Southwest Airlines at Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson: Terminal, Gates, and How to Get Around

If you’re flying Southwest Airlines out of Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport (ATL), the most important thing to know is where to go—and how to move efficiently through the world’s busiest airport.

This guide walks you through which terminal Southwest uses, how to check in, clear security, and reach your gate, plus parking, MARTA access, and connection tips that are especially helpful if you live in metro Atlanta or are visiting the city.

Which Terminal Does Southwest Use at Atlanta Hartsfield?

Southwest Airlines operates out of the Domestic Terminal at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

More specifically:

• Terminal: Domestic Terminal
• Side: Usually accessed via Domestic Terminal South
• Concourse:Concourse C (a domestic concourse connected by the Plane Train and walkways)

In Atlanta, the word “terminal” is often used loosely to mean where you “go for your airline.” For Southwest, you will:

1. Arrive at the Domestic Terminal (South side is usually best for Southwest).
2. Check in and drop bags there.
3. Clear TSA security at the main domestic security checkpoint.
4. Ride the Plane Train or walk to Concourse C, where Southwest gates are located.

You do not need to go to the International Terminal (Concourse F) for Southwest flights.

Quick Reference: Southwest Airlines at ATL

Step-by-Step: From Curb to Gate on Southwest in Atlanta

1. Getting to the Right Place: Domestic Terminal South

For Southwest, you’ll use the Domestic Terminal, which sits on the north-south axis of the airport at:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

When driving, ridesharing, or being dropped off, you’ll see signs for:

• Domestic Terminal – North
• Domestic Terminal – South
• International Terminal

For Southwest, follow Domestic Terminal – South. Many Atlanta travelers report this is where Southwest check-in counters are located or most convenient.

If you’re unsure when you arrive at the curb, you can check the overhead signs inside the terminal for each airline’s counter locations.

2. Check-In and Bag Drop

Once inside Domestic Terminal South, look for the overhead signs listing airlines. Follow the signs to Southwest Airlines check-in.

You can:

• Use self-service kiosks to print boarding passes and bag tags.
• Go to the full-service counter if you have special needs, oversized luggage, or questions.
• If you’re not checking bags, you can skip counters entirely and head straight to TSA security with your mobile boarding pass.

✅ Tip for Atlanta-based travelers:
During peak times (early morning weekday departures and Sunday evenings), plan extra time at the check-in area and security, especially if you’re checking bags.

3. Security: Main Domestic Checkpoint

After checking in:

• Head toward the main security checkpoint for the Domestic Terminal.
• If you have TSA PreCheck or Clear, look for the clearly marked lanes.

Once you clear security, you’ll immediately be in the domestic atrium / transportation mall area, where you can access:

• The Plane Train (automated people mover)
• Underground walkways connecting to all concourses
• Food, shops, and seating areas

Finding Southwest Gates: Concourse C at ATL

Most Southwest flights at ATL operate from Concourse C, which is one of the domestic concourses (A, B, C, D, T) plus the international concourses (E and F).

How to Reach Concourse C

From the post-security atrium area:

1. Walk down the escalators or stairs to the Plane Train level.
2. Board the train and listen/watch for “Concourse C”.
3. Exit at Concourse C and go up the escalators to the gate level.

You can also walk via the underground pedestrian corridor, which has moving walkways and art displays. This is a good option if you prefer to stretch your legs or the Plane Train is crowded.

What to Expect in Concourse C

Concourse C has:

• Multiple Southwest gates spread along its length
• Food and drink options (fast food, casual restaurants, grab-and-go)
• Restrooms and shops for last-minute snacks or travel items

Schedules can change, so always check:

• Your boarding pass
• Overhead departure boards in the terminal
• Gate area screens once you arrive at Concourse C

Arriving in Atlanta on Southwest: Where You’ll End Up

When you land in Atlanta on Southwest:

1. Your plane will pull into a gate on Concourse C (or occasionally another domestic concourse if there’s an operational change).
2. You’ll exit the aircraft into Concourse C.
3. If you have checked luggage, follow signs to “Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation.”
4. Take the Plane Train or walk through the underground corridor toward the Domestic Terminal.
5. Exit at Domestic Terminal on the train, then follow signs to baggage claim and ground transportation.

