Sachin Walls
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has two terminals: the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal. The Domestic Terminal is further divided into the Domestic Terminal South and the Domestic Terminal North. The Plane Train connects the two terminals within the airport's secured area. While it is possible to go through security at the International Terminal and then take the Plane Train to the Domestic Terminal, airport officials advise against this as it can cause staffing issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the airport | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport |
| Number of terminals | 2 (Domestic and International) |
| Number of concourses | 7 |
| Transport system connecting the terminals and concourses | Plane Train |
| Security check for international terminal | Level 2 |
| Security check points in the Domestic Terminal | 3 (Main, North, and South) |
| Domestic airlines with check-in counters at both terminals | Delta |
| International airlines with check-in counters at Level 2 | Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, and British Airways |
| TSA PreCheck timings at the International Terminal | 6:30-9:30 am and 2:00-4:00 pm |
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What You'll Learn
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport layout
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a large, extremely busy airport with a well-organised layout. The airport consists of two terminals: the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal. The Domestic Terminal is further divided into the Domestic Terminal South and the Domestic Terminal North. The International Terminal is located at 2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354, and is known for its sweeping roofline and glass facade.
The Domestic and International Terminals are connected by an underground transportation system known as the Plane Train, which runs from Concourse F to all other concourses, including Concourse T. There are seven airside concourses in total, filled with shops, restaurants, and departure gates. The concourses are about half a mile long, and it takes approximately five minutes to walk from the middle entry point to the farthest gate.
The Domestic Terminal has three security checkpoints: the main checkpoint, the north checkpoint, and the south checkpoint. Once passengers have cleared security, they arrive at Concourse T. Gates are marked according to their concourse, for example, T14 is in Concourse T. All concourses, except Concourse T, have gates on both sides, with odd-numbered gates on the east and even-numbered gates on the west.
The International Terminal is organised into several levels, each serving a different purpose. Level 0 is for arrivals and the Plane Train, Level U provides tunnel access to Concourse E, Level 1 is for daily parking, Level 2 is the departures area and security checkpoint for Concourses E and F, and Level 3 houses most terminal services, including VIP lounges and business services. Concourse E offers boarding gates E1 to E37, accessible from the centre of the International Terminal.
The airport offers a range of lounges, including Delta Sky Clubs and the American Airlines Admirals Club, providing areas for relaxation and business. These lounges offer various amenities, such as conference rooms, free drinks and snacks, and premium spirits. Additionally, the airport provides extensive dining, shopping, and lounge facilities, enhancing Atlanta's position as a global gateway.
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Domestic vs. international security wait times
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a large and extremely busy airport with two terminals: the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal. The Domestic Terminal is further divided into the Domestic Terminal South and the Domestic Terminal North. The security wait times at the airport can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours. For domestic flights, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport two hours before departure, while for international flights, it is recommended to arrive at least three hours in advance to account for longer security checks.
The Domestic Terminal has three security checkpoints: the main checkpoint, the north checkpoint, and the south checkpoint. During peak hours, wait times at these checkpoints can reach 45 to 60 minutes. However, the south checkpoint is often a little faster than the other two. The International Terminal also has multiple security checkpoints, and passengers can expect shorter wait times there compared to the Domestic Terminal.
Passengers with a domestic ticket can go through security in the international terminal and then take the Plane Train to their gate in the domestic terminal. This is because, once passengers get past security, the entire area is connected, and they can move freely between the terminals. However, the airport would prefer passengers not to do this as it messes up their predictive staffing. Additionally, passengers with checked luggage need to ensure that their airline has check-in facilities at the international terminal.
To avoid long security wait times, passengers can enroll in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR. These programs offer expedited security lanes, allowing passengers to keep their shoes and belts on during the screening process. Passengers can also check the real-time security wait times on the official ATL Airport website, the ATL app, or by contacting the airport staff via phone or social media.
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TSA requirements for international security
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a large and extremely busy airport with two terminals: the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal. The Domestic Terminal is further divided into the Domestic Terminal South and the Domestic Terminal North. The two terminals are connected by the Plane Train within the airport's secured area.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not care what terminal you use, and the documentation requirements do not change. The TSA Security Screening page outlines the agency's approach to airport security, emphasizing both visible and unseen measures to ensure safe travel. They collaborate with intelligence and law enforcement to adapt security procedures based on evolving threats.
