Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL) Flights & Flight Status

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) is the world’s busiest airport, recently surpassing 100 million annual passengers. It’s also mighty big: The terminal complex covers more than 600,000 square metres and has nearly 200 gates. Not surprisingly, it can be overwhelming, both for first-timers and seasoned travellers. But armed with some tips, passengers can master ATL, whether they have a quick connection or a longer layover. Here are my top strategies for ATL, which was my home airport for nearly a decade.

Get a feel for the layout at ATL

ATL’s layout is fairly easy to figure out, with a simple, straightforward configuration and two terminals. On the western end is the Domestic Terminal, while the International Terminal (officially, the Maynard Holbrook Jackson Jr. International Terminal), is to the east.

Spread out across those terminals are seven airside concourses – designated as T, A, B, C, D, E and F – where gates are located for departures, as well as shops and restaurants. Concourses A, B, C, D and T are part of the Domestic Terminal, while Concourses E and F are part of the International Terminal. Baggage Claim is located at Concourse T.

But here’s where it gets a little trickier. The Domestic Terminal is separated into north and south sectors by an atrium. Delta Air Lines, whose hub is at ATL, occupies the entire south area, with its own curbside baggage claim and check-in area.

Several other domestic airlines, including budget carriers – United, Spirit and JetBlue, just to name a few – operate from the north sector, with check-in desks and a baggage claim area. But heads-up for United passengers: The carrier also has a dedicated baggage claim area located on the lower level that’s accessible via escalators and elevators.

How to take public transportation to and from ATL

I highly recommend taking the city’s above-ground rail, called MARTA, to ATL. One of its major advantages is a stop at the airport – which allows you to avoid Atlanta’s infamous traffic. In addition, the airport station, which is the final stop of the north-south red and gold lines, recently received a makeover. A $55 million (C$75 million) renovation added new flooring and ceilings and upgraded lighting, which makes for a better passenger experience.

MARTA’s network features north-south and east-west lines. The red and gold lines access the airport. Depending on where you’re coming from (or heading to), you may need to transfer lines. Sometimes, it can be easiest to take a taxi or rideshare (such as Uber or Lyft) to a major station, such as Midtown or Five Points, to avoid transferring, since certain trains only run a couple of times per hour.

If you have a late arrival into ATL, keep in mind that MARTA runs until 1:30 am on weekdays and 12:30 am on weekends.

Tips if you’re travelling by car to or from ATL

ATL is about a 20-minute drive south of Atlanta, near the intersection of several major interstates. But that estimate is based on normal traffic. And since Atlanta traffic can often be abnormal – in other words, notoriously bad – it’s advisable to allow plenty of extra time if you’re using a rideshare service. If you’re driving yourself, or dropping off a rental car, be sure to factor in even more time for potential traffic issues.

If you’re using a rideshare service (or being dropped off by friend), I highly recommend being dropped off at the lower level instead of the upper Departures level, which can be crazy and chaotic. You’ll walk a bit further to the TSA (US security) checkpoints, but it’s worth it. There also various bus services to and from ATL.

In addition, keep in mind that there are different addresses for the domestic and international terminals. The Domestic Terminal is located at 6000 N. Terminal Pkwy., Atlanta, Georgia 30320. The International Terminal is located at 600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd., Atlanta, Georgia 30354. Be sure to enter these into GPS systems (or double check with your driver) to save time and stress at the airport.

Avoid airport parking if possible

Of course, there are some unavoidable situations where you’ll need to park a car at the airport. But considering the ongoing (and delayed) projects to the south economy parking lot, which eliminated more than 3,000 parking spots, parking can be more trouble than it’s worth at ATL. Construction of a new parking deck is expected to continue through 2026, so I advise avoiding the hassle of parking at ATL (at least for the time being).

