Navigating Delta at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
If you’re flying Delta through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), you’re using the airline’s largest hub and one of the world’s busiest airports. Knowing how Delta is set up at Atlanta Hartsfield can save you time, stress, and confusion—especially if you’re connecting through the city or picking someone up.
This guide focuses specifically on Delta at ATL, with details that matter to people who live in Atlanta, are visiting Atlanta, or are connecting through the city.
Where Delta Operates at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
Delta is the dominant airline at ATL, with flights spread across multiple concourses.
Main Delta areas:
- Domestic flights: Primarily from Concourse T, Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, and parts of Concourse D
- International flights: Mostly from Concourse E and Concourse F (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
- Check-in & ticketing:
- Domestic terminal – North (Delta main check-in)
- International Terminal – Concourse F (for many international departures)
Terminals vs. Concourses: How It Works at ATL
ATL technically has two terminals:
- Domestic Terminal (split into North and South)
- International Terminal (Concourse F)
Behind security, the airport is one continuous space connected by the Plane Train. Once you’re past security, you can move between any Delta concourse without exiting and re-screening.
Delta Check-In Locations at ATL
Domestic Delta Check-In (Most Travelers)
If you’re flying Delta on a domestic flight or starting a trip in Atlanta:
- Go to: Domestic Terminal – North
- Services you’ll find:
- Self-service kiosks for check-in and bag tags
- Full-service counters for baggage drop, changes, or assistance
- Delta Sky Priority counters for eligible customers
This is the main entry point for most Atlanta-based travelers heading out on Delta.
International Delta Check-In
If your international flight departs from Concourse F (often true for many nonstop international routes on Delta):
- You may be required or strongly encouraged to check in at the International Terminal (Concourse F).
- This terminal has:
- Delta check-in counters
- Customs and immigration facilities for arriving international passengers
- A dedicated security checkpoint
If you’re not sure whether to use the Domestic Terminal or International Terminal, your reservation and pre-trip email typically state where to check in and which terminal to use.
Getting to Delta at Atlanta Hartsfield
By Car
Domestic Terminal – North (Delta):
- Located off North Terminal Parkway
- If you’re driving from downtown Atlanta:
- Take I-75/85 South
- Follow signs for Domestic Terminal – North
- Parking options:
- North Economy Lot
- North Parking Deck
- Cell Phone Lot nearby for pick-up waiting
International Terminal – Concourse F (Delta international):
- Accessed from Interstate 75 (not via I-85)
- Look for signs to International Terminal / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
- Separate parking:
- International Parking Decks and economy options
MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail System)
If you’re using MARTA:
- The Airport Station is located at the Domestic Terminal, right at the South side of the terminal.
- From the MARTA station:
- Follow signs to Baggage Claim / Terminal
- Then walk to Domestic North for Delta (about 5–10 minutes inside the building).
If you need to get to the International Terminal (Concourse F) from MARTA:
- Take the airport’s complimentary shuttle from the Domestic Terminal to the International Terminal, or
- Go through security at Domestic and ride the Plane Train to Concourse F (if you’re already checked in and just need the gate, not check-in/on-site baggage drop).
Delta Baggage Claim at ATL
Delta uses baggage claim areas at both the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal.
Domestic arrivals (Delta):
- Bags are picked up in Domestic Terminal – North baggage claim.
- Overhead screens list flight numbers and carousel assignments.
International arrivals (Delta):
- Most international flights that land at Concourse E or F will:
- Go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the International Terminal, then
- Collect baggage in that area.
- In some cases, if you connect onwards, you may need to re-check bags after customs.
- Most international flights that land at Concourse E or F will:
If someone is picking you up, check whether you’re arriving as domestic or international and agree in advance on which terminal’s curb to meet at.
Delta Connections Within Atlanta Hartsfield
Many travelers only see ATL as a connection point, and Delta is at the center of that network.
Moving Between Concourses
All concourses at ATL (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) are connected behind security by:
- The Plane Train (underground tram)
- Connecting walkways (especially between T–A–B)
Typical connection process:
- Exit your arrival gate.
- Follow signs for Plane Train.
- Ride to the concourse shown on your boarding pass (for example, Concourse B).
- Walk to your departure gate.
You do not need to re-clear security between concourses if you remain inside the secure area.
