Is Southwest in the North or South Terminal at Atlanta Airport?

If you’re flying Southwest Airlines from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), you’ll use the Domestic South Terminal. This is where Southwest’s ticket counters, check-in, and baggage claim are located.

That’s the short answer. The details below will help you get to the right terminal, the right doors, and the right security checkpoint without stress.

Quick Answer: Where to Go for Southwest at ATL

Southwest Airlines uses the:

• Domestic Terminal – South side
• Check-in and baggage claim: South Terminal
• Gates: Mostly in Concourse C, but your exact gate will be on your boarding pass and airport monitors

At-a-glance: Southwest at Atlanta Airport

Understanding Atlanta’s Terminals: North vs. South

Atlanta’s airport can be confusing if you’re not used to how it’s laid out.

Domestic vs. International

• Domestic Terminal (North & South): For flights within the U.S.
• International Terminal (Concourse F / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Terminal): For most international departures and arrivals

Southwest is strictly domestic at ATL, so you will use the Domestic Terminal, not the International Terminal.

North Terminal vs. South Terminal

On the domestic side, the building is split into two:

• North Terminal
  • Home to airlines like Delta’s domestic check-in and some others
• South Terminal
  • Home to airlines including Southwest Airlines

Even though ticketing and baggage claim are split into North and South, all domestic passengers share the same concourses and security system once inside. So you can:

• Check in at South Terminal (Southwest)
• Go through any domestic security checkpoint
• Reach Concourse C or any other concourse using the Plane Train or the underground walkway

How to Get to Southwest’s South Terminal Area

Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting, here’s how to find Southwest quickly.

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving yourself:

1. Follow interstate signs to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
2. As you approach the airport, follow signs for:
   • Domestic Terminal
   • Then specifically South Terminal
3. For parking, you can use:
   • Domestic South parking lots/garages
   • Economy or Park-Ride lots, then shuttle to the South Terminal side

If a GPS asks for an address for the domestic side, a commonly used address is:

• Domestic Terminal (general)
  6000 North Terminal Parkway
  Atlanta, GA 30320

Once you’re close, road signs for “Domestic South” are more important than the street address. Just follow Domestic South signs to reach Southwest check-in.

Rideshare, Taxi, or Drop-off

If someone is dropping you off or you’re using Uber, Lyft, or a taxi:

• Tell your driver: “Domestic South, Southwest Airlines.”
• Look for overhead signs for Domestic South Departures.
• Southwest’s check-in counters will be just inside the South side doors.

For pickup:

• After you land and get your bags at South Baggage Claim, go outside to the South Terminal Arrivals curb to meet your ride.

What to Expect Once You’re Inside the South Terminal

Check-In and Bag Drop

Once you enter the South Terminal, look for:

• Southwest Airlines check-in counters
• Self-service kiosks for printing boarding passes and luggage tags
• Bag drop counters and customer service desks

If you’re an Atlanta resident who flies Southwest often, you’ll find that their counters are in a consistent, clearly marked area on the South side.

Security Checkpoints

You don’t have to use a “South-only” security checkpoint. At ATL’s domestic side:

• You can use any main domestic security checkpoint (North, South, or Main).
• Your boarding pass for Southwest works at all of them.
• After security, you’ll be in the central atrium / transportation mall, not locked to North or South.

Tip:

• If the South checkpoint line looks long, you can check the Main or North domestic checkpoint. All lead to the same concourses.

Getting to Your Southwest Gate (Usually in Concourse C)

After security, follow signs to the Plane Train (the underground tram) or the walkway.

• Look for signs pointing to Concourse C.
• Ride the Plane Train or walk until you reach Concourse C.
• Check airport monitors for your exact gate number and any changes.

Most Southwest flights in Atlanta depart from Concourse C, but airlines can sometimes use other gates or concourses. Always confirm:

• On your boarding pass
• On flight information displays in the terminal

Connecting Through Atlanta on Southwest

If you’re connecting in Atlanta (for example, New Orleans → Atlanta → Baltimore on Southwest), here’s how it usually works:

• You arrive at Concourse C (or another concourse if assigned).
• Stay inside security.
• Check the nearest monitors for your next gate and concourse.
• If your connecting gate is in a different concourse:
  • Take the Plane Train to the new concourse.
• You do not need to go back to the North or South Terminal unless:
  • Atlanta is your final destination, and
  • You need to exit to baggage claim or ground transportation.

If You Accidentally Go to the Wrong Terminal

It happens, especially if you mix up North and South.

• If you go to the North Terminal but you’re flying Southwest:
  • You can walk inside the building from North to South on the ticketing level.
  • Follow overhead signs for South Terminal; it’s one continuous structure.
• You do not need to leave the building or re-enter from the outside to switch between North and South before security.

If you’ve already checked in online and have no checked bags:

• You could go through any domestic security checkpoint, even on the North side.
• Once through, just head to Concourse C for your Southwest flight.

Helpful Local Tips for Atlanta Travelers Using Southwest

• Plan extra time for traffic:
  Atlanta traffic around I-75, I-85, and the airport can be heavy, especially during rush hours. Build in extra time to reach the South Terminal.

• MARTA access:
  If you’re coming from Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead, you can:

  • Take MARTA’s Gold or Red line to the Airport Station.
  • You’ll arrive at the Domestic Terminal.
  • From the MARTA station exit, follow signs to the South Terminal / Southwest side.

• Meeting someone flying Southwest:
  If you’re picking up a friend or family member:

  • Go to Domestic South Arrivals / Baggage Claim.
  • They’ll collect their bags at South Baggage Claim.
  • You can wait at the South curbside arrivals area or use the Cell Phone Lot until they text you.

Key Takeaways

• Southwest Airlines is in the Domestic South Terminal at Atlanta’s airport.
• Use the South Terminal for:
  • Check-in
  • Bag drop
  • Baggage claim
  • Curbside pickup and drop-off
• After security, follow signs to Concourse C for most Southwest gates.
• You can use any domestic security checkpoint, regardless of North or South.

If you remember just one thing:
For Southwest at Atlanta’s airport, always head to the Domestic South Terminal.