Frontier Airlines at Atlanta Airport: Which Terminal You Need and How to Navigate It

If you’re flying Frontier in or out of Atlanta, Georgia, you’ll be using Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Knowing exactly which terminal Frontier uses, where to check in, and how to move between concourses can save you a lot of time and stress—especially at one of the world’s busiest airports.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to the Atlanta Airport Frontier terminal, with step-by-step tips for both locals and visitors.

Which Terminal Does Frontier Use at Atlanta Airport?

Frontier Airlines operates out of the Domestic Terminal at ATL.

  • Main Terminal:Domestic Terminal – South side
  • Check-in / Ticketing: Frontier check-in counters are located in the South Terminal ticketing area
  • Gates: Frontier flights usually depart from Concourse D (and occasionally other concourses if assigned), which you reach via the Plane Train (airport train) from the Domestic Terminal

Think of it this way:

Part of the AirportFrontier Location at ATL
Terminal EntranceDomestic Terminal – South side
Ticketing & Check-inSouth Terminal check-in area
Security CheckpointSouth Security Checkpoint (for most passengers)
Typical Departure GatesConcourse D (access via Plane Train)
Baggage Claim (Arrivals)Domestic Terminal baggage claim area

If you’re used to flying Delta out of Atlanta, remember that Frontier is not in Delta’s dedicated North Terminal check-in area—it uses the South side with several other airlines.

Getting to the Correct Frontier Terminal at ATL

Driving in from Around Atlanta

If you’re coming from Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, you’ll typically:

  1. Take I-75/85 South toward the airport
  2. Follow signs for Domestic Terminal
  3. Then follow signs specifically for South Terminal

You’ll see overhead signs clearly labeled “Domestic Terminal – South” as you approach. Stay alert—they come up quickly, especially in traffic.

Rideshare, Taxi, and Drop-Off

  • Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.):
    Set your destination to “Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Domestic Terminal South.” The app will typically take you to the correct level for passenger drop-off.

  • Taxi or Family/Friend Drop-Off:
    Ask to be dropped at the South Terminal departures level. Once inside, look for Frontier on the airline directory boards above the check-in counters.

MARTA and Transit from Within Atlanta

If you’re using MARTA, Atlanta’s rail system:

  1. Take the Red or Gold line to the Airport Station (the last stop).
  2. When you exit the station, you’ll arrive near the Domestic Terminal.
  3. Follow terminal signs to the South Terminal side. It’s all walkable inside the connected building.

This is especially handy if you’re staying near Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, where MARTA stations are common.

Frontier Check-In and Baggage at the South Terminal

Once you’re inside the Domestic Terminal – South, here’s how it works:

Check-In Options

You can typically:

  • Use self-service kiosks to print boarding passes and bag tags
  • Go to a Frontier counter for full-service help (baggage check, special assistance, etc.)

Allow extra time if:

  • You have checked bags
  • You’re traveling with children or pets
  • You’re unfamiliar with ATL’s layout

Many Atlanta travelers aim to arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic Frontier flight to account for parking, check-in, and security lines.

Baggage Drop

If you printed your boarding pass online or through the app but have checked bags:

  1. Go directly to the Frontier bag drop area in the South Terminal.
  2. Weigh and tag your bags (kiosk or assisted).
  3. Proceed to the South security checkpoint.

Security: Which Checkpoint to Use for Frontier?

For most Frontier passengers, the best option is the:

  • South Security Checkpoint (closest to Frontier check-in)

However, ATL also has:

  • Main/TSA PreCheck lanes in the central area
  • Sometimes variable wait times between North, South, and Main checkpoints

You can:

  • Use the South checkpoint right after check-in for the most direct path
  • Occasionally be directed to another checkpoint if security staff are balancing crowds

Once you’re through any security checkpoint on the Domestic side, you’ll end up in the domestic concourses area and can reach Frontier gates using the Plane Train.

Getting to Your Frontier Gate: Using the Plane Train

Most Frontier flights depart from Concourse D at ATL.

