What Terminal Is Southwest At Atlanta Airport? A Local’s Guide to Flying Southwest from ATL

If you’re flying Southwest Airlines from Atlanta, you’ll use the Domestic Terminal – North at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Southwest operates only domestic flights out of ATL, so you won’t use the International Terminal for Southwest at all.

Quick Answer: Where to Find Southwest at ATL

Here’s the simple breakdown:

• Check-in & Baggage Drop:
  Domestic Terminal – North (main airport address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320)
• Security Checkpoint:
  North security checkpoint (connected directly to the North Terminal)
• Departure Gates:
  Most Southwest flights use Concourse C, but gates can vary, so always check your boarding pass and airport monitors
• Arrivals & Baggage Claim:
  Baggage claim in the Domestic Terminal – North area

Southwest at Atlanta Airport: At-a-Glance

Understanding ATL’s Layout: Terminals vs. Concourses

A lot of confusion comes from how ATL is organized. Knowing this helps you find Southwest faster and avoid unnecessary stress.

Terminals (Where You Enter the Airport)

For Southwest, the key area is:

• Domestic Terminal – North
  • Check-in counters
  • Bag drop
  • North security checkpoint
  • Ground transportation, Uber/Lyft, MARTA access via the main terminal area

The International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal) is on a different side of the airport and is not used for Southwest check-in.

Concourses (Where the Gates Are)

After security, you’ll take the Plane Train (underground tram) or walk through the tunnel to get to the concourses:

• Concourses at ATL: T, A, B, C, D, E, F
• Southwest most commonly uses:Concourse C
  However, depending on scheduling and operations, Southwest flights may occasionally use other domestic concourses. Always verify your exact gate and concourse on:
  • Your boarding pass
  • Monitors in the terminal
  • The airline’s app or kiosk

Arriving at ATL to Fly Southwest: Directions & Local Tips

Whether you’re an Atlanta local or visiting the city, here’s what to do when you’re heading to the airport for a Southwest departure.

If You’re Driving and Parking

1. Set your GPS to:
   • “Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Domestic Terminal – North”
2. Follow signage on I-75/I-85 to Domestic Terminal – North.
3. Parking options near the North Terminal include:
   • North Economy Parking
   • North Daily Parking
   • ATL West and other remote lots connected by shuttle or SkyTrain (allow extra time)

🕒 Time tip for Atlanta drivers:
Because ATL traffic and I-285/I-85 congestion can be unpredictable, many travelers from metro Atlanta aim to arrive 2 hours before a domestic Southwest flight, especially during morning rush or holiday periods.

If You’re Using MARTA

• Take MARTA’s Gold or Red Line to the Airport Station.
• The MARTA station connects directly to the Domestic Terminal.
• Once you arrive:
  • Follow signs to North Terminal / North Ticketing.
  • Look for the Southwest Airlines check-in area in the North side.

This option is popular with people coming from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and nearby MARTA-accessible suburbs.

If You’re Using Rideshare or Taxi

• Choose “Domestic Terminal – North” as your drop-off point.
• Your driver will follow signage to the North side of the Domestic Terminal.
• You’ll be dropped off near Southwest’s check-in counters or just a short walk away.

Checking In with Southwest at ATL

Once you’re inside the Domestic Terminal – North:

1. Look for overhead signs showing airline logos; follow them to Southwest Airlines.
2. Use a self-service kiosk or the Southwest app to check in and print a boarding pass if needed.
3. Drop any checked bags at the Southwest baggage drop counters.
4. Head to the North security checkpoint.

Security Checkpoint Choices

• The North checkpoint is the most direct for Southwest passengers.
• If it’s very crowded, airport staff may direct travelers to other checkpoints, but most Southwest flyers stay on the North side.
• After security, follow signs or use the Plane Train to reach your assigned concourse (often C).

Getting to Your Southwest Gate: Plane Train & Walking Options

After you clear security:

Using the Plane Train

• Follow signs for the Plane Train.
• Board the train and listen/look for Concourse C (or whatever concourse your boarding pass shows).
• The train stops at each concourse in order: T → A → B → C → D → E → F.

This is usually the fastest way to your gate, especially if you’re in a hurry or traveling with luggage.

Walking Between Concourses

ATL also has underground pedestrian walkways connecting concourses:

• Look for signs leading to the tunnels.
• There are moving walkways and art installations along the way.
• Walking can be helpful if:
  • The Plane Train is extremely crowded, or
  • You prefer to stretch your legs before a flight.

Arriving on Southwest in Atlanta: What Happens Next?

If you’re landing in Atlanta on Southwest:

1. You’ll arrive at a domestic concourse (frequently Concourse C).
2. Follow signs to the Plane Train or walking tunnel.
3. Take the Plane Train to the Domestic Terminal and exit at the Terminal stop.
4. Follow signs for Baggage Claim – North to pick up checked bags.
5. Continue to:
   • Ground Transportation for shuttles and hotel vans
   • Rideshare pick-up areas
   • MARTA station if you’re heading into Atlanta without a car

What If You Accidentally Go to the Wrong Terminal?

It happens, especially to visitors using navigation apps that default to the International Terminal.

If You Went to the International Terminal by Mistake

• Southwest does not check in passengers at the International Terminal (Concourse F).
• You’ll need to get to the Domestic Terminal – North.

Ways to fix it:

• Use the free airport shuttle bus between the International Terminal and Domestic Terminal.
• If you’re dropped off in a personal car or rideshare, you can:
  • Ask your driver to continue over to the Domestic Terminal – North, or
  • Take the shuttle if the driver has already left.

This transfer can add time, so if you’re flying Southwest from Atlanta, it’s usually best to choose “Domestic Terminal – North” from the start when entering your destination.

Helpful ATL Contact & Location Information

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Domestic Terminal
6000 North Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320

General airport information is typically available via the airport information desks inside the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim and check-in, if you need in-person assistance finding the Southwest area or understanding ground transportation options.

Key Takeaways for Southwest at Atlanta Airport

• Southwest Airlines uses the Domestic Terminal – North at ATL.
• Check in, drop bags, and arrive at baggage claim on the North side of the Domestic Terminal.
• Most Southwest flights depart from Concourse C, reached via the Plane Train after security.
• Do not go to the International Terminal for Southwest; it’s only domestic operations from Atlanta.
• From anywhere in metro Atlanta, set your destination to “Domestic Terminal – North” when flying Southwest.

With this layout in mind, you can move through Atlanta’s airport more confidently, whether you’re a local heading out for a quick trip or a visitor flying home after time in the city.