Your bags will appear at a domestic baggage carousel corresponding to your flight’s airline and origin city, posted on-screen in the baggage claim hall.

Connections: Switching Planes in Atlanta on Southwest

If you’re connecting through Atlanta on Southwest:

• You’ll generally remain within the domestic concourses.
• If your next flight is also on Southwest, your connecting gate is likely in Concourse C, though occasionally it might be another concourse.

When you land:

1. Check monitors at the concourse for your next flight’s gate.
2. If your next gate is also in Concourse C, just walk down the concourse.
3. If your next gate is in another concourse (A, B, D, T), take the Plane Train and follow signs.

❗ If you’re connecting from another airline to Southwest (or vice versa), you may need to:

• Switch concourses
• Change terminals (domestic sides only)
• Re-clear security if you leave the secure area in between

Always build in enough connection time, especially during busy hours.

Using MARTA or Driving: Airport Access for Southwest Travelers

MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail System)

If you’re coming from Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or other areas along MARTA’s Red or Gold lines:

• Take MARTA to the Airport Station (the last stop on both lines).
• The station connects directly to the Domestic Terminal via a covered walkway.
• Once inside, follow signs to Domestic Terminal South and Southwest.

This option is especially convenient if you:

• Live near MARTA
• Are staying in a hotel near Midtown/Downtown
• Want to avoid parking or traffic on I-75/I-85

Driving and Parking for Southwest Flights

If you drive to the airport, you’ll most likely access it via:

• I-85 or I-75, following signs for Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and then Domestic Terminal.

Parking options associated with the Domestic Terminal include:

• Hourly parking decks (closest to the terminal; best for quick pickups/drop-offs)
• Daily parking decks
• Economy or park-ride lots, typically a short shuttle ride to the terminal

Look for signage that distinguishes:

• Domestic Parking vs. International Parking
• North Deck vs. South Deck

For Southwest, the South side domestic parking decks are generally the closest and most convenient.

Ground Transportation After You Land

Whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re visiting, you’ll exit Southwest flights into the Domestic Terminal flow for ground transportation.

From the Domestic Terminal:

• Rideshare pick-ups (Uber, Lyft, etc.): Follow the designated airport signs to the rideshare pick-up area. This is usually in a structured area, not at the traditional curb.
• Taxis and shuttles: There is a designated taxi and shuttle zone outside the baggage claim area.
• MARTA: Follow signs for “MARTA” from the Domestic Terminal; you’ll walk straight into the Airport MARTA Station.
• Rental cars: Take the ATL SkyTrain from the Domestic Terminal to the Rental Car Center, where major rental companies are located.

Helpful On-Site Airport Resources in Atlanta

If you need in-person help once you arrive for a Southwest flight, ATL has:

• Information desks / help counters throughout the terminal and concourses
• Signage in both English and other languages pointing to: gates, baggage claim, ground transportation, MARTA, and the Rental Car Center
• Airport customer service phones and intercoms in certain areas if you’re lost or need assistance

The main airport information line is widely published as part of ATL’s public contact information and can be used to confirm terminal and concourse details if anything changes.

Key Takeaways for Southwest Travelers at ATL

• Southwest Airlines uses the Domestic Terminal at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• Plan to go to Domestic Terminal South for check-in and bag drop.
• After security, take the Plane Train to Concourse C, where Southwest gates are typically located.
• Arrivals and baggage for Southwest are handled through the Domestic Terminal, not the International Terminal.
• MARTA’s Airport Station connects directly to the Domestic Terminal, making transit from Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead straightforward.

Knowing the Southwest Airlines Atlanta Hartsfield terminal layout—Domestic Terminal → Security → Concourse C—will save you time and stress, whether you’re an Atlanta local heading out on a quick trip or a visitor connecting through the city.