From security:

  1. Follow signs for the Plane Train (the underground automated train system).
  2. Board the train and listen/watch for “Concourse D”.
  3. Exit at Concourse D and follow signage to your specific gate (e.g., D1, D5, etc.).

You can also walk through the underground transportation mall, but the Plane Train is faster—useful if you’re trying to make a tight connection.

Frontier Arrivals: Where You’ll Land and Pick Up Bags

When your Frontier flight arrives in Atlanta:

  • You’ll typically arrive at a Concourse D gate.
  • Follow signs to Plane Train / Baggage Claim.
  • Take the Plane Train toward the Domestic Terminal / Baggage Claim stop.
  • Go up to the arrivals level and follow signs for baggage claim.

Frontier’s assigned baggage carousels will be shown on the overhead monitors in the baggage claim area.

If you’re being picked up by family, friends, or a rideshare:

  • Meet them at the Domestic Terminal lower (arrivals) level, South side.
  • For rideshares, follow signs from baggage claim to the Rideshare Pickup zone designated for the Domestic Terminal.

Frontier vs. International Terminal: Don’t Go to the Wrong Side

Hartsfield–Jackson has two main terminal complexes:

  • Domestic Terminal (North and South sides – Frontier is here)
  • Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F)

Unless your travel involves international arrivals or departures that specifically route through Concourse F, you’ll use the Domestic Terminal for Frontier flights.

If you accidentally end up at the International Terminal:

  • There is a free shuttle connecting the International Terminal to the Domestic Terminal.
  • It can take extra time, especially during busy periods—so try to go directly to Domestic – South from the start.

Parking and Ground Transportation for Frontier Travelers

Parking Near the Frontier (South) Terminal

If you’re driving yourself from anywhere in Metro Atlanta:

  • Look for parking options that clearly serve the Domestic Terminal – South.
  • ATL offers various options, such as:
    • Domestic Terminal Parking Garages
    • Economy Parking
    • Park-Ride lots with shuttle service

For Frontier, the Domestic South garage or economy lots are typically the most straightforward.

Rental Cars

Most rental car centers in Atlanta direct you to:

  • The ATL Rental Car Center (RCC), accessed via the SkyTrain from the Domestic Terminal

From Frontier arrivals:

  1. Collect your bags at Domestic baggage claim.
  2. Follow signs to the SkyTrain / Rental Car Center.
  3. Take the SkyTrain to the RCC and pick up your rental.

Helpful Tips for Frontier Flyers Using Atlanta Airport

Here are some Atlanta-specific pointers to make things smoother:

  • Plan for I-75/85 traffic:
    If you’re coming from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the northern suburbs, build in extra time during rush hours—traffic can be heavy approaching the airport.

  • Use MARTA when possible:
    From areas like Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead, MARTA’s rail line takes you straight into the Domestic Terminal, bypassing highway congestion and parking hassles.

  • Check your gate early:
    While Frontier often uses Concourse D, gate assignments can change. As soon as you arrive at the airport, confirm your gate and concourse on screens or in the airline app.

  • Walk times inside ATL:
    ATL is large. Even after you’re through security, it can take 15–20 minutes to reach your gate if you’re changing concourses or dealing with crowds, so don’t linger too long before heading toward Concourse D.

  • Late-night and early-morning flights:
    If your Frontier flight is at an off-peak hour, security lines may be shorter, but some food and retail spots may be closed. Plan snacks or meals accordingly.

Key Details About Frontier at Atlanta Airport – Quick Reference

  • Airport: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Frontier Terminal:Domestic Terminal – South
  • Check-In / Ticketing: South Terminal ticketing area
  • Typical Gates:Concourse D (access via Plane Train)
  • Security: Use South Security Checkpoint after check-in
  • Arrivals & Baggage Claim: Domestic Terminal baggage claim (South side area)
  • Transit from Atlanta:
    • Driving via I-75/85 South → Domestic Terminal → South
    • MARTA Red/Gold lines → Airport Station → Domestic Terminal → South

Keeping these points in mind will help you confidently navigate the Frontier Airlines terminal at Atlanta Airport, whether you’re an Atlanta resident heading out of town or a visitor flying in.