AJC.com tease:
Get the latest on holiday travel conditions and airport security updates, including real-time details, only at AJC.com/s/ travel/atlanta-airport.
- Parking: Lot status for on-site and off-site parking lots, plus prices
- Security: Wait times for TSA security lines
- Tracking: Weather updates and a handy flight-tracker tool to watch flights nationwide
It’s time for the holiday rush at the world’s busiest airport. Travelers should prepare for the possibility of imaging machines, pat-downs and delays. Here are the latest developments for travelers at Hartsfield-Jackson and what you need to know to navigate the airport like a pro.
WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR
New roadways
Watch out for different routes on new roads leading up to the domestic terminal. The traffic pattern has changed since last year. Slow down on your approach to the terminal and read the signs to make sure you take the correct route.
Gun law
Since Georgia passed its new gun law last year, the Atlanta airport has seen a big increase in the number of guns brought to security checkpoints. A total of 130 guns were caught at Atlanta checkpoints in the first 10 months of the year. Guns are still prohibited past security. People caught with a firearm at the security checkpoint will be taken to the Atlanta Police Department precinct, and those without carry licenses will be arrested while properly licensed gun owners can be released. They could still be subject to a TSA civil penalty and could miss their flight.
Airlines
-Be aware that Delta has been selling “basic economy” fares on more routes, which offer less flexibility than regular economy “main cabin” fares. If you bought a basic economy fare, there are no advance seat assignments, no ability to pay to upgrade and no ticket changes allowed.
-While it may not be the venti caramel macchiato you’re used to, Delta now serves Starbucks coffee on board.
-Delta is offering Early Valet service through the holidays at its hubs, with airport customer service agents preloading certain customers’ carry-on bags into the overhead bins above their assigned seats. The program targets families with small children, those with disabilities, elderly travelers and “high value customers.” By loading about six to nine bags in advance of a flight, boarding speeds up by about a minute and a half, according to Delta.
-Southwest has consolidated its operations onto Concourse C at Hartsfield-Jackson.
- On Delta’s domestic flights, the first checked bag is $25, and the second is $35. Southwest Airlines does not charge fees for the first two checked bags. See airlines’ websites for more information.
New food, drink choices
Concourse T: Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Grill, Atlanta Stillhouse bourbon bar
Concourse A: Gordon Biersch
Concourse B: Dunkin’ Donuts
Concourse C: Umaizushi, Carrabba’s
Concourse D: Mustard Seed BBQ, Terrapin Beer Co.
Concourses E and F: No new restaurants this year, but options on Concourse E include One Flew South and Nature’s Table, while choices on Concourse F range from Ecco to The Varsity.
Airport security
- Record crowds are leading to long waits at TSA checkpoints. Wait times have exceeded 30 minutes during peak periods, even before the holiday travel period began. Plan accordingly and arrive at the airport earlier than usual to get to your gate on time. Hartsfield-Jackson and TSA advise arriving at the airport 2.5 hours before your flight, while airlines advise arriving at the airport 2 hours before your flight.
- There are three checkpoints in the domestic terminal — Main, South and North. The international terminal has its own security checkpoint.
- TSA has reduced expedited screening for travelers who have not been vetted through its PreCheck program.
- Due to the reduction in expedited screening for non-PreCheck members, if you want a better chance at expedited screening to keep your shoes, belts and jackets on and leave liquids in your suitcase, the most dependable way to get it is now to apply for PreCheck. It costs $85 for five years. You can sign up online and schedule an appointment at a PreCheck registration center. There is a registration center in Hartsfield-Jackson’s domestic terminal and one on Concourse A.
RUN NEXT TO AIRPORT LAYOUT GRAPHIC:
Directions from Downtown Atlanta
To the domestic terminal: Take I-75/85 connector south to I-85, follow signs to [airport symbol] Domestic.
On MARTA: Take the Red or Gold line to and from the terminal. Trips are $2.50 each way. Trains operate either every 15 minutes or every 20 minutes, depending on the day, time and route.
To the international terminal: Take I-75/85 connector south and continue on I-75. Take Exit 239. Turn right onto C.W. Grant Parkway. Continue straight and follow signs to“Departures,” “Arrivals”or “Parking.”
Parking: Economy lots cost $3 per hour or $12 per day. The park-ride lots for domestic and international terminals cost $3
per hour or $9 or $12 per day.
RUN NEXT TO AIRPORT LAYOUT GRAPHIC:
Terminal North
Southwest
American
Frontier
Spirit Air
United
Alaska Airlines
Terminal South
Delta Air Lines
International Terminal
Delta Air Lines
Southwest
Air Canada
Air France
British Airways
KLM
Korean Air
Lufthansa
Virgin Atlantic
TIME TO KILL?
