Discover Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: A Complete Traveler's Guide

About Atlanta International Airport

With five runways, 152 domestic and 40 international gates, and over 1,000 flights a day, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) spans 4,700 acres of land and was the world’s busiest airport for passenger traffic until 2020. In 2019 alone, the airport served 110 million passengers. It is a hub for Delta Airlines and a focus city for Frontier and Southwest Airlines.

The airport started its service on a rent-free 287 acre tract of land that was home to the abandoned Atlanta Speedway racetrack. Normally, the airport employs about 63,000 people and is the largest employment center in Georgia. As of March 2016, a final 20-year master plan for the airport redevelopment was announced and includes modernization of the existing terminals, expansion of Concourses D and T, a new hotel, travel plaza and mixed-use commercial complex, a new runway, and repair of existing runways and taxiways.

Gates are located across seven concourses, with Concourses A, B, C, D, and T serving domestic flights. Concourses E and F are used primarily for international flights, though may host some domestic flights when other concourses are not available or when an aircraft lands as an international flight but continues its next leg domestically. Delta Airlines has operations in all seven concourses. Here is a deep dive all about the Atlanta International Airport Domestic Terminal.

Passenger airlines servicing ATL include Air Canada Express, Air France, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, American Eagle, Boutique Air, British Airways, Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, KLM, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, United Express, Virgin Atlantic, and WestJet.

Airport Dining and Amenities

ATL features several shopping and dining options that offer both local fare and global cuisines. Find a full list of all leisure amenities here . 
 
Frequent flyers can find an American Airlines Admiral Club at Concourse T, Delta Sky Clubs at Concourses A, B, C, D, E, F and T, United Club at Concourse T, and The Club at ATL at Concourse F. This club provides services to British Airways, Lufthansa, Priority Pass, Lounge Club, and Diners Club members. Day passes are also available for $40. 

 ATL also offers free WiFi to travelers across the airport. 
 
 Nursing mothers can access eleven lactation pods near Gates T13, T3, A9, A34, B24, B5, C Centerpoint, D Centerpoint, E Centerpoint, F10, and F arrivals. 

Atlanta Airport Parking

With four easily accessible locations, parking near ATL with The Parking Spot is as easy and affordable as it is convenient. Find us on: 

• Camp Creek Parkway in Atlanta,
• Desert Drive in East Point, GA,
• The former Park N Fly just across the highway from ATL,
• at Herschel and Camp Creek Parkway

All The Parking Spot locations offer reservable spots that are approximately 40% less expensive than parking at the airport, are located just a few minutes from ATL, and include complimentary door-to-door shuttle service to and from the airport. 

• Access to the lowest rates via reservation and pre-pay on The Parking Spot app or TheParkingSpot.com.
• On-call shuttle hours 24/7.
• Shuttle tracking through The Parking Spot app
• Luggage assistance
• Free bottled water
• Soft Hands Car Care for select locations and parking types
• Short and long-term parking options
• Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• Express check-in and check-out through The Parking Spot app

Hotels Near ATL

Whether you are planning in advance or experiencing unexpected overnight delays, finding a place to lay your head near ATL is a breeze. Check out these nearby hotel options: 

• Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel
  • One Hartsfield Centre Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30354
  • Ph.: +1 404.209.9999
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Atlanta Airport North
  • 1200 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30344
  • Ph.: +1.404.209.1800
• Drury Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport
  • 1270 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30344
  • Ph.: +1.404.761.4900

ATL Airport Attractions

The Delta Flight Museum (1060 Delta Blvd., Building B, Dept 914) is located at ATL and offers an up-close look at historic aircrafts, tours of the historic Boeing 767 and the first-ever 747-400, and exhibits that offer a glimpse into the future of aviation. 

Attractions Near ATL

• Porsche Experience Center (One Porsche Drive, Atlanta) allows drivers to test their driving skills on a renowned race track in its Simulator Lab and immerse themselves in Porsche brand culture with a visit to their Heritage Gallery. (3.5 miles from ATL)
• The Lakewood Amphitheater (2002 Lakewood Way SW, Atlanta) Situated on 75 wooded acres, this sprawling music venue accommodates almost 19,000 guests. The band Phish named the Lakewood Amphitheater as one of their favorite places to perform. (3.5 miles from ATL)
• Arches Brewing (3361 Dogwood Dr., Hapeville, GA) is a craft brewery located just north of ATL. The brewery touts a focus on bringing together the best of old-world and modern brewing practices for complex, clean, delicious results. (3.6 miles from ATL)
• Zoo Atlanta (800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta) is an accredited zoological park in Atlanta, GA. They are known for housing giant pandas, including Yang Yang and Xi Lan. (9.6 miles from ATL)

Atlanta Airport FAQ

Q. Where is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?
A. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is located 7 miles south of Downtown Atlanta.

Q. Does Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport have a smoking section?
A. ATL has designated smoking areas outside of the domestic and international terminals. For specific locations, click here

Q. Is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport the busiest in the world?
A. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was the busiest airport in the world until 2020, losing its spot at #1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now the second busiest after Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

Q. Who owns ATL?
A. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is owned by the city of Atlanta. It is operated by the Atlanta Department of Aviation.

Q. What highway exit is near ATL?
A. From the north/downtown: Take I-85 North to exit 18A to ATL. From the south: Take I-75 North to I-285 West to exit 3 to ATL. From the east and west: Take I-285 to I-85 to exit 18A to ATL.

Q. How big is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?
A. The entire airport is spread out over 4,700 acres. The terminals make up 130 acres of this land.

Q. How busy is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?
A. Hartsfield-Atlanta serves over 2,500 arrivals on a daily basis. It was the world's busiest airport from 1998 to 2019.

Q. When is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport open?
A. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Q. Is ATL an international airport?
A. ATL is the airport code for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. It serves as a port of arrival and destination for both domestic and global flights.

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