Flying Into Atlanta: A Complete Guide to Flights to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the busiest airports in the world and the primary gateway to Atlanta, Georgia. Whether you live in metro Atlanta and are planning your next trip, or you’re flying in to visit the city, understanding how flights to Atlanta Airport work will save you time, money, and stress.

This guide walks you through how to find flights to ATL, which airlines and terminals you’ll use, the best times to fly, and what to do once you land.

Understanding Atlanta Airport (ATL)

Official name: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Airport code: ATL
Location: About 10 miles south of Downtown Atlanta
Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
Main phone (general info): (800) 897-1910 (Georgia Department of Transportation info line, often referenced for travel; for specific airline questions, contact your carrier directly)

ATL has two main terminal areas:

• Domestic Terminal – split into:
  • North Terminal (mostly Delta ticketing and check‑in)
  • South Terminal (other major domestic airlines)
• International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal) – used for most non‑U.S. flights and some domestic connections

From either terminal, passengers access Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F via the Plane Train or pedestrian walkways.

Airlines and Routes Flying Into Atlanta

Because ATL is a major hub, you’ll see nonstop flights from hundreds of cities across the U.S. and many international destinations.

Major domestic airlines that fly into ATL

You can typically find flights to Atlanta Airport on:

• Delta Air Lines – primary hub carrier, extensive domestic and international network
• Southwest Airlines
• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• Alaska Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Frontier Airlines
• Spirit Airlines

Most of these airlines serve the Domestic Terminal, but international arrivals often connect through Concourses E or F.

International flights to Atlanta

From outside the U.S., you can usually find flights into ATL from:

• Europe – major cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Rome, and others
• Latin America & Caribbean – including Mexico, Central America, South America, and many Caribbean islands
• Canada – cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver
• Asia & Africa – select nonstop routes plus many one‑stop options via other hubs

International flights generally arrive at Concourse E or Concourse F and use the International Terminal. After immigration and customs, you can connect domestically or exit to Atlanta.

Finding the Best Flights to Atlanta

Whether you’re flying into Atlanta or returning home, you’ll want to balance price, schedule, and airport experience.

When to fly into ATL

In general:

• Early morning flights (6–9 a.m.)
  • Often more on-time
  • Less risk of weather-related delays building up
• Midday (10 a.m.–3 p.m.)
  • Can be busy but often manageable
  • Good balance between price and convenience
• Evening flights (after 6 p.m.)
  • Sometimes cheaper
  • Higher risk of cascading delays

Busiest times at ATL are typically:

• Monday mornings and Thursday/Friday afternoons (business and weekend travelers)
• Holidays and major events in Atlanta (large conventions, sports playoffs, college games)

If you live in Atlanta and want smoother airport experience, try midweek travel (Tuesday–Wednesday) and midday departures or arrivals when possible.

Tips for comparing flights to Atlanta Airport

When you browse flights, pay attention to:

• Arrival terminal – Domestic vs International Terminal can affect pickup plans.
• Connection times – ATL is huge; a tight 30‑minute connection between distant concourses can be stressful.
• Total travel time vs. price – A cheaper one-stop flight might add hours compared to a nonstop.
• Baggage policies – Especially on low‑cost carriers serving ATL (extra fees for bags, seat selection, etc.).

✈️ Quick tip: If you’re meeting someone at the airport, have them share their airline and flight number, so you can track delays and know which terminal they’ll arrive at.

Domestic vs. International Arrivals at ATL

How you navigate ATL depends heavily on whether your flight is domestic or international.

Domestic flights to Atlanta

Most domestic flights arrive at:

• Concourses T, A, B, C, or D (sometimes E)

Key points:

• You’ll deplane into a concourse, then:
  • Take the Plane Train or walk to Baggage Claim
  • Follow signs for Ground Transportation (MARTA, rideshare, taxis, shuttles, parking)
• If someone is picking you up, they’ll usually meet you at the North or South Terminal Arrivals curb, depending on your airline.

Domestic baggage claim areas are located on the lower level of the Domestic Terminal.

International flights to Atlanta

If you arrive on an international flight, you’ll typically:

1. Land at Concourse E or F.
2. Go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and passport control.
3. Collect any checked bags for customs inspection.
4. Either:
   • Exit at the International Terminal Arrivals level, or
   • Recheck bags if you’re connecting to another U.S. city.

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

The International Terminal has its own parking decks, drop‑off/pickup areas, and ground transportation.

How to Get From ATL to Atlanta (and Back)

Once your flight to Atlanta lands, you’ll need to get into the city or surrounding metro area.

MARTA (Public Transit)

MARTA is Atlanta’s main rail and bus system. It connects directly to the airport:

• Station: Airport Station (inside the Domestic Terminal)
• Location: At the western end of the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim and Ground Transportation

From Airport Station, you can take MARTA trains directly to:

• Downtown Atlanta (e.g., Five Points Station)
• Midtown (Arts Center, Midtown Station)
• Buckhead and points north
• Connection to buses serving other neighborhoods

For most visitors heading to hotels in Downtown or Midtown, MARTA is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get into the city.

