A Guide to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

As one of the primary travel hubs for the U.S., Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) serves more than 100 million passengers each year.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world, with 107 million people passing through its terminals each year. When you’re making a connection or have a layover at ATL, knowing where to eat, relax, shop or stay can make all the difference.

Which terminal or concourse do you need? – finding your airline

Atlanta’s airport is divided into two terminals — the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal — with five Concourses between them. Those Concourses are labeled A, B, C, D, and E. Concourse F is in the International Terminal, and the Domestic Terminal is home to Concourse T.

However, despite the labeling, you’ll notice that many international flights depart from and arrive at the Domestic Terminal. One safe bet: If you’re flying Delta, you’re likely to check in at the South Domestic Terminal, where the carrier is based.

Transfers between the terminals are easy, thanks to a shuttle service. It’s also possible to walk from one concourse to the next.

If you’re looking for your airline, take a look at the following list to find its location. Note that many airlines operate out of more than one terminal. If your airline is not on this list, as is the case with some smaller carriers, that could mean it doesn’t have an assigned terminal.

Domestic Terminal North/ Concourse T

Domestic Terminal South/ Concourse T

International Terminal / Concourse F

Atlanta Airport Lounges – relaxing between flights

When you have to wait for several hours for a connecting flight, nothing makes time pass quicker than being able to check into a comfortable lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport .

Lounges in the Domestic Terminal – plenty of choices

Delta Sky Clubs are the major players here at ATL airport, so of course, there’s one in the domestic terminal. This is a smaller Sky Club, but it has conference rooms available if you need to hold a business meeting between flights. Delta Sky Club members, Virgin Australia business-class flyers, and American Express Platinum cardholders have access to these lounges, and those with Delta Reserve credit cards can use them for a small fee.

Also in the Domestic Terminal is the American Airlines Admirals Club, available to Admirals Club members. This small lounge often gets crowded. While drinks and snacks are free, expect to pay for hot meals.

United Club members have access to the Domestic Terminal United Club, which serves wine and beer, but no hard liquor. While the lounge serves snacks only, it’s comfortable and well-maintained with good views of the action outside.

Lounges in the Concourses – Delta Sky Clubs all the way

In Concourses A through E, the only airport lounges you’ll find are Delta Sky Clubs, with more than one in some concourses. In all the Delta Sky Clubs, you’ll find free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and premium spirits being poured at the bar.

Concourse A is home to two Sky Clubs. The Sky Club near Gate 16 is more spacious and serves better food, while the Sky Club near Gate 1 has private workstations and conference rooms available for a small fee.

In Concourse B, two large coffee areas keep travelers alert, while multiple bar TVs let them catch up on what they missed while flying. The high ceilings and terrific tarmac views give this Sky Club a spacious feel. In contrast, the Concourse C Sky Club is small, but very quiet, with semi-private areas to let you escape from the hustle and bustle of the airport.

Concourse D also features two Sky Clubs. The lounge near Gate 11 tends to be rather crowded, so keep heading to Gate 27, where you’ll find a large bar and lots of seating awaiting you. Concourse E’s Sky Club is where to go if you need to shower before or after your flight.

Lounges in the International Terminal – refresh and recharge

Of course there’s yet another Sky Club in the International Terminal’s Concourse F — and this one stands out because of its outside observation deck, where you can relax on a sofa under some shade and enjoy a cold beer while you watch planes come and go. Excellent food, spacious seating, and good shower suites make this Sky Club a must-visit.

Priority Pass members and American Express Platinum cardholders also have access to The Club at ATL in Concourse F. Others can buy a day pass to this lounge if space is available. This airport lounge features showers and a popular bar, but it often gets crowded enough to put visitors on a wait list.

Shopping at Atlanta International Airport – convenience plus a little luxury

You might feel like you’re in a shopping mall rather than an airport when you browse the stores at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. While you can find the basics in all of the airport’s concourses, each concourse offers a little something special.

Concourse T

Pamper yourself with ecologically-friendly personal care items at Lather — you’ll be delighted at the fresh aromas. Stop at Atlanta News & Gifts or Shellis News to pick up reading material for the plane, or check out the tech at TechShowcase.

Concourse A

You might not expect to find men’s designer fashions at an airport, but Ermenegildo Zegna delivers on the luxury, as do Bulgari and Salvatore Ferragamo. Pick up something to read on the flight at Simply Books or Shellis News. If you need to augment the tech you’re carrying, head to Best Buy Express or InMotion Entertainment.

Concourse B

Sharp menswear ranging from T-shirts to suits awaits you at Sean John, P. Diddy’s clothing store. If you’re a fan of any of Estee Lauder’s makeup or skin care brands, you’ll find a store dedicated to them at The Beauty Lounge. Need to take a toy home to a waiting young one? Panda Veranda can take care of you. Apple products for your trip are available at iTravel.

Concourse C

Whether you need some intriguing gadgets or just want to browse, Brookstone is waiting for you in this concourse. If you’re in need of something to read on your flight, Buckhead Books and Midtown Magazines have you covered.

