United Airlines at Atlanta Airport: Terminals, Gates, and How to Navigate Hartsfield-Jackson

If you’re flying United Airlines from Atlanta, you’ll be using Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Because ATL is such a large and busy airport, knowing exactly which terminal and concourse United uses makes your trip much smoother—especially if you live in Atlanta and fly United regularly or you’re connecting through the city.

This guide breaks down where United Airlines is at Atlanta Airport, how to check in, where to go for arrivals and departures, and what to expect if you’re connecting to another airline.

Which Terminal Does United Use at Atlanta Airport?

At Hartsfield-Jackson, there’s one main terminal building with two sides:

• Domestic Terminal – North
• Domestic Terminal – South

United Airlines operates out of the Domestic Terminal – North.

• Check-in & ticketing: Domestic Terminal (North side), United ticket counters
• Departures: Domestic side, with flights leaving primarily from Concourse T and sometimes other concourses on the domestic side (A, B, C, D)
• Arrivals: Domestic arrivals area, baggage claim on the North side

If you’re being dropped off, picked up, or parking, you’ll want to look for “Domestic – North” signs, not the South or International side.

United Airlines: Check-In and Ticketing at ATL

Where to Check In

When you arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson:

• Follow signs for Domestic Terminal – North
• Once inside, look for the United Airlines check-in area and signage
• You can use:
  • Self-service kiosks to print boarding passes and tags
  • Full-service counters for checked baggage, changes, or help

For most travelers flying out of Atlanta on United, arriving 2 hours before a domestic flight is commonly recommended, and earlier during peak times (Monday mornings, Thursday/Friday evenings, holidays).

Baggage Drop and Security

After checking in:

1. Tag and drop your checked bags at the United counter or bag drop area.
2. Proceed to the TSA security checkpoint serving the Domestic Terminal – North.
3. Once through security, you’ll head to your assigned concourse and gate.

What Concourse Does United Use in Atlanta?

At ATL, United does not have its own exclusive concourse. Instead, it primarily uses:

• Concourse T (Terminal concourse) for many departures and arrivals
• Occasionally, gates on Concourses A, B, C, or D for domestic flights, depending on airport operations and scheduling

All of these concourses are connected airside (after security), so you can move between them without exiting and re-clearing security.

Getting to the Right Concourse

Once you clear security in the Domestic Terminal:

• Walk directly into Concourse T, or
• Take the Plane Train (airport train) to Concourses A–D if your gate is in one of those areas:
  • T: Closest to security
  • A, B, C, D: A short train ride away underground

Always check:

• Your boarding pass
• The overhead departure boards in the terminal

Gate assignments and concourses can change, especially if there are delays or equipment swaps.

United Arrivals at Atlanta Airport

If you’re arriving into Atlanta on United:

• Your flight will typically arrive at a gate in Concourse T or another domestic concourse (A–D).
• Follow signs to “Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation.”
• Take the Plane Train or walk to the Domestic Terminal – North baggage claim area if needed.
• Baggage carousels will be listed on overhead monitors; look for your flight number and origin city.

If someone is picking you up:

• Tell them to follow signs for “Domestic – North Arrivals.”
• That’s where the passenger pickup lanes and rideshare options are for United flights.

Connecting Through Atlanta on United

Hartsfield-Jackson is a major transfer airport, so many travelers connect through ATL on United or between United and other airlines.

United-to-United Connections

If both your incoming and outgoing flights are on United (or United plus a partner airline on the domestic side):

• You do not need to exit and re-clear security.
• Check your connecting gate on monitors or your boarding pass.
• Take the Plane Train between concourses if your next flight is not in the same concourse.
• Allow enough time to move—ATL is large, but the train runs frequently.

United to International Connections

If you’re connecting from a United domestic flight in ATL to an international flight on another airline:

• You may depart from:
  • Concourse E or F (the international concourses), or
  • Another domestic concourse if it’s a U.S.-precleared or certain international route
• Follow signs for “International Terminal / Concourse F” if your boarding pass or gate info shows E or F.
• You can reach Concourse F by:
  • Plane Train from domestic concourses, or
  • Shuttle from the domestic side, if directed
• Check-in and luggage rules will depend on whether your trip is on a single ticket or separate bookings. If on separate tickets, you may need to re-check bags.

International to United Domestic Connections

If you arrive from abroad into Atlanta and then connect to United:

• You’ll typically:
  1. Go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the international area (often Concourse F).
  2. Collect your checked bags for customs inspection.
  3. Re-check your bags at the transfer belt if your next leg is on the same ticket.
  4. Proceed through TSA security again.
  5. Take the Plane Train to your United departure concourse (often T, sometimes A–D).

Plan a longer layover for international–domestic connections to allow for customs, baggage, and security.

Quick Reference: United Airlines at ATL

Ground Transportation and Getting to/From United’s Terminal

MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail System)

If you live in Atlanta or are staying in town, MARTA can be a convenient way to reach United’s area at the airport.

• Take the Red or Gold Line to Airport Station.
• The station connects directly to the Domestic Terminal.
• From the MARTA exit, follow signs to Domestic – North to reach United’s counters and baggage area.

This is often easier than driving and parking, especially for frequent United flyers living in the city.

Driving, Drop-Off, and Parking

If you’re driving or being driven:

• Follow highway signs for “Domestic Terminal – North.”
• Use:
  • Curbside drop-off for departures on the North side
  • North Economy or North Daily parking if you’re leaving a car
• For pickups, head to Domestic – North Arrivals and follow the lanes for passenger pickup or the cell phone waiting lot until your traveler is outside.

Amenities Near United Gates at ATL

Around Concourse T and the domestic concourses, you’ll generally find:

• Restaurants and quick service food
• Coffee shops
• Newsstands and convenience shops
• Charging stations for phones and laptops
• Restrooms and family restrooms

If you have more time, you can use the Plane Train to explore other concourses for additional dining and shopping options.

Tips for Atlanta Travelers Flying United ✈️

• Confirm your terminal and gate on your United app or boarding pass before you leave home; ATL is busy and gates can change.
• Aim to arrive about 2 hours before domestic departures, more during peak travel periods.
• If you’re not familiar with the airport layout, use the Plane Train; it’s the fastest way to move between concourses.
• For pickups and drop-offs, always specify “Domestic – North” so drivers know where to go for United flights.
• Keep your boarding pass handy, as you’ll need it for security and to verify your concourse and gate quickly.

By knowing that United Airlines uses the Domestic Terminal – North and primarily Concourse T at Hartsfield-Jackson, you can navigate Atlanta’s airport with more confidence—whether you’re an Atlanta local catching a routine flight or a visitor making a connection through the city.