Flying Delta at Atlanta Airport: A Local’s Guide to ATL and Hartsfield–Jackson

If you’re flying Delta in or out of Atlanta, you’ll almost certainly be using Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Atlanta is Delta’s largest hub and the airline’s hometown base, so understanding how Delta flights at Atlanta Airport work can make your trip much smoother—whether you live here, are visiting, or just connecting through.

This guide walks you through where to go, how to move around the airport, and what to expect as a Delta passenger at ATL.

Key Things to Know About Delta at Atlanta Airport

Airport name: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Main Delta hub: Yes – ATL is Delta’s primary global hub
Airport address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
Main phone: (800) 897-1910 (airport information)

Fast facts for Delta travelers

  • Delta operates from both Domestic and International sides of ATL, but most flights use Concourse T, A, B, C, D, E, and F.
  • Domestic check-in: North Terminal (Delta ticketing area).
  • International check-in and arrivals: Primarily at the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F).
  • All concourses are connected airside, so once you pass security, you can move between Delta gates without re-screening.

Where to Go: Delta Terminals and Concourses at ATL

North Terminal – Delta’s Main Check‑In Area

If you’re flying domestic on Delta from Atlanta:

  • Go to the North Terminal (signed as “North Terminal – Delta”).
  • You’ll find:
    • Delta check-in counters
    • Self-service kiosks for check-in and bag tags
    • Delta bag drop areas
    • Delta Sky Priority check-in counters for eligible customers

This is the starting point for most Delta flights within the U.S. and many short-haul routes.

International Terminal – Delta’s Global Gateway

For Delta international flights from or to Atlanta, you’ll typically use the:

Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
2600 Maynard H Jackson Jr Blvd
Atlanta, GA 30354

Here, you’ll find:

  • Delta international check-in counters
  • International departures and arrivals, mainly from Concourse F
  • Customs and immigration facilities for international arrivals
  • A separate parking deck and drop-off area from the domestic terminal

Even if your Delta flight uses Concourse E or another concourse, many long-haul international routes are centered around Concourse F.

Delta Concourses at ATL: Where Your Gate Might Be

Delta uses multiple concourses at ATL. Your exact gate will be on your boarding pass or airport displays, but this overview helps you understand the layout.

ConcourseTypical Use for DeltaNotes
TDomestic departures/arrivalsClosest to main terminal and security
A & BHeavy Delta domestic trafficMany flights to major U.S. cities
C & DMix of Delta and other airlines (domestic)Regional and mainline flights
EInternational and some domesticOften used for international gates
FMain international terminal for Delta and partnersIncludes check-in, gates, and arrivals hall

All concourses at ATL are connected after security, so you can change concourses for connections without leaving the secure area.

Getting Around the Airport: Plane Train, Walking, and Signs

Even for locals, ATL can feel huge. Delta passengers usually use:

✈️ Plane Train (Automated People Mover)

  • Runs underground between the Domestic Terminal, Concourse T, and Concourses A–F.
  • Trains arrive every few minutes.
  • Stops are clearly announced and marked.
  • Ideal if you have a tight connection or are traveling with bags or kids.

🚶 Walking Between Concourses

  • There is an underground pedestrian walkway connecting all concourses.
  • You’ll see moving walkways, art displays, and clear signage.
  • Walking can be a good option if:
    • Your connection isn’t too tight
    • You prefer to stretch your legs between flights

Security Checkpoints for Delta Flights at ATL

Domestic-side Security (North and South)

If you’re checking in at the North Terminal (Delta area), you’ll typically use:

  • Main security checkpoints (North or South)
  • Both feed into the central area between Concourse T and the Plane Train

Once through security, you can reach any Delta gate via:

  • The Plane Train, or
  • Walking through the underground corridors

International Terminal Security (Concourse F)

If you’re departing on a Delta international flight from the International Terminal:

  • You’ll use the Concourse F security checkpoint.
  • After screening, you enter the F concourse gate area and can still access other concourses on the Plane Train if needed.

Tip: If you live in the Atlanta area, it’s worth checking expected wait times before you head to the airport and building in extra time for morning and evening peaks.

Arriving in Atlanta on a Delta Flight

What happens after landing at ATL depends on whether you’re arriving domestically or from another country.

Domestic Arrivals (Delta)

  • You’ll arrive at your assigned gate on Concourse T, A, B, C, D, or sometimes E.
  • Follow signs for:
    • Baggage Claim
    • Ground Transportation
  • You’ll take the Plane Train or walk back toward the Domestic Terminal.
  • Baggage claim carousels for Delta are located in the Domestic Terminal baggage claim area.

This is true whether Atlanta is your final destination or you’re making a domestic-to-domestic Delta connection (in which case you usually don’t see your checked bags until your final city).

International Arrivals on Delta

If your Delta flight is landing from outside the U.S., you’ll generally arrive at:

  • Concourse F (International Terminal) or
  • Occasionally Concourse E, then follow signs to Customs and Immigration

You will:

  1. Go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
  2. Collect your checked luggage.
  3. Clear customs.
  4. Either:
    • Exit into Atlanta via the International Terminal, or
    • Recheck bags for a connecting Delta flight and proceed through security again if connecting onward.