Concourse D

If you know the first question when you get home will be “What did you get me?”, stop at All ATL to pick up T-shirts or stuffed animals from Zoo Atlanta. Tech of all sorts — for the plane or for your business meetings — is available at Bluwire, Best Buy Express, and InMotion Entertainment.

Concourse E

When you think of Spanx, you probably think of shapewear, but don’t overlook the airplane-friendly leggings available at this store. Michael Kors, Coach, and Tommy Hilfiger deliver on high fashion, and MAC, The Body Shop, and Kiehl’s let you stock up on any makeup or skin care products you forgot at home. And if you need to pick up a special gift, head to Pandora or Swarovski to browse their jewelry collections.

Concourse F

Emporio Armani, DKNY, and Coach give you an opportunity to pick up the right outfit for your upcoming pitch, and Montblanc can show you a variety of high-end pens for your own use or business gifts. If you’re headed for the tropics, grab a new pair of shades at Sunglass Icon. You’ll find reading material at Simply Books and CNN International News.

Atlanta International Airport Hotels

While there are no hotels inside the Atlanta airport itself, you can find several — including all the major chains — surrounding the airport. When you need a quick overnight or want to keep your business meetings close to the airport so you can catch a flight, check out The Georgian Terrace Hotel, Holiday Inn & Suites (Atlanta Airport North), Country Inn & Suites by Radisson (Atlanta Airport North), La Quinta by Wyndham (Atlanta Airport North), and Hyatt Place (Atlanta Airport South).

Also within very close range of the airport are the Comfort Inn Atlanta Airport, Crowne Plaza Atlanta Airport, Drury Inn & Suites, Hyatt Place (Atlanta Airport North), and Staybridge Suites Atlanta Airport.

If you are planning on visiting the city, there are plenty more options on where to stay in Atlanta, plus a great selection of things to do and places to eat during your stay in Georgia’s capital city.

Dining at Atlanta Airport – fast, casual, and delicious

Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite while racing for your plane, picking up a meal to carry onboard, or relaxing at an airport eatery during an extended layover, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport offers you a wide selection of places to dine and drink across its multiple concourses and terminals.

Concourse A

You’ll find everything from breakfast necessities to a piano bar here. Check out these dining spots:

• Varasano’s: Yes, there’s pizza, yes, there’s a piano bar — and yes, they’re open for breakfast.
• TAP: High-end pub food is welcome any time of the day, and this place’s signature cocktails make it better.
• Three Taverns: Belgian-style craft beers are the draw here — and pub grub is available, too.

Concourse B

Concourse B is home to some fine Southern cooking, including the following:

• Paschal’s Southern Cuisine: Grab a tray to pick up some fried chicken, catfish, or country fried steak at the airport offshoot of what has become an Atlanta institution.
• Cafe Intermezzo: Why line up at a coffee chain when you can relax at this European-style cafe that features crepes, sandwiches, coffee drinks, and a truly amazing selection of desserts.
• LottaFrutta: If you’re looking for smoothies and fresh fruit, here’s where to head.

Concourse C

Getting the food you want can help make your travel so much better. Try some of these Concourse C spots:

• Chik-fil-A: For many, a stop at this famous chicken sandwich spot is what means they’re really home. Look for another Chik-fil-A in Concourse A.
• El Taco: Have you really lived if you haven’t had a fried chicken taco? Don’t worry if you’re traveling internationally — There’s another El Taco in Concourse F.

Concourse D

You won’t go hungry when you stop at any of these fulfilling places:

• Chicken + Beer: Rapper Ludacris (also an Atlanta resident) owns this restaurant, which serves up excellent fried chicken and deviled eggs. Try the affordable beef flight that features local craft brews.
• Food Network Kitchen: You’ll find this eatery in other airports, but the Atlanta location features Southern specialties, including a green tomato and Brie sandwich to die for.

Concourse E

Concourse E is home to one of the best airport restaurants anywhere in the world, plus several other choices.

• One Flew South: Consistently ranked as one of the top restaurants in any airport, this upscale restaurant and sushi bar was even nominated for a James Beard award — and the cocktails aren’t bad, either.

Concourse F

International fare in the international terminal only makes sense. Try some of these yummy spots:

• Ecco: If you’ve visited the home Ecco restaurant in midtown Atlanta, you already know you want the fried goat cheese balls. Pastas, panini and pizzas are all terrific.
• Sweet Auburn Curb Market: Pick up a hot breakfast sandwich or (on Sundays) a Bloody Mary, or grab a fresh, ready-to-go meal for the plane.

Concourse T

Whether you’re flying out of the North or South Domestic Terminal, this Concourse T restaurant will take care of you: Grindhouse Killer Burgers. Atlanta locals know this is where to build your own burgers. There’s also a Grindhouse in Concourse D.

Whenever you pass through Atlanta, your trip flows more smoothly when you’re able to get to and from the airport with ease. Book a professional Blacklane car service for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to start or end your travels in comfort and style.

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