Southwest Terminal at Atlanta’s Airport: What Travelers Need to Know

If you’re flying Southwest Airlines to or from Atlanta, all of your flights operate out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) — specifically from Concourse C in the Domestic Terminal. This guide walks you through exactly how to find the Southwest terminal, what to expect once you’re there, and tips to move through ATL smoothly.

Where Is Southwest at Atlanta Airport?

Domestic Terminal, Concourse C

In Atlanta, all Southwest flights are domestic and use:

• Airport: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Main Check-In Area:Domestic Terminal – North (South Terminal is used by Delta and a few others)
• Gates:Concourse C

You’ll see Southwest signage in the Domestic North area for:

• Ticketing and check-in counters
• Bag drop
• Customer service desks

Once checked in, you’ll go through the main security checkpoint in the Domestic Terminal and then ride the Plane Train (underground people mover) or walk via the Transportation Mall to Concourse C.

Step-by-Step: From Curb to Southwest Gate

1. Arriving at the Airport

If you’re driving, ridesharing, or getting dropped off, use:

• Domestic Terminal – North entrance (for Southwest)
• Look for “North Terminal” and airline signs showing Southwest along the access road.

If you arrive by MARTA, you’ll end up directly at the airport’s domestic side:

• MARTA Station: Airport Station (Red/Gold lines)
• Follow signs to “North Terminal / Ticketing / Check-In” once you exit the station.

2. Check-In and Bag Drop

At the Domestic North end of the terminal:

• Locate the Southwest ticket counters and self-service kiosks.
• You can:
  • Check bags
  • Print or reprint boarding passes
  • See an agent for changes, special requests, or issues

✅ Tip: If you checked in on the app and have no checked bags, you can skip the ticket counter and head straight to TSA security with your mobile boarding pass.

3. Security Screening

All domestic airlines at ATL share centralized security checkpoints. After check-in:

• Follow signs to Main Security (near the middle of the terminal)
• If you have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, follow the marked lines; they usually have separate entrances.

Once you clear security:

• Go down the escalators to the Plane Train (People Mover), or
• Use the Transportation Mall (moving walkways and walking tunnels) if you’d rather walk.

4. Getting to Concourse C

From the Plane Train:

• Board the train and listen/watch for “Concourse C”
• Concourse order from the Domestic Terminal is: T – A – B – C – D – E – F
• Get off at Concourse C and go up the escalators or elevators to reach the gate level.

From the Transportation Mall:

• Follow signs to Concourse C and use the moving walkways.
• Walking from the main terminal to Concourse C can take longer than riding the train, so plan extra time.

Once on Concourse C, you’ll find all Southwest gates, along with shops, dining, and restrooms.

Southwest at ATL: Departures, Arrivals, and Baggage

Departures (Leaving Atlanta)

• Check-in: Domestic North Terminal – Southwest counters
• Security: Main security checkpoint
• Gates: Concourse C
• Boarding: Southwest typically uses open seating based on groups (A, B, C) and numbers, so arrive at the gate early to line up when your group is called.

Arrivals (Coming Into Atlanta)

When you land on a Southwest flight:

• You’ll arrive at a gate in Concourse C.
• Follow “Baggage Claim” and “Ground Transportation” signs.
• You can use either:
  • Plane Train back to Domestic Baggage Claim, or
  • Walk via the Transportation Mall.

Southwest checked bags arrive at the Domestic Baggage Claim area on the lower level of the Domestic Terminal. Check the overhead monitors for Southwest and your flight number to find your carousel.

Southwest Baggage Claim and Lost Luggage in Atlanta

Finding the Correct Carousel

In Domestic Baggage Claim:

• Look for overhead screens listing:
  • Airline
  • City of origin
  • Flight number
  • Assigned carousel number

Southwest flights typically share a section of carousels, but carousel assignments change, so always confirm on the monitors.

If Your Bag Is Delayed or Missing

If your bags do not show up:

• Go to the Southwest baggage service office near the Southwest claim area in Domestic Baggage Claim.
• Provide:
  • Your baggage claim tags
  • Your boarding pass
  • A local address or contact info while in Atlanta

Staff can help:

• Track bags arriving on a later flight
• Arrange delivery if bags are found later
• Start a missing luggage claim

Ground Transportation From the Southwest Terminal Area

Once you leave baggage claim, you have several options to get into Atlanta or surrounding areas.

