Charlotte Airport Vs Atlanta: Who's Bigger?

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the US by passenger traffic, with about 104 million passengers travelling through the airport each year. However, when it comes to size, Atlanta's airport is dwarfed by others in the US, including Denver International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport.

In terms of the airports' respective cities, Atlanta is denser than Charlotte, with almost 1,000 more people per square mile. However, the city of Charlotte is larger than Atlanta in terms of population and size in square miles. Charlotte's population is the result of annexations over the past two decades, and its footprint is almost 175 square miles larger than Atlanta's.

Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is the busiest airport in the world

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has been named the busiest airport in the world, a title it has held every year since 1998, except in 2020 when China's Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport took the top spot.

According to the Airports Council International, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport saw approximately 104.7 million passengers in 2023, an 11% increase from the previous year. This is around 20 million more passengers than the second busiest airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

The airport's favourable geographic location makes it perfect as a connection hub, serving 150 domestic and 70 international destinations. It is also the headquarters for Delta Air Lines, and Delta passengers account for a large proportion of the airport's traffic.

Despite the high volume of passengers, Hartsfield-Jackson has been named the most efficient airport in the world for 19 years in a row. The airport has seven terminals and 192 gates, and there are several construction projects in development to make the airport more accessible for its 286,000 daily passengers.

The airport is a significant economic powerhouse, employing roughly 63,000 workers and bringing a direct economic impact of $34.8 billion to the metro Atlanta area.

Atlanta's airport has a tram that takes you to the terminals and baggage claim

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the US by passenger traffic, with about 104 million passengers travelling through it each year. It is also one of the biggest airports in the US. However, it is not the largest airport in the US or North America by area—that title goes to Denver International Airport.

Now, onto Atlanta's airport tram system. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has a Plane Train that connects all terminals and concourses. It runs 24/7, with departures every 2 minutes, and it's located on Level 0. The Plane Train runs between the Domestic Terminal (baggage reclaim) and Concourse F (International Terminal), stopping at Concourses T, A, B, C, D, and E. There are automatic announcements and maps on board to help passengers plan their route.

The airport also has a SkyTrain, which is an elevated train that runs from the domestic baggage claim area to the Gateway Center and the Rental Car Center. The SkyTrain is free of charge and arrives every two minutes during the day (every 10 minutes from 11 pm to 4 am).

Passengers can also walk between the concourses via a mall featuring moving sidewalks and art exhibits. However, walking from Concourse A to F takes approximately 35 minutes, so the Plane Train is a much quicker option.

Charlotte's airport is easy to navigate

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is easy to navigate. The airport is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is American Airlines' second-largest hub. It is also a civil-military airport, known for being home to the Charlotte Air National Guard Base.

The airport is well-connected to the city of Charlotte. There is a set-fee cab service available from the airport to the uptown area, which is the central city/downtown, for $25. Alternatively, travellers can take the city bus "sprinter" for approximately $2.50. Renting a car is also an option, with plenty of shopping malls within a 10-30 minute drive of uptown.

The airport itself is not difficult to get around. It is much smaller than Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is the busiest airport in the United States by passenger traffic, with around 104 million passengers travelling through each year. Atlanta's airport can be overwhelming, whereas Charlotte's is a good size.

In addition to its convenient transportation links and manageable size, Charlotte Douglas International Airport also offers travellers a unique experience with its famous rocking chairs. These line the main hall, providing a relaxing way to spend a layover.

Overall, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is easy to navigate, with efficient transportation links and a relatively small size compared to other major airports.

Atlanta's airport is huge and difficult to get around

On the other hand, Charlotte Airport is much smaller and easier to navigate. It might not have as many flight options, but it is less crowded and more manageable for those who are not used to large airports. The airport is well-organized, and you can easily get from one place to another without feeling lost.

When comparing the two, Charlotte Airport is a better choice for those who prefer a more relaxed and straightforward experience. Atlanta's airport can be overwhelming, especially if you're not used to busy travel hubs. However, it offers more flight options and connections, which can be advantageous for those who need more flexibility.

In terms of transportation to and from the airport, Charlotte offers a set-fee cab ride to the central city/downtown area, a city bus for a lower price, or the option to rent a car. Atlanta also has various transportation options, but the specifics may vary depending on your destination and preferences.

Overall, if you're looking for a stress-free airport experience and don't mind a limited number of flight options, Charlotte Airport is a better choice. However, if you prioritize having a wide range of flights and can handle a more bustling atmosphere, Atlanta's airport might suit your needs better.

Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is the busiest airport in the US

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, also known by its airport code ATL, is the busiest airport in the United States. In fact, it is the busiest airport in the world.

Strategic Location

The airport's strategic location in Atlanta, Georgia, is a major factor in its high passenger numbers. It is located within a two-hour flight of 80% of the US population, making it a convenient central layover for connecting flights. Its favourable geographic location makes it perfect as a connection hub, serving 150 domestic and 70 international destinations.

Delta Air Lines' Hub

Another key reason for Hartsfield-Jackson's high passenger traffic is that it is the main hub and headquarters for Delta Air Lines, one of the world's largest airlines. Delta passengers account for a high proportion of passenger traffic in Atlanta.

Efficiency

Despite the sheer number of passengers passing through its halls, Hartsfield-Jackson has been named the most efficient airport in the world for 19 years in a row.

Passenger Numbers

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has consistently ranked among the world's busiest airports by passenger numbers. In 2021, it handled just under 76 million passengers, topping the charts for that year. In 2022, nearly 94 million passengers passed through, an increase of 23.8% over 2021. In 2023, the airport served an impressive 104.7 million passengers.

Awards

Hartsfield-Jackson has been named the busiest airport in the world by the Airports Council International (ACI) World, solidifying its position as a global aviation powerhouse.

Frequently asked questions