What Terminal Does Southwest Use at Atlanta’s Airport?
If you’re flying Southwest Airlines in Atlanta, all of your flights—arrivals and departures—go through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s Domestic Terminal, specifically Concourse C.
That’s the short answer. Below is everything you need to know to actually navigate it with confidence, whether you live in metro Atlanta, are visiting, or just connecting through.
Where to Find Southwest at Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL)
At Atlanta’s airport (ATL), Southwest operates out of the Domestic Terminal and uses:
- Check-in / Ticketing: Domestic Terminal, South Terminal
- Security: Main security checkpoints serving the Domestic Terminal
- Gates:Concourse C (Domestic concourse)
You’ll check in and drop bags at the South Terminal counters, then go through security and take the Plane Train to Concourse C, where Southwest gates are located.
Domestic vs. International: Which Terminal Do You Use?
Atlanta’s airport is split into two main terminal areas:
- Domestic Terminal – For most U.S. flights, including all Southwest flights
- International Terminal (Concourse F) – For most non-U.S. destinations
Even if you’re connecting from Southwest to an international airline (or vice versa), your Southwest flight itself will still use the Domestic Terminal / Concourse C.
If You’re:
- Flying Southwest within the U.S.:
Go to the Domestic Terminal, South side, then Concourse C. - Connecting from Southwest to an international flight:
You’ll arrive at Concourse C, then follow airport signs to your next concourse or the International Terminal as needed. - Arriving internationally and connecting to Southwest:
After clearing customs, you’ll follow signs to Domestic Connections and then head toward Concourse C for your Southwest flight.
Step-by-Step: Departing from Atlanta on Southwest
Here’s how a typical Southwest departure from ATL works:
1. Getting to the Right Terminal
Head to:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 North Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320
For Southwest, you’ll want:
- Domestic Terminal – South (signs on I-75, I-85, and airport roads will say “South Terminal”)
- Look for Southwest Airlines signs at the curb for departures and baggage check.
2. Check-In and Bag Drop
Inside the South Terminal, look for:
- Southwest check-in counters (ticketing area)
- Self-service kiosks for boarding passes and bag tags
- Full-service counters for checked baggage, special assistance, or questions
You can also check in on the Southwest app and go straight to security if you have no checked bags.
3. Security Checkpoint
From the ticketing hall, follow signs to the main security checkpoints.
Once you clear security, you’ll be in the central Atrium area, which leads to the Plane Train and the underground walkway to the concourses.
4. Getting to Concourse C
From the Atrium:
- Take the Plane Train and ride it to “Concourse C”
or - Use the pedestrian tunnel and follow the overhead signs for Concourse C (a longer walk, but some people prefer it)
Once you reach Concourse C:
- Check the departure boards for your gate number (like C12, C21, etc.)
- Southwest gates are clustered throughout Concourse C
Arriving in Atlanta on Southwest
When your Southwest flight lands in Atlanta, you’ll arrive at Concourse C.
After Landing
- Follow “Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation” signs.
- Take the Plane Train or walk through the tunnel back to the Domestic Terminal.
- For checked bags, follow signs to Baggage Claim – South Terminal and look for the carousel showing your Southwest flight number.
If someone is picking you up, they should follow signs for:
- “South Terminal Arrivals” to meet you outside the baggage claim area.
Quick Reference: Southwest at ATL
Here’s a simple summary you can skim or screenshot:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What terminal does Southwest use in Atlanta? | Domestic Terminal – South |
| What concourse does Southwest use? | Concourse C |
| Where do I check bags and get my boarding pass? | South Terminal (ticketing/check-in level) |
| Where are Southwest gates after security? | Concourse C, accessed by Plane Train or tunnel |
| Where is baggage claim for Southwest? | Domestic Terminal – South Baggage Claim |
Getting To and From the Southwest Terminal in Atlanta
Whether you live in metro Atlanta or are visiting, you have several options to reach the Domestic South Terminal where Southwest operates.
MARTA (Public Transit)
If you’d rather avoid parking or traffic:
- Take MARTA rail to the Airport Station (at the end of the Red and Gold lines).
- The station is directly inside the Domestic Terminal, near the Atrium.
- From there, follow signs to South Terminal for check-in and to the Plane Train for Concourse C.
This is often the most predictable option if you’re traveling from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or along the Red/Gold line corridor.
Driving and Parking
If you’re driving:
- Follow airport signs for “Domestic Terminal – South”.
- Short-term and long-term parking options are available at or near the Domestic Terminal, including:
- South Economy Lots
- Daily and hourly lots for short stays or pick-ups
- From parking areas, follow signs to the South Terminal entrance and then to Southwest check-in.
Allow extra time during morning rush, evening rush, and busy travel seasons (holidays, major Atlanta events).
Rideshare, Taxi, and Shuttles
If using rideshare or taxis:
- Set your drop-off as “Domestic Terminal – South” for Southwest.
- For pickups, follow signs to the designated rideshare / ground transportation areas at the Domestic Terminal.
Many metro Atlanta hotels also run shuttles to the airport; confirm whether they drop at the Domestic Terminal and which side (North or South) so you can get closest to Southwest check-in.
Connecting in Atlanta on Southwest
Atlanta is a major connecting hub, so you may be changing planes here.
Southwest-to-Southwest Connections
If both flights are on Southwest:
- You’ll usually stay within Concourse C.
- Check the monitors or the Southwest app to confirm your next gate.
- No need to exit security unless you’re leaving the airport.
Southwest to Another Airline
If you’re switching airlines:
- You may need to go to a different concourse (A, B, D, E, or F).
- Use the Plane Train to reach your new concourse.
- For some international connections, you may end up in or pass through the International Terminal / Concourse F, even though Southwest itself does not use that terminal.
Always confirm your departure gate on:
- Airport departure boards
- Your airline’s app or confirmation email
Gates can change, especially during irregular operations or weather delays, which are fairly common in Atlanta’s stormy seasons.
Helpful ATL Contacts and Info
While Southwest handles flight-related questions, Atlanta’s airport can help with terminal navigation, parking, and general airport services.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Customer Information:
- General airport information line: (800) 897-1910 (commonly listed)
- Main address: 6000 North Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320
For flight changes, lost baggage on Southwest, EarlyBird Check-In, or fare questions, contact Southwest Airlines directly via their customer service channels or at their counters in the Domestic South Terminal.
Once you know that Southwest = Domestic Terminal (South) + Concourse C at Hartsfield–Jackson, getting in and out of Atlanta becomes much simpler. Just build in enough time for security and the short ride on the Plane Train, and you’ll be in the right place.