If you’re an Atlanta resident returning home, you can choose ground transportation from either the International Terminal or (via shuttle) the Domestic Terminal, depending on what’s most convenient for your ride, MARTA access, or parking.

Connecting Through Atlanta on Delta

ATL is a major Delta connection hub, so many travelers only see the airport while changing planes.

Domestic-to-Domestic Delta Connections

  • Stay airside (inside security).
  • Follow signs to your next concourse and gate.
  • Use the Plane Train for faster movement between concourses.
  • Your checked luggage is usually transferred automatically by Delta.

Allow more time if you’re:

  • Moving between concourses that are far apart (for example, from T to F)
  • Traveling with young children or anyone needing mobility assistance

International-to-Domestic Delta Connections

If you arrive from abroad and connect to a domestic Delta flight:

  • Clear immigration and customs first.
  • Pick up your checked bags, then recheck them at the transfer area (as directed by airport staff).
  • Go through TSA security again before heading to your domestic departure gate.

Building a longer connection time can help reduce stress, especially at busy times.

Delta Check-In Options at Atlanta Airport

If you’re starting your trip in Atlanta, you have several check-in options for your Delta flight:

  • Online/Mobile Check-In:
    Check in before you leave home, then:

    • Use mobile boarding passes, or
    • Print at home if you prefer paper
  • Self-Service Kiosks (North Terminal & International Terminal):
    Useful if you:

    • Need to print a boarding pass
    • Need bag tags for checked luggage
  • Full-Service Counters:
    For:

    • Complex itineraries
    • Special assistance
    • Issues with tickets or IDs
  • Sky Priority and Dedicated Areas:
    Some Delta passengers with certain ticket types or statuses can use priority check-in lines that are often shorter.

Arriving earlier than you think you need—especially for early morning or late afternoon departures—can prevent missed flights due to security or check-in lines.

Parking, Drop-Off, and Ground Transportation for Delta Flights

Parking for Delta Travelers

For the Domestic Terminal (Delta), common parking options include:

  • North Economy parking
  • North Daily parking
  • North hourly parking (closer, usually more expensive)

For the International Terminal (Concourse F):

  • Dedicated International Parking Deck

If you’re an Atlanta resident who travels Delta regularly, it can be helpful to pick one or two parking areas you always use so you get familiar with the walk and layout.

Rideshare, Taxis, and Pick-Up

  • Rideshare services and taxis serve both Domestic and International terminals.
  • Follow ground transportation signs to designated pick-up zones.
  • If someone is picking you up, confirm whether you’re arriving at the:
    • Domestic Terminal (North), or
    • International Terminal (F)

Clear communication can save a lot of circling on N Terminal Parkway.

MARTA Access for Delta Passengers

If you want to avoid parking and traffic:

  • MARTA’s Airport Station is directly connected to the Domestic Terminal.
  • From downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, you can ride the Red or Gold line straight to the airport.
  • Once at the Domestic Terminal, follow signs to:
    • North Terminal (Delta) for check-in, or
    • Plane Train / TSA if you already have your boarding pass and no checked bags.

If you’re arriving or departing via the International Terminal, free shuttles connect the International Terminal to the Domestic side where the MARTA station is located.

Food, Lounges, and Amenities for Delta Travelers

Food and Shopping

Delta flights at ATL are spread across all major concourses, and each one has a mix of:

  • Quick-service food spots
  • Sit-down restaurants
  • Coffee shops
  • Newsstands and convenience stores

If you live in Atlanta and fly Delta often, you may find it helpful to learn which concourses have your preferred options and try to plan extra time near those gates.

Delta Sky Club Locations

Delta operates Sky Club lounges in several concourses at ATL, commonly including:

  • Concourse T
  • Concourse A
  • Concourse B
  • Concourse D
  • Concourse E
  • Concourse F

Access depends on your ticket type, membership, or frequent flyer status. If you’re departing from a different concourse than your preferred lounge, you can usually visit the lounge first and then take the Plane Train to your gate.

Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors Using Delta at ATL

For people who live in or frequently travel to/from Atlanta, a few local-focused tips can help:

  • Plan extra time for traffic:
    I‑75, I‑85, and the Connector can back up, especially during rush hours and construction.
  • Know your terminal before you leave home:
    Domestic on Delta? Head to the North Terminal. International Delta flight? Go straight to the International Terminal.
  • Save the airport address and Delta info in your phone:
    This makes navigation, ride-hailing, and pickup easier.
  • If you’re meeting someone:
    Confirm if they’re arriving at Domestic or International on their Delta flight. That determines where you should wait.

Helpful Reference: Delta & ATL Contact/Location Information

  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
    6000 N Terminal Pkwy
    Atlanta, GA 30320
    Main phone: (800) 897-1910

  • International Terminal – Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F)
    2600 Maynard H Jackson Jr Blvd
    Atlanta, GA 30354

For Delta-specific questions (flight status, cancellations, seat changes), most travelers rely on:

  • The Delta app
  • Delta’s customer service phone lines
  • Delta service counters at ATL (located at check-in and near some gate areas)

Using this overview, you can move through Atlanta Airport on a Delta flight with more confidence—whether you’re starting your journey in the city, returning home, or just passing through the world’s busiest hub.