Delta at Atlanta Airport: Which Gates, Which Concourses, and How to Navigate Hartsfield-Jackson
If you’re flying Delta through Atlanta’s Hartsfield‑Jackson International Airport (ATL), you’re in Delta’s main hub. Almost the entire domestic side of the airport is built around Delta’s operation, but understanding which gates and concourses Delta uses can still be confusing—especially if you’re rushing to make a connection.
This guide breaks down where Delta flights depart and arrive at ATL, how to move between concourses quickly, and what to expect if you live in Atlanta, are connecting through, or are visiting the city.
Quick Overview: Where to Find Delta at ATL
Hartsfield‑Jackson is organized into:
- Domestic Terminal North & South
- Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F
- International Terminal (Concourse F)
Delta uses:
- Domestic Terminal South for most ticketing and check-in
- Concourses T, A, B, C, D for most domestic flights
- Concourses E and F for many international flights (and some domestic, especially high-demand routes)
You’ll also see Delta gates scattered across multiple concourses, so don’t assume “Delta = one terminal.” Always check your boarding pass or airport monitors for your specific gate.
Delta Check-In and Ticketing at Atlanta Airport
Main Delta Check-In Area
Location:
Domestic Terminal South
Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 North Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320Use Domestic Terminal South if you are:
- Starting a Delta domestic flight in Atlanta
- Flying Delta to another U.S. city (even if you connect later to international)
- Checking bags for a Delta connection after arriving by ground transportation
Inside Domestic Terminal South you’ll find:
- Delta check-in counters (full-service)
- Sky Priority and Delta One check-in areas for eligible passengers
- Self-service kiosks for check-in and bag tags
- Checked baggage drop-off
If you live in metro Atlanta and usually drive or get dropped off, this is almost always the side you’ll use for a Delta flight.
Security Checkpoints for Delta Passengers
Delta passengers can use multiple checkpoints:
- Main TSA checkpoints in the Domestic Terminal (North and South)
- Occasionally, security lines may be combined; you can usually go through either side
- If you have TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or PreCheck + CLEAR, look for dedicated lanes in the main checkpoint area
Once you’re past security, you’ll enter the central atrium area and then head down to the Plane Train or walk to Concourse T.
Delta Concourses and Gates at ATL
ATL’s concourses are arranged in a straight line, connected by an underground train and walkways. Here’s how Delta typically uses them.
Concourse T (Terminal Adjacent)
- Closest to security – you can walk straight from the main terminal without using the train
- Used by Delta and some other airlines
- Delta gates here handle a mix of domestic routes, often shorter or mid-haul routes
If your gate starts with T, you can walk from security in a few minutes with no train ride.
Concourse A – Core Delta Concourse
- Primarily Delta
- One of the busiest Delta concourses in the airport
- Serves a large number of domestic routes all over the U.S.
If you’re connecting between two Delta flights, there’s a strong chance at least one will be in Concourse A or B.
Concourse B – Another Major Delta Hub Area
- Almost entirely Delta
- Extremely busy at peak times
- Handles many domestic flights and some high-frequency routes
Concourse B is often filled with short- and medium-haul flights, including many popular business and leisure routes.
Concourse C – Delta and Some Partners
- Mostly Delta, though you may see other airlines at certain gates
- A mix of regional and mainline Delta flights
- Common for connections that involve smaller or mid-size cities
If you’re flying from Atlanta to a smaller regional airport, there’s a good chance you’ll depart from C or D.
Concourse D – Mixed Airlines, Still Heavy Delta Presence
- Delta plus several other domestic carriers
- Often hosts regional and domestic flights to smaller markets
- Gates may be more spread out, so allow a few extra minutes to walk
If your trip combines Delta with another U.S. carrier, one leg may go through Concourse D.
Concourses E and F – International (and Some Domestic) Delta Flights
While E and F are known as international concourses, you’ll also see Delta domestic flights here during busy periods or when aircraft are staged for long-haul routes.
Concourse E
- Used by Delta and other international carriers
- Handles many international arrivals and departures
- Some domestic Delta flights may also operate from here
Concourse F – Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
- Part of the International Terminal on the east side of the airport
- Houses Delta’s international operations, including:
- Many Delta One and long-haul flights
- International destinations in Europe, South America, Africa, and beyond
- Has its own check-in area, security, and arrivals facility
Important for Atlanta travelers:
If you’re starting an international Delta trip from Atlanta and your ticket or itinerary says to use the International Terminal, follow signs to:
Driving or rideshare navigation will usually differentiate between Domestic Terminal and International Terminal. Double-check your booking so you don’t go to the wrong side.
Simple Reference: Delta Use of ATL Concourses
| Concourse | Typical Delta Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| T | Domestic departures/arrivals | Walkable from main security; Delta + some others |
| A | Major domestic Delta hub concourse | Heavy Delta operations |
| B | Major domestic Delta hub concourse | Almost all Delta |
| C | Domestic / regional Delta flights | Some other airlines mixed in |
| D | Domestic / regional Delta and other U.S. | Shared with multiple airlines |
| E | International + some domestic Delta | Used for arrivals and departures |
| F | Primary Delta international operations | Part of International Terminal |
Getting Between Delta Gates and Concourses
The Plane Train (Automated People Mover)
The fastest way to move between Delta gates:
- Runs underground between:
- Domestic Terminal / Concourse T
- Concourses A, B, C, D, E, F
- Trains come very frequently
- Each concourse has a central station with clear signage
From one adjacent concourse to the next by Plane Train usually takes just a couple of minutes, not including walking time to your specific gate.