How to get through security faster at ATL

Not surprisingly, security lines at ATL can be long, especially on peak travel days. This is definitely the kind of airport where an expedited security service, such as the US government-run TSA PreCheck, comes in quite handy. Although NEXUS isn’t available for Canadians arriving at Georgia airports, travellers can download the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app to expedite the security screening process. Be sure to check online ahead of time if you have an off-hours flight.

In addition, I advise checking the ATL website for updates on security wait times on your departure day. You can use the straightforward Trak-a-Line service to receive email alerts if waiting times change.

The Plane Train: Easy transit between concourses

ATL’s automated underground transportation on Level O, the cleverly named Plane Train, makes it a cinch to get around the airport’s vast footprint. It operates round the clock on a 4.8 km loop between the Domestic Terminal and Concourse F in the International Terminal. Since it departs every two minutes – with a countdown timer for the next train – you don’t have to worry about missing one or wonder when the next one will show up.

Pro tip: Don’t confuse the Plane Train with the SkyTrain, which is the landside above-ground train connecting ATL with the rental car centre, the Georgia International Convention Center, and airport hotels.

An art-filled walk between concourses

While the Plane Train is quick and convenient, if I have enough time between connections, I prefer to walk between concourses, especially if I’ve just been on a long flight. Not only is it nice to stretch the legs a bit, you can also enjoy some interesting art along the way. Highlights include Zimbabwean stone sculptures and an exhibit on Atlanta history. My personal favourite is “Flight Paths,” located between Concourses A and B. The remarkable work mimics a rainforest tree canopy, complete with some 24,000 LED lights and the ambient sounds of nature.

According to signage at the airport, it takes approximately five minutes to walk between each terminal. There are moving walkways, but even so, in my experience it usually takes longer, especially if you’re travelling with kids or people with limited mobility. Escalators and elevators are accessible from each stop.

Tips for families

One downside of ATL for families: It’s not especially kid-friendly. There currently isn’t a playground or dedicated play area where kids can burn off energy before a flight. Until that happens, the best option for parents is to let kiddos run around a bit in the walkways between concourses (not on the moving walkways, of course). If you have an especially long layover at ATL with little ones, it’s also a good idea to stock up on extra toys, books and other DIY entertainment.

Enjoy one of ATL’s lounges

One way to escape ATL’s crowded concourses and gate areas: pass the time in one of 14 airport lounges. There’s a Delta Sky Club in almost each concourse (except for E), but the one in Concourse B is particularly notable: It has capacity for 500 guests, features a sommelier-curated wine list, and serves up nice views of the Atlanta skyline.

Meanwhile, Priority Pass members can head to The Club at ATL, which is located in Concourse F. The lounge features a decent selection of food and drinks, as well as a spacious open layout and showers (which I’ve used and would give two thumbs up for cleanliness and convenience). However, if you’re not flying out of Concourse F, it’s a very long way to go. So I don’t recommend it unless you do, in fact, depart from Concourse F or have a very long layover.

Dig into excellent dining options at ATL

ATL is considerably above par when it comes to dining options, with more than 100 places to pick from. Many are national chains, but I recommend seeking out those that showcase Atlanta’s outstanding culinary scene, from classic Southern fare to fine dining. The airport maintains an updated online list of restaurants and food kiosks, so be sure to check beforehand for new additions.

If you’re hankering for a burger and fries, head straight to The Varsity. With locations in Concourses C and F, this iconic Atlanta fast food joint, which has been in business since 1928, always delivers. Other hyper-local choices: Bantam and Biddy (Concourse C), by Atlanta chef Shaun Doty, where you can dig into Southern-style breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Chicken + Beer, the restaurant of superstar rapper Ludacris (Concourse D).

The International Terminal, meanwhile, is home to several notable spots. One Flew South, which serves up sushi and Southern fare, consistently ranks among the top airport restaurants since it opened in Concourse F in 2008. (It’s also a two-time James Beard nominee for exceptional food.) My personal favourite, Ecco, an outpost of the beloved Midtown restaurant, specializes in Italian (with an excellent wine list to match). In addition, a food hall is scheduled to open in Concourse F in 2025.