-Jackson is laid out linearly so that its two terminals and seven concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, and F) can be easily traversed after security by train (called the Plane Train) or on foot. The fact that you can walk between concourses instead of relying on the train is a big plus in my book.

The airport check-in area is split by those who are flying domestically versus those on international flights. The domestic terminal is located on the airport’s west side while the international terminal is on the east side. Each of the concourses is slotted in between these two headhouses, and as mentioned, can be accessed by trains that run every two minutes or by walking.

ATL security

Because ATL is one of the world’s busiest airport hubs, you’ll want to arrive early to get through check-in and security lines. There’s TSA PreCheck and CLEAR available, but ATL has developed a reputation in recent years for its long lines at security. In addition, while the layout is efficient, there’s no denying the airport gets busy, so you’ll also want to allow plenty of time for your layover.

One tip: you might not know that there are two domestic security areas. If you’re noticing long lines at the main security area, check the South security area, which is often faster. In addition, if you’re not checking any bags and can check in online, it may make sense to use the international terminal, since typically there are shorter security lines.

ATL Amenities

Food and drink

As you might expect from one of the busiest airports in the world, ATL has a wide array of food, drink, shopping, and wellness options throughout the entire facility. In fact, after years of run-of-the-mill options like McDonalds and Starbucks, ATL has made major transformations to its restaurants in recent years. The majority are now locally owned or offshoots of Atlanta businesses.

There are over 100 dining establishments and some of my favorites include Paschal’s (Concourse B), a historic Atlanta spot known for its soul food; Chicken and Beer (Concourse D), a restaurant owned by rapper Ludacris; and One Flew South (Concourse E), known for its sushi and wine. Of course, you can still find your standard fast-food offerings, too.

Wellness, shopping, and more

There are many high-end boutiques and convenience stores for shopping (or for window browsing). However, my favorite amenities are the many nap rooms and mini-day spa venues. Minute Suites and XpresSpa, located in Concourse A, B, C, D, F, and T, offer weary travelers with pay-per-use access to private suites, massages, manicures, and more. These are especially useful on long layovers without lounge access.

For a pre- or post-flight haircut, ATL is one of the few airports I’ve come across with a barber shop in the main atrium before security. It’s niche, but it’s incredibly useful if you’re in pinch and need a cut. The barber shop is located next to TGI Fridays and Shellis News.

ATL has an impressive art collection with rotating exhibits, which provide a cultural touchpoint for travelers who are passing through. For instance, an exhibit on the late John Lewis is near the main security area. In addition, there’s a permanent installation in the walkway between Concourses B and C that showcases Atlanta’s history through murals and displays.

For those traveling with kids, there are play areas available in Concourses T, A, and B, providing a space for children to burn off some energy. Also, private nursing rooms with seating and changing tables are available in Concourses T, B, and F. And for passengers with pets, relief areas are available in every concourse.

Airport lounges

On the lounge front, ATL has many of them. Since the airport is dominated by Delta, the majority of these spaces are Delta Sky Clubs. Every concourse has its own Delta Sky Club, but some are better than others. For instance, the lounge in Concourse F has an outdoor Sky Desk, ideal for travelers who want some fresh air, while the E lounge has showers and typically a more expansive buffet.

Both American Airlines and United Airlines each have a lounge for its members and premium flyers in Concourse T, while a Priority Pass-accessible lounge, The Club ATL, is located in Concourse F. All of these spaces are pretty barebones in terms of amenities; expect light bites, drinks, and fast Wi-Fi, but not much else.

Perhaps the best lounge at ATL opened in 2024, and it’s the American Express Centurion Lounge. Located in the E concourse, this luxurious Amex space is almost 26,000 square feet and features three outdoor terraces. There’s also fine dining by James Beard Award-nominated Deborah VanTrece, along with a signature whiskey bar.

Minute Suites, the private retreat with daybeds and workstations, is not a traditional “lounge,” but those with Priority Pass (included with many premium credit cards) can access these spaces complimentary. That includes one hour in the rooms; any additional time must be paid. I love using these facilities if I have a long layover and want to close my eyes, or if I have a call that needs to be kept private.

Accessibility

ATL has a special assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility which can be requested when you arrive at the airport (or in advance with your airline). With the sheer size of ATL and how busy it can get, it’s important to have plenty of time to get through the airport. With that said, there are elevators, ramps, and escalators along with accessible restrooms throughout the post-security area.

Sleeping near ATL

If you have an overnight layover or want to spend the night by the airport before an early morning flight, ATL has a variety of hotels suitable for all budgets and travel purposes. Almost all airport hotels offer free regular shuttle services to and from the terminal and there are even several Marriott properties directly connected to the airport via the landside SkyTrain.

What to do on a long layover near ATL

If you have a long layover and want to leave the terminal but also stay close to the airport, consider a trip to the Delta Flight Museum. There, you can learn about the history of Atlanta’s hometown airline all set in a historic hangar. It contains early aircraft including the airline’s first Boeing 747, flight attendant uniforms, and artifacts from the company.

Another nearby option is checking out the Porsche Experience Center, at the North American headquarters of the luxury German automaker. Here, you can use the driving test track, experience the exhibits of notable cars, and even dine at the onsite restaurant overlooking the airport runways.