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

For rideshares from the Domestic Terminal:

• Follow signs for “Rideshare” or “App-Based Ride Services”
• You’ll usually be directed to a specific pickup area in the North or South economy lots or a designated rideshare zone.
• Be ready to walk or ride a short shuttle to that location from baggage claim.

Taxis

• Official taxi stands are located just outside the Domestic Terminal baggage claim area.
• Follow signs for “Taxi” and join the queue.
• Fares to central Atlanta are typically metered or set in zones; you can ask the attendant about approximate cost to Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.

MARTA (Public Transit)

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is a reliable, budget-friendly choice:

• From baggage claim, follow signs to “Ground Transportation” and “MARTA”.
• The station is located at the west end of the Domestic Terminal, directly inside the airport.
• Take the Red or Gold line northbound to reach:
  • College Park
  • West End / Midtown / Arts Center
  • Downtown (Garnett, Five Points, Peachtree Center)
  • Buckhead and beyond (on the Red line)

Parking Options Near the Southwest Terminal

If you’re driving yourself to ATL for a Southwest flight, you have several parking choices near the Domestic Terminal.

On-Site Airport Parking (Domestic Side)

Common options at the Domestic Terminal include:

• North Economy Parking – Often a good balance of price and walking distance for Southwest travelers using Domestic North.
• North Daily Parking Garage – Closer to the terminal, more expensive than economy.
• Park-Ride Lots – Farther away but served by airport shuttles.

You’ll see signs for “Domestic – North Parking” as you approach. If you’re flying Southwest, North-side lots usually make for the shortest walk to check-in.

Navigating ATL With Kids, Seniors, or Limited Mobility

ATL is large and can feel overwhelming, but the Southwest terminal setup is straightforward once you know the flow.

Mobility Assistance

If you or someone in your group needs wheelchair assistance or extra help:

• Request wheelchair service when booking your ticket or during online check-in.
• At the airport, let a Southwest agent at the check-in counter know you’ve requested (or now need) assistance.
• An attendant can help:
  • From curbside to check-in
  • Through security
  • To the gate at Concourse C

Family and Stroller Tips

• Strollers and car seats can usually be checked at the counter or gate-checked at boarding.
• Give yourself extra time to get through security and reach the gate, especially if your children are young or you’re traveling with multiple bags.

Timing: When to Arrive for a Southwest Flight in Atlanta

ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world, and lines can vary by time of day and season.

For most Southwest flights out of Atlanta:

• Aim to arrive at the airport 2 hours before a domestic departure.
• During peak times (early morning, Sunday evening, holidays), consider 2.5 hours, especially if:
  • You need to check bags
  • You’re not familiar with ATL
  • You’re traveling with kids or in a large group

If you’re using TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or traveling with only carry-on luggage, you might be able to cut it closer, but ATL’s crowds can be unpredictable, so building in a buffer is wise.

Quick Reference: Southwest at ATL (At-a-Glance)

Local Tips for Atlanta-Based Travelers Using Southwest

If you live in the Atlanta metro area and fly Southwest often:

• Know your side: Remember it’s always Domestic North for Southwest; this can save time on the access roads.
• Peak traffic: Morning rush (both on roads and in the terminal) is busy; if you have a 7–9 a.m. flight, allow extra drive time from neighborhoods like Marietta, Decatur, or Gwinnett.
• MARTA as a backup: When I-75/85 is severely backed up, many locals switch to MARTA from stations like College Park, East Point, or North Springs to avoid parking and traffic headaches.
• Plan your return: When landing back in Atlanta on Southwest, factor in:
  • Walk from Concourse C
  • Baggage claim wait
  • Travel time home (especially if you’re heading to outer suburbs)

Understanding that Southwest in Atlanta = Domestic North Terminal + Concourse C simplifies your entire trip. With that in mind, you can plan your timing, pickup/drop-off, and ground transportation confidently—whether you’re a local flying out for a quick weekend or a visitor connecting through ATL.