If you’re flying internationally from Atlanta, you’ll almost always be using Concourse F or Concourse E at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Both are part of the same airport, but they serve slightly different roles.
Below is a clear breakdown of how international travel works at ATL, which concourses are considered “international,” and what that means if you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and catching a flight.
ATL has two main international concourses:
Concourse F – Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
Concourse E – International Concourse
Domestic concourses T, A, B, C, and D are mainly for domestic flights, but some international flights to/from countries with U.S. preclearance may use them (for example, some flights from Canada or the Caribbean where U.S. customs is done before boarding).
Here’s a simple layout of how Atlanta’s concourses work:
| Concourse | Main Use | International? |
|---|---|---|
| T | Domestic | Rare, mostly domestic |
| A | Domestic | Domestic |
| B | Domestic | Domestic |
| C | Domestic | Domestic |
| D | Domestic | Domestic |
| E | International | Yes – international arrivals/departures |
| F | International | Yes – primary international terminal |
All concourses are connected by the Plane Train (underground train) and pedestrian walkways, so you can move between domestic and international gates without exiting security.
If someone says they’re flying out of the “international terminal” in Atlanta, they usually mean Concourse F.
Concourse F is:
You’ll typically use Concourse F if:
Customs and Immigration:
Concourse F has its own U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility. If Atlanta is your first U.S. stop after an international flight and you arrive at F, you’ll clear passport control, baggage claim, and customs here.
Separate Curbside Entrance:
The International Terminal (Concourse F) has its own access road and parking (International Parking Decks). If family is dropping you off for an international trip, this is likely where you want to go if your flight departs from gates in F or E and your airline instructs you to check in at the International Terminal.
Amenities:
Concourse F offers:
Before Concourse F opened, Concourse E was ATL’s main international concourse. Today, it still plays a very active role.
Concourse E is:
You may end up in Concourse E if:
Like F, Concourse E also has customs and immigration facilities. Many international flights still arrive at E, and passengers:
Because E is closer to the domestic concourses, some travelers find it convenient for tight connections, especially when continuing on a domestic flight.
From an Atlanta traveler’s perspective, thinking in terms of “Where do I check in?” and “Where is my gate?” is more useful than thinking only about “which concourse is international.”
For most major airlines operating international service from ATL:
However, airlines provide specific instructions, so always check your confirmation email or boarding pass. Some airlines prefer international passengers to check in at the International Terminal, especially when flights depart from Concourse F.
Even if you check in on the domestic side, your international flight can still depart from:
Always follow what’s printed or updated on:
Many travelers use ATL as a connection point between international and domestic flights. Here’s how that usually works.
If you arrive internationally in Concourse E or F and are connecting to another U.S. city:
Plan sufficient time between flights, especially during busy travel seasons.
If you’re flying from another U.S. city into Atlanta, then continuing to an international destination:
Because ATL has two main terminal fronts (Domestic and International), it’s important to know how to get to the right one, especially if someone is dropping you off or you’re parking long-term.
International Terminal – Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
Domestic Terminal (North and South):
If your airline suggests checking in at the International Terminal, it’s better to go directly there than to use the Domestic side and backtrack.
Atlanta’s MARTA trains go to the Domestic Terminal (Airport Station), not directly to the International Terminal. From there:
This is useful if you live in-town and are used to taking MARTA to the airport for trips.
If you have time before or between flights, both Concourse E and F offer things to do beyond just sitting at the gate.
Both E and F have:
Look for shops that feature Atlanta-made products or local food options if you want a last taste of the city before you leave.
ATL is known for having art throughout the airport. In and around the international concourses, you’ll find:
If you’re connecting and not in a rush, walking between concourses instead of just riding the Plane Train can give you a better look at the airport’s public art (especially in the tunnels).
Major airlines and partners operate lounges in the international concourses, which are often used by:
For those without lounge access, there are also quiet seating areas, workstations, and family-friendly spaces scattered throughout E and F.
To quickly figure out whether your international flight uses Concourse E or F in Atlanta:
Check your booking confirmation or app.
Read the airport terminal instructions.
Monitor for changes on the day of travel.
If you’re local to Atlanta, getting familiar with the difference between the Domestic and International Terminal will make your trips much smoother.
In Atlanta, when people ask, “What concourse is international?” the practical answer is: Concourse F and Concourse E are ATL’s international concourses, with F serving as the primary Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal and E continuing to handle a large share of global arrivals and departures.