Rideshare, taxis, and shuttles

• Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

  • Pickups are in designated areas marked “Rideshare” in the Domestic and International Terminals.
  • Follow signs from baggage claim.

• Taxis

  • Staged at official Taxi Stands outside the Domestic and International Terminals.
  • Flat rates are usually posted for common destinations like Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.

• Hotel and airport shuttles

  • Many hotels near ATL and in areas like College Park, East Point, and Downtown operate shuttles.
  • Look for the Ground Transportation / Hotel Shuttle signs.

If you live in Atlanta and are picking someone up, confirm:

• Which terminal they’re arriving at (Domestic vs International)
• Curbside pickup rules – waiting is generally not allowed; use the Cell Phone Waiting Lot until they’re ready.

Parking and Drop-Off for Flights to ATL

If you or a friend is driving to catch a flight to Atlanta or pick someone up, parking and roadway layout matter.

Domestic Terminal parking

Options typically include:

• Park-Ride Lots – usually more affordable, with shuttle service to the terminals.
• Daily Parking – closer to terminals, higher cost.
• Hourly Parking – best for quick pickups, drop-offs, or short visits.

Parking decks and lots are signed for North and South terminals. Check your airline so you know which side to use.

International Terminal parking

The International Terminal has:

• International Park-Ride
• International Parking Deck (short walk to check‑in)

If you’re flying internationally out of ATL, confirm whether your airline wants you at the Domestic or International check‑in desks; some partner airlines check in at Domestic even if flights depart from international concourses.

What Atlanta Residents Should Know About Flying Out of ATL

If you live in Atlanta and frequently fly out of ATL, a few habits make flights to and from the airport smoother.

When to arrive at the airport

General guidelines (these can vary by airline and season):

• Domestic flights: Arrive 2 hours before departure
• International flights: Arrive 3 hours before departure

During peak times (early Monday mornings, holiday periods), consider adding 30–60 extra minutes.

Security checkpoints

ATL has multiple TSA security checkpoints, serving:

• Domestic Terminal (North and South)
• International Terminal

You can often use either North or South security checkpoints for domestic flights, depending on wait times, regardless of which airline you’re on, unless your airline has specific requirements.

Travelers with TSA PreCheck or CLEAR can use dedicated lanes at participating checkpoints.

Terminal and Concourse Overview for ATL Flights

Use this quick reference to understand where most flights to Atlanta Airport arrive or depart:

Airline gate assignments can change, but this layout helps you visualize your arrival and connection paths.

Tips for Smooth Connections at ATL

Many people flying to Atlanta Airport are actually connecting to another flight.

If you’re connecting:

• Check your minimum connection time – ATL is large, but the Plane Train runs frequently.
• Follow “Connecting Flights” signs as soon as you exit your plane.
• International to domestic connections require:
  • Passport control and customs
  • Baggage claim and re‑check
  • Going through security again before entering domestic concourses

💡 Helpful habit: Keep your boarding passes for all segments handy and verify gate/terminal on airport monitors—gates sometimes change between booking and arrival.

What Visitors Should Expect When Landing in Atlanta

If you’re flying into Atlanta for the first time:

• The airport is big, but signage is clear.
  • Follow color-coded and icon-based signs for Baggage Claim, Ground Transportation, and MARTA.
• Walking distances can be long.
  • Use the Plane Train between concourses and terminals if you’re not up for long walks.
• Food and services are plentiful.
  • Every concourse has restaurants, shops, and basic services; the central Atrium at the Domestic Terminal has additional options.

To get into the city:

• For Downtown/Midtown hotels – MARTA from Airport Station is often the simplest.
• For suburbs – you may need a rideshare, taxi, shuttle, or rental car, depending on where you’re headed (Alpharetta, Marietta, Decatur, etc.).

Useful On-the-Ground Details for ATL Travelers

If your flight to Atlanta is delayed, diverted, or you have an unexpected layover, knowing the basics helps:

• Lost & Found at ATL

  • Items lost in the terminal, public areas, or at security are usually handled by airport or TSA lost and found.
  • Items left on the aircraft are handled by the airline directly.

• Customer service desks

  • Located throughout concourses and main terminals—helpful for directions, basic airport information, and mobility assistance.

• Accessibility

  • ATL offers services for passengers with limited mobility, including wheelchair assistance, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
  • Request assistance from your airline in advance if you need support moving between gates or terminals.

Key Takeaways About Flights to Atlanta Airport

• ATL is the main airport serving Atlanta, Georgia, with extensive domestic and international flights.
• Delta and several other major airlines operate large numbers of flights into ATL daily.
• Domestic flights usually use the Domestic Terminal and Concourses T–D, while international flights arrive at Concourses E and F and the International Terminal.
• MARTA, rideshare, taxis, and shuttles offer straightforward ways to reach Downtown, Midtown, and the broader metro area.
• Atlanta residents flying out of ATL should budget 2–3 hours before departure, depending on whether the flight is domestic or international.

Whether you’re coming home to Atlanta, visiting the city, or just passing through, understanding how flights to Atlanta Airport work will make your travel day far smoother and more predictable.