- The cellphone lot is a great place for“meeter-greeters” to wait for their friends or family who haven’t yet arrived at the curbside. It’s free to wait there in your car, and the entrance is on the right side of the road leading to Terminal South.
- There’s a new art exhibit in the domestic terminal atrium featuring platinum palladium prints of Southern blues musicians supported by the Music Maker Relief Foundation. The exhibit runs through Jan. 20.
- If you’re in the domestic terminal and need to charge your phone, you can grab a bite or a drink at the bar at the Atlanta Chop House and use the outlets running underneath the bar.
- If you’re past security and you need a private place to sleep or work, you can pay for a“sleep unit” at Minute Suites on Concourse B. Each of the five units has a daybed, pillows, blankets, a TV, desk and chair.
- Concourses A and C have XpresSpa locations where you can get a massage, manicure or pedicure.
- Wi-Fi is free at Hartsfield-Jackson.
Other amenities
- If you carry a reusable water bottle, the airport has water bottle refilling stations.
QUICK TIPS
Parking
- Hartsfield-Jackson has more than 30,000 public parking spaces, including domestic terminal park-ride spaces for $9 per day.
- If you park at the park-ride reserve lot or at the international terminal hourly parking deck, you can reserve a spot by making an online parking reservation, for a $5 booking fee.
- A variety of private lots also offer spaces with prices ranging from roughly $7 to $15, not including valet or other services. Check out the Atlanta Airport Guide on ajc.com for more info.
- Private parking rates are subject to change and are subject to applicable taxes and fees. Some facilities offer discounts for online reservations, seniors and AAA club members.
- Not all private park-ride lots serve the international terminal. The airport’s international terminal has its own park-ride garage charging $12 per day.
Security
- The TSA has a MyTSA iPhone application and a mobile site at www.tsa.gov/mobile, where you can get information on wait times and prohibited items.
- Thinking of bringing something for the holiday meal? Prohibited liquids or gels in carry-on bags include cranberry sauce, creamy dips/spreads, gravy, jams and jellies, maple syrup and sauces.
- Some sharp objects such as small scissors, tweezers, nail clippers and small tools may be carried on board.
Perks
- Airport lounge: A VIP lounge in the international terminal is open to passengers of any airline for $35 a day. The Club at ATL offers cushy seats and complimentary snacks and beverages, among other amenities.
- Sky Deck: The Delta Sky Club at Hartsfield-Jackson’s international terminal has an outdoor deck where you can watch planes coming and going. A one-day Sky Club pass costs $59.
INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL FAQ
Q: Where can international travelers park at the international terminal?
A: The international terminal has a short-term hourly parking garage, as well as a long-term park-ride garage with a 3-minute shuttle bus ride to the terminal, and a Gold Reserve parking lot that requires registration. There are no daily parking or walkable economy parking lots like at the domestic terminal.
Q: Where do international travelers claim their checked bags when arriving in Atlanta?
A: At the international terminal baggage claim area.
Q: What if I go to the wrong terminal?
A: You may still be able to check in for your flight, depending on the airline. But if you can’t check in for your flight or check your bag, don’t worry — you can take a shuttle bus to get to the correct terminal. At the main terminal, the shuttle will be at the ground transportation center on the west end of the terminal. The shuttle ride from one terminal to the other will take 12 minutes. International travelers may want to allow some extra time the first time they use the terminal, in case of any wait or confusion.
Q: How can I get from the airport MARTA station to the international terminal?
A: A free shuttle bus runs between the airport MARTA station and the international terminal 24 hours a day, available to passengers only.
Q: How can visitors to Atlanta get to the rental car center?
A: A separate free shuttle bus will take travelers from the international terminal to the rental car center.
Q: Where do I pick up arriving international passengers?
A: Take I-75, exit 239 to the international terminal, where signs will point you toward the lower-level roadway for arriving passengers.
Q: Does the people-mover train go to Concourse F?
A: Yes, the train and the pedestrian walkway connect Concourse F with all other concourses. If you’re an Atlanta-bound
international passenger going through Customs, you’ll exit into the international terminal arrivals area. You won’t be able to get through security to access the people-mover train to the main terminal, but you can take a shuttle to the main terminal. Also, Atlanta-bound passengers who arrive on Concourse E must walk to the international terminal to collect their baggage and exit. The walk varies from about a quarter mile to six-tenths of a mile long, though there are some moving walkways.
Q: Did the international terminal replace international Concourse E?
A: No, the international terminal and 12-gate Concourse F are in addition to the 28-gate Concourse E. They form what the airport calls a“40-gate international air travel complex.”
About the Author