Connection Tips for Delta Passengers
Short connections:
ATL is designed for fast transfers, but if your layover is under about 45 minutes, it helps to:- Sit near the front of the aircraft (if possible)
- Check your next gate as soon as you land
- Use the Plane Train rather than walking between distant concourses
International-to-domestic connections:
Plan extra time to:- Go through immigration
- Collect and re-check luggage (if necessary)
- Clear TSA security again before entering domestic concourses
App and monitors:
It’s common for gates to change in a large hub like Atlanta. Flight info screens are posted throughout all concourses and the terminals.
Delta Sky Club Locations at ATL
For eligible passengers, Delta operates multiple Delta Sky Club lounges at Hartsfield-Jackson. These are spread across key Delta concourses.
Common features include:
- Quiet seating
- Snacks and beverages
- Wi-Fi
- Workspaces and rest areas
You can typically find Delta Sky Clubs in or near:
- Concourse T
- Concourse A
- Concourse B
- Concourse C
- Concourse F (often used for international travelers)
Availability, locations, and hours can shift over time, so checking current club locations before your trip is a good idea, especially if you’re planning a layover.
Atlanta Locals: Using ATL as Your “Home Airport” with Delta
If you live in the Atlanta metro area, you’ll likely use Delta out of ATL frequently.
Parking and Drop-Off Tips
For regular Delta travelers:
- Learn the roads to Domestic North; this is your primary access point.
- Consider:
- Long-term parking in North Economy
- Off-airport shuttle lots near the airport for extended trips
For picking up Delta passengers:
- Use the Cell Phone Lot instead of circling the terminal.
- Have the passenger text their door number (for example, North Terminal door X) once they have bags.
Using ATL for Weekend Trips
Many Atlanta residents use Delta for fast weekend getaways. To speed things up:
- Check in online before heading to the airport.
- If you’re not checking a bag, go straight to:
- TSA security at Domestic North, then
- The Plane Train to your concourse.
- Know your likely concourses:
- Many short regional or nearby flights will depart from T, A, B, or C.
Visiting Atlanta: Arriving on Delta and Getting into the City
If you’re coming into Atlanta on Delta, you’ll probably arrive at:
- A domestic concourse (T–D) if it’s a domestic U.S. flight, or
- Concourse E or F if it’s an international flight.
From the Plane to Ground Transportation
- Exit the aircraft and follow signs to:
- Baggage Claim if you’re staying in Atlanta, or
- Connecting Flights if you have another Delta leg.
- Use the Plane Train to reach:
- The Domestic Terminal for most ground transportation options, or
- The International Terminal arrivals area, if that’s where your flight ends and you’re exiting there.
Ground Transportation Options
From Domestic Terminal (common for Delta domestic arrivals):
- MARTA Rail:
- Station: Airport Station (inside the Domestic Terminal, South side)
- Goes directly to Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead
- Rideshare pick-up:
- Dedicated areas are marked for app-based services.
- Taxi stands and shuttles
- Rental car center:
- Accessed by the ATL SkyTrain from the terminal.
From the International Terminal (Concourse F):
- Taxis, rideshares, hotel shuttles, and limited transit services pick up directly outside.
- If needed, free terminal shuttles connect to the Domestic Terminal and MARTA.
Key Delta Contact & Location Info at ATL
While details can change over time, the following are core, stable reference points for Delta travelers using Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 North Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320
Domestic Terminal – North (Delta primary check-in)
- Main area for Delta domestic check-in, baggage drop, and domestic arrivals.
International Terminal – Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F)
- Main area for many Delta international departures and arrivals.
For flight status, baggage issues, or schedule changes, travelers generally use:
- Airline customer service desks in the terminal or at the gate
- Airline phone support and mobile apps
- Airport information desks in both the Domestic and International Terminals for wayfinding and terminal questions
Quick Reference: Delta at Atlanta Hartsfield
| Topic | What to Know About Delta at ATL |
|---|---|
| Main check-in area | Domestic Terminal – North for most Delta domestic flights |
| International departures | Often from Concourse F, use International Terminal check-in |
| Main concourses used by Delta | T, A, B, C, D, and many flights from E & F |
| Getting between concourses | Use the Plane Train behind security, no re-screening needed |
| Baggage claim (domestic) | Domestic Terminal – North baggage claim area |
| Baggage claim (international) | International Terminal after customs and immigration |
| Public transit to ATL | MARTA Airport Station at the Domestic Terminal |
| Lounges | Multiple Delta Sky Clubs across T, A, B, C, and F |
Understanding how Delta operates at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson makes travel smoother, whether ATL is your home base, a one-time arrival point into the city, or a busy connection on a much longer journey.