Walking Between Concourses
You can also walk between concourses via the underground pedestrian corridor:
- Accessible from the same level as the Plane Train
- Marked with concourse names and walking times
- Lined with exhibits and art installations
This can be useful if:
- The Plane Train is crowded
- You want to stretch your legs between flights
- Your gates are in adjacent concourses (for example, A to B, or B to C)
How Long to Allow for a Delta Connection in Atlanta
For most Delta-to-Delta connections at ATL:
30–35 minutes can work if:
- Flights are on time
- You already know your gate
- Concourses are adjacent (e.g., A to B, B to C)
45–60 minutes is more comfortable if:
- You’re traveling with children or a group
- You need to change from domestic to international or vice versa
- You’re unfamiliar with ATL
60–90+ minutes is wise if:
- You need to clear immigration and customs (arriving internationally into ATL) and then re-check bags
- You prefer a more relaxed connection with time for food or a lounge
If you live in Atlanta and are starting your trip here, still arrive early enough to clear security and reach your gate comfortably, especially during busy times or holidays.
Delta Baggage Claim and Transfers at ATL
Domestic Delta Arrivals
- Domestic Delta flights arriving at ATL typically use:
- Domestic Terminals and Concourses T–D (and sometimes E)
- After you deplane, follow “Baggage Claim” signs to:
- The Plane Train or walkways back to the Domestic Terminal
- Then head to the baggage claim area (North or South)
If you’re ending your trip in Atlanta on a Delta domestic flight, you’ll pick up your bags in the Domestic Terminal baggage claim.
International Delta Arrivals
If you arrive on Delta from another country into Atlanta:
- You’ll generally land at Concourse E or F
- You’ll go through:
- Passport control
- Customs and baggage claim
- If Atlanta is your final destination, you’ll claim your bags and exit the international arrivals area
- If you’re connecting onward on Delta:
- You may need to re-check your bags after customs (follow airport instructions and signs)
- Then proceed to security and to your next departure concourse
Using the Domestic vs. International Terminal with Delta
For Atlanta-based or visiting travelers, the biggest point of confusion is which terminal entrance to use.
Use the Domestic Terminal (South) if:
- You’re flying Delta within the U.S. (even if you connect abroad later)
- You’re being picked up after a domestic arrival
- You’re checking in for a Delta flight that shows a domestic terminal or no special international terminal note
Use the International Terminal (Concourse F) if:
- Your itinerary or airline instructions specifically say “International Terminal” for check-in
- You’re departing Atlanta on a Delta flight directly abroad and the ticket indicates the International Terminal
- You’re being picked up after an international arrival that exits through the International Terminal
Many Atlanta travelers still use the Domestic Terminal South check-in even for some international trips that connect through other U.S. airports. Always confirm on your Delta reservation or confirmation email.
Ground Transportation Tips for Delta Passengers at ATL
Whether you live in Atlanta or are visiting, knowing where to arrive and depart saves time.
MARTA (Public Transit)
- MARTA’s Airport Station is located at the Domestic Terminal, directly between North and South
- If you’re flying Delta:
- You’ll come up from MARTA into the Domestic Terminal
- Walk toward South Terminal for Delta check-in (if needed)
- From Arrivals/Baggage Claim:
- Follow signs for Ground Transportation → MARTA
Rideshare, Taxi, and Pickup
- Domestic Terminal (Delta):
- Use pickup and drop-off zones labeled for Domestic South
- International Terminal (Concourse F):
- Separate roadway and curbside area accessed via Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd
If someone is picking you up and you’re flying Delta domestic, tell them to follow signs for Domestic Terminal – South.
Amenities for Delta Travelers at Atlanta Airport
While amenities can change, Delta passengers at ATL commonly rely on:
- Delta Sky Clubs in several concourses (including A, B, and F, among others)
- Plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and quick-service options in each concourse
- Charging stations and seating areas near most gates
- Multiple information desks where airport staff can confirm the fastest route to your next Delta gate
If you have time between flights, it can be helpful to stay in the same concourse as your next gate instead of hopping around; this reduces last-minute sprints if your gate changes.
Key Takeaways for Delta Gates at Atlanta Airport
- Delta’s main check-in is at the Domestic Terminal South.
- Delta uses Concourses T, A, B, C, D, and also E and F (especially for international and some domestic flights).
- The Plane Train is the fastest way to move between Delta gates and concourses.
- Concourse F is part of the International Terminal; check your Delta itinerary carefully to know whether to start at Domestic South or the International Terminal.
- If you’re based in Atlanta, plan extra time for security and transit between concourses, especially during peak travel seasons.
With a clear sense of how Delta’s gates and concourses work at ATL, you’ll be better prepared whether you’re heading out on a quick hop to another Southern city or starting a long-haul international trip from Atlanta.