Atlanta Airport Baggage Claim: How It Works at Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)

If you’re flying into Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), figuring out where and how to get your bags can save you time and stress—especially at one of the busiest airports in the world. This guide walks you through Atlanta airport baggage claim, from where to go and what to expect, to what to do if your luggage is missing or damaged.

Key Things to Know About Baggage Claim at ATL

• ATL has two major sides for arrivals:
  • Domestic Terminal (North & South)
  • International Terminal (Concourse F / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
• Where you claim bags depends on where your flight arrives, not where you parked or where someone is picking you up.
• There are separate baggage claim areas for each airline and terminal, clearly labeled by flight number and origin city.
• If you’re connecting through Atlanta, you usually do not claim your bags unless you:
  • Enter the U.S. from another country, or
  • Are switching between some airlines on separate tickets.

Domestic Baggage Claim at Atlanta Airport

Most travelers arriving from within the United States will claim their luggage at the Domestic Terminal.

Layout: North vs. South Terminal

The Domestic Terminal has two sides:

• North Terminal – Many major airlines use this side.
• South Terminal – Often used by other domestic carriers.

Your airline and arrival gate determine which side’s baggage claim you’ll use. Signs throughout the airport, plus overhead screens, direct you to:

• Baggage Claim North
• Baggage Claim South

Once you reach the right side, you’ll find carousels numbered and paired with electronic display boards showing:

• Airline name
• Flight number
• Arrival city (e.g., “New York – LaGuardia”)
• Carousel number

Steps to Claim Your Bag on a Domestic Flight

1. Exit the aircraft and follow signs for Baggage Claim.
2. If you arrive at a concourse (A–E or T), take:
   • The Plane Train (underground people mover), or
   • The walkway (if you prefer to walk)
     toward Domestic Baggage Claim.
3. Once in the Domestic Terminal, follow overhead signs to:
   • North Baggage Claim or
   • South Baggage Claim based on your airline.
4. Check the monitors near the carousel area to find your flight and the assigned carousel number.
5. Wait near the carousel until your bag appears. Many bags look similar, so double-check the baggage tag and name tag.
6. If your bag doesn’t show up, stay nearby and move on to the lost luggage steps below.

International Baggage Claim at Atlanta Airport

If you’re arriving from another country directly into Atlanta, you’ll typically use the International Terminal / Concourse F.

Where Is International Baggage Claim?

International Terminal – Concourse F

• Address (for pickups and directions):
  Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
  2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd
  Atlanta, GA 30354

When you land from an international flight:

1. Follow signs for Passport Control and Customs.
2. After passport control, you’ll go to the International Baggage Claim area.
3. Look at the overhead screens to find your flight and carousel.
4. Collect your bags, then proceed through Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection.
5. After customs, you will either:
   • Exit directly through the International Arrivals hall (if Atlanta is your final destination), or
   • Recheck your bag for a domestic connection (details below).

Connecting Flights and Rechecking Bags

Atlanta is a major connection hub, so many travelers are just passing through.

International to Domestic Connections

If you are arriving from abroad and connecting to another U.S. city:

• You must claim your checked luggage at ATL for customs, even if it’s tagged to your final destination.
• After customs:
  • Look for the baggage recheck counters (usually right after customs).
  • Drop your checked bags at the recheck area for your airline.
  • Proceed to security screening for connecting flights.
  • Take the Plane Train or walkway to your next concourse/gate.

Domestic to Domestic Connections

If you arrive on a domestic flight and connect to another domestic flight on the same ticket:

• Your checked bags usually transfer automatically.
• You normally do not go to baggage claim in Atlanta.
• Confirm at check-in that your bags are tagged to your final city.

Domestic to International Connections

For a domestic-to-international connection through ATL:

• You generally won’t pick up bags in Atlanta.
• Bags are checked through to your international destination, except in special situations (such as separate tickets or certain airlines).

If you’re unsure, check your bag tags and verify with an airline agent.

