Flying Southwest at Atlanta Airport: What You Need to Know About ATL’s Southwest Terminal

If you’re searching for “Atlanta Airport Southwest”, you’re almost certainly trying to figure out where Southwest Airlines operates at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), how to get there, and what to expect once you arrive.

This guide is tailored to Atlanta travelers—whether you live in the metro area, are connecting through ATL, or are flying into the city for the first time.

Where to Find Southwest at Atlanta Airport

Southwest Airlines operates out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), primarily using Concourse C for departures and arrivals.

Quick Southwest overview at ATL

• Airport: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Main check-in area:Domestic Terminal – South
• Typical gates:Concourse C (domestic)
• Transportation: MARTA, rideshare, taxis, parking, and shuttles all serve the Domestic Terminal
• Ticketing & check-in: Southwest counters in the South Terminal ticketing hall

Understanding the Layout: Domestic Terminal vs Concourse C

Many visitors confuse the terminal with the concourse. At Atlanta Airport, these are two different things:

Terminal vs. Concourse: What’s the difference?

• Domestic Terminal (North & South):
  Where you enter the airport, check bags, print boarding passes, and clear security.
• Concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F):
  Where the gates and planes are located, connected by the Plane Train and walkways.

Southwest check-in and baggage services are at the Domestic Terminal – South, but your flight will depart from Concourse C in most cases.

Getting to Southwest at ATL from Around Atlanta

Driving to the Domestic Terminal – South

Use this address for GPS:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Domestic Terminal
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320

Once you approach the airport, follow signage for:

• Domestic Terminal – South
• South Departures or Passenger Drop-off

Parking options commonly used by Southwest passengers:

• South Economy Parking – budget-friendly, walk or shuttle to the terminal
• South Daily Parking – closer decks, easier for short trips
• ATL West / Park-Ride lots – usually cheaper, shuttle access to Domestic Terminal

Taking MARTA to Southwest (Best for In-Town Travelers)

If you’re staying or living near MARTA, it’s one of the simplest ways to reach Southwest at ATL.

• Take the MARTA Gold or Red Line to Airport Station (it’s the last stop on both lines).
• The station exits directly into the Domestic Terminal.
• Follow overhead signs for South Terminal / Southwest.

This is especially convenient if you’re coming from:

• Downtown Atlanta (Five Points, Peachtree Center)
• Midtown (Arts Center, Midtown)
• Buckhead and North Fulton (Lenox, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs)
• Doraville or North Springs end-of-line stations with park-and-ride options

Rideshare, Taxi, and Drop-Off for Southwest Flights

For Southwest departures, tell your driver:

• “Domestic Terminal, South side, Southwest Airlines.”

At ATL:

• Rideshare pickups (Uber, Lyft) usually occur at a designated area near the North or South economy lots or a marked pickup zone—just follow the signs inside the terminal or in the parking decks.
• Taxi stands are located outside the baggage claim level of the Domestic Terminal.

If you’re arriving on Southwest, meet your ride at the Domestic Terminal South arrivals level, unless they’re waiting in a cell phone lot or parking.

Check-In, Baggage, and Security for Southwest at ATL

Check-In and Bag Drop

Southwest’s ticket counters and kiosks are located in the Domestic Terminal – South ticketing hall.

Expect:

• Self-service kiosks for printing boarding passes and bag tags
• Bag drop counters for checked luggage
• Full-service counters for special situations (unaccompanied minors, special assistance, payment issues, same-day changes, etc.)

If you’re checked in via the Southwest app, you can often head straight to bag drop or security if you’re traveling carry-on only.

Security Checkpoints Near Southwest

Once your bags are checked (if needed):

• Proceed to the main TSA security checkpoint serving the Domestic Terminal.
• There is no separate Southwest-only checkpoint; all airlines share the same TSA lanes.

Lines can be long during:

• Early morning (roughly 5:30–8:00 a.m.)
• Late afternoon and early evening rush periods

Getting from Security to Southwest Gates: Concourse C

After you clear security, you’ll be in the domestic terminal atrium area, with access to all gates via:

• Plane Train (automated underground train)
• Walkways with moving sidewalks

Reaching Concourse C

1. Follow signs for the Plane Train.
2. Take the train to Concourse C (the stops are clearly announced).
3. Exit at Concourse C and follow overhead signage to your specific gate number.

You can also walk via the underground corridors, but the Plane Train is much faster, especially if you’re running late for a Southwest flight.

What to Expect in Southwest’s Concourse Area (Concourse C)

Concourse C is a domestic concourse with:

• A wide range of food options, from quick grab-and-go to sit-down restaurants
• Coffee shops, snack stands, and bars
• Newsstands, bookstores, and convenience shops for last-minute items
• Charging stations, seating areas, and restrooms located throughout

While some amenities change over time, Concourse C is generally busy and well-served, with enough options for a snack or meal before your Southwest flight.

Arriving on Southwest in Atlanta: Baggage Claim & Ground Transport

Baggage Claim

When your Southwest flight lands at ATL (usually at Concourse C):

1. Deplane at your gate and follow signs toward Plane Train / Baggage Claim.
2. Take the Plane Train to the Domestic Terminal / Baggage Claim level.
3. Look at the overhead monitors for the correct carousel assigned to your Southwest flight.

Southwest bags usually come out on the South baggage claim side, but always confirm on the screens since carousels can change.

After You Get Your Bags

From baggage claim, you can access:

• Rideshare pickup zones (follow signs for app-based rides or Ground Transportation)
• Taxi stands (clearly signed outside baggage claim)
• MARTA Airport Station (look for signs to the station; it’s within the terminal complex)
• Rental car center – accessed via the ATL SkyTrain from a separate station just outside the Domestic Terminal

If you’re staying in or around Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, many visitors choose MARTA or rideshare rather than renting a car, especially if they’re not used to Atlanta traffic.

Typical Southwest Destinations From Atlanta

While specific routes can change, Southwest from ATL commonly serves major domestic cities, often including:

• Orlando
• Baltimore/Washington
• Dallas (Love Field)
• Chicago (Midway)
• Denver
• Houston (Hobby)
• Nashville
• Tampa
• Austin, and others

If you live in Atlanta, Southwest can be a useful option for nonstop trips to popular vacation spots and connections through other Southwest hubs.

Special Considerations for Atlanta-Based Southwest Flyers

Early Morning Flights

Traffic on I-75/I-85 and around the airport can be intense starting very early. If you’re booked on a 6–8 a.m. Southwest departure, consider:

• Allowing extra drive time, especially from the northern suburbs
• Using MARTA if you’re near a station
• Parking in onsite decks or close-in lots instead of distant park-and-ride lots if you’re tight on time

Traveling With Kids or Groups

For families and groups flying Southwest at ATL:

• The Domestic Terminal atrium has open seating areas useful for regrouping before heading to security or after landing.
• Consider arriving earlier than usual to manage check-in, bathroom breaks, and food stops without stress.
• If you use family boarding (common with Southwest), check gate agents at Concourse C for how boarding will be organized on your particular flight.

Quick Reference: Southwest at Atlanta Airport

Here’s a simple snapshot to keep handy:

If your search for “Atlanta Airport Southwest” is about where to go and how to move through ATL, the essentials are:

• Use the Domestic Terminal – South for check-in.
• Expect your flight to operate from Concourse C.
• Plan for security lines, local traffic, and the Plane Train ride to your gate.

With those points in mind, navigating Atlanta Airport on Southwest becomes much more straightforward, whether you’re an Atlanta local or just passing through.