Flying United Airlines from Burbank to Atlanta: What Local Travelers Should Know

Planning a United Airlines flight from Burbank (Hollywood Burbank Airport – BUR) to Atlanta (Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport – ATL) is a little different from flying one of the big coast-to-coast routes. If you live in metro Atlanta, are flying home to ATL, or are visiting Atlanta and flying back to Burbank, it helps to understand how this route usually works, what to expect at each airport, and how to connect your trip smoothly into life on the ground in Atlanta.

Does United Airlines Fly Nonstop from Burbank to Atlanta?

United does not typically operate nonstop flights between Burbank (BUR) and Atlanta (ATL).

Most United Burbank–Atlanta itineraries:

• Involve at least one connection, usually at a major United hub
• Common connection cities include:
  • Denver (DEN)
  • Houston (IAH)
  • Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
  • Occasionally other hubs, depending on schedule and season

When searching, you’ll usually see the route displayed as:

or for the reverse:

If you specifically want a nonstop flight between the Los Angeles area and Atlanta, you’re more likely to find those from LAX to ATL on various airlines, then connect or drive to Burbank or Atlanta as needed.

United Airlines Route Basics: BUR to ATL

Typical Itinerary Structure

Most United Airlines Burbank to Atlanta trips will:

• Take around 6–9 hours total travel time, depending on connection length
• Include one layover that’s usually 45 minutes to 3 hours
• Depart Burbank early or mid-morning, arriving in Atlanta late afternoon or evening (or vice versa)

Because United uses ATL as a destination rather than a primary hub, your connection city matters for:

• How much time you’ll spend in transit
• Your risk of tight connections
• Potential weather impacts (for example, winter weather at Chicago or Denver)

Choosing Flight Times That Work Well for Atlanta

If Atlanta is your home base or your final destination, it’s smart to plan around local patterns:

• Morning arrivals to ATL (8–11 a.m.)

  • Helpful if you need to work the same day or attend meetings in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead
  • Traffic from ATL into