Finding Your Baggage Carousel at ATL

The airport uses a clear signage system to guide passengers.

Look for:

• Electronic display boards near the baggage carousels showing:
  • Airline
  • Flight number
  • Origin city
  • Current status (e.g., “Bags Unloading,” “At Carousel 3”)

If your flight isn’t listed:

• Wait a few minutes—sometimes the carousel is assigned shortly after arrival.
• Check both North and South baggage areas for your airline if you’re on a domestic flight.
• Ask an airport agent or information desk for help.

Where People Meet Arriving Passengers

If you’re picking someone up:

Domestic Arrivals

• They will collect luggage in the Domestic Terminal Baggage Claim (North or South).
• You can:
  • Wait at the Baggage Claim level inside (short-term parking is near both ends).
  • Use cell phone lots near the terminal and pull up to Arrivals / Passenger Pickup when they’re ready.

International Arrivals

• International travelers generally exit at the International Terminal arrivals level, after customs.
• Meet them in the International Arrivals hall at:
  • Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
    2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354

What to Do if Your Bags Are Missing, Delayed, or Damaged

Problems with luggage are usually handled by the airline, not the airport itself.

First Steps for Missing or Delayed Bags

1. Stay in the baggage claim area until you’re sure your bag isn’t arriving.
2. Go to your airline’s baggage service office near baggage claim.
3. Provide:
   • Your baggage claim tags (from check-in)
   • Boarding pass
   • Description of your bag (size, color, brand, unique markings)
4. Get a reference or file number for your claim.
5. Ask how they plan to:
   • Locate the bag
   • Deliver it to you in Atlanta or at your final destination

Damaged Luggage

If your luggage arrives but is damaged:

• Report it immediately, before leaving the airport.
• Go to the airline’s baggage service counter near the carousel.
• Show the damage and your bag tags.
• Ask about your airline’s damage policy and repair or replacement options.

Helpful Contact & Location Information

Here is a quick reference for core baggage-related points at ATL:

For airline-specific baggage questions, use the customer service number on your:

• E-ticket
• Airline app
• Printed boarding pass

Many airlines also list local “Baggage Service Office” numbers for Atlanta.

Tips for Faster, Easier Baggage Claim at ATL

• Label your bags clearly
  Include your name, Atlanta address (if applicable), and phone number on both the outside and inside of your luggage.

• Use easily identifiable tags or straps
  A bright strap or unique tag makes it easier to spot your bag on a busy carousel.

• Keep your baggage claim tags
  Don’t toss those little stickers—they’re essential if your bag goes missing.

• Check the carousel screens right away
  Occasionally, flights get assigned to a different carousel than usual.

• If connecting through Atlanta, confirm bag routing
  Ask the check-in agent: “Are my bags checked through to [final city]?” and read the tag yourself.

• Give yourself extra time
  ATL is large. Even after landing, it can take 10–20 minutes to get from your gate to baggage claim, especially if you’re coming from a far concourse.

How Atlanta Locals and Visitors Can Plan Around Baggage Claim

If you live in Atlanta and are flying home:

• Decide whether you want to be picked up at the Domestic Terminal or International Terminal, depending on where you’re arriving.
• Let your ride know:
  • Which terminal side (North or South for domestic)
  • Approximate time you’ll exit after baggage claim

If you’re a visitor staying in Atlanta:

• Factor in:
  • Time to clear baggage claim
  • Time to reach MARTA rail, rideshare pickup, or rental cars
• For domestic arrivals, MARTA’s Airport Station is inside the Domestic Terminal, beyond baggage claim.
• For international arrivals, there is separate ground transportation, and some travelers transfer to the Domestic Terminal via a shuttle if they need MARTA or certain services.

By understanding how Atlanta airport baggage claim is organized—domestic vs. international, carousels, connections, and problem-solving—you can move through Hartsfield-Jackson with more confidence and less stress, whether you’re an Atlanta local coming home or a visitor starting your trip in the city.