- Passengers are advised to arrive early at the airport to allow enough time for the screening process.
- Passengers may be required to undergo advanced imaging technology (AIT) screening or opt for physical screening. AIT safely screens passengers without physical contact for metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives, which may be concealed under clothing.
- Some passengers will be required to undergo AIT screening if their boarding pass indicates that they have been selected for enhanced screening.
- TSA PreCheck passengers may receive expedited screening, but they may still be required to undergo a pat-down procedure as part of unpredictable security measures or enhanced screening.
- Pat-down procedures are used to determine whether prohibited items or other threats are concealed on the person. It may include an inspection of the head, neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet, including sensitive areas.
- Passengers enrolled in trusted traveler programs, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, may be eligible for expedited screening through TSA PreCheck.
It is important to note that while there are no rules against using either terminal at Atlanta Airport, the airport would prefer passengers to use the correct terminal to avoid messing up predictive staffing. Additionally, passengers with checked luggage should check if their airline has check-in facilities at their chosen terminal.
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Checking in with checked luggage
If you are checking in with checked luggage at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to check whether your airline has check-in facilities at the terminal of your choice. Some airlines only have check-in counters at either the domestic or international terminal, so you may need to go to a specific terminal to check your bags. For example, Delta Air Lines has check-in desks in both terminals, while Southwest may not accept checked baggage at the international terminal.
When checking in with checked luggage, you will need to go to the appropriate terminal to drop off your bags. If you are flying domestically, you will need to go to the domestic terminal, and if you are flying internationally, you will need to go to the international terminal. It is recommended to have your boarding pass printed or on your phone before arriving at the airport, as some airlines may not provide check-in services for domestic passengers at the international terminal.
If you are connecting flights at Atlanta Airport, you may not need to collect your checked luggage in between flights. For example, if you are flying domestically and then connecting to an international flight, you can check your bags through to your final destination. However, if you are returning from an international trip and connecting to a domestic flight, you will need to claim your luggage, go through customs and immigration, and then re-check your bag.
It is important to note that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends against using the international terminal for domestic flights just to skip lines. The TSA plans its staffing based on the expected number of travellers at each checkpoint, so unexpectedly high volumes of domestic passengers at the international terminal could lead to longer lines and delays.
Overall, when checking in with checked luggage at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, be sure to check your airline's check-in facilities and go to the appropriate terminal to drop off your bags.
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Getting to the domestic terminal from Concourse F
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has two terminals: the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal. The Domestic Terminal is further divided into the Domestic Terminal South and the Domestic Terminal North.
The Plane Train is the fastest way to get between the terminals and concourses. It is an underground transportation system that runs between the two terminals and is accessible from Level 0. The Plane Train ride takes just a few minutes and departs every 2 minutes.
If you are at Concourse F, you can take the escalator or elevator to Level 0 and ride the Plane Train to the Domestic Terminal. You can also walk through a pedestrian walkway to Concourse E and then take the Plane Train or walk to any of the other concourses for the Domestic Terminal.
If you are arriving from the MARTA station or from other entry points on the western side of the Domestic Terminal, you can take the airport shuttle service to get to the International Terminal. The shuttle bus can be picked up from the arrivals level outside doors A1 and A2 at the International Terminal and from outside doors W1 or W2 at the Domestic Terminal. The shuttle journey between the terminals takes around 12 minutes.
Please note that after arriving on an international flight, you cannot use the Plane Train to reach the Domestic Terminal; you must take the external shuttle.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. The TSA does not care what terminal you use, and the documentation requirements do not change. However, the airport would prefer that you don't do this, as it messes up their staffing plans. If you have checked luggage, you need to check whether your airline has check-in facilities at the international terminal.
The main problem is with checking bags. If you have checked luggage, you need to be on an airline that has check-in counters at both the domestic and international terminals. Delta is the only such airline. Other potential issues include getting boarding passes, reclaiming bags, and parking.
The two terminals are connected by the Plane Train within the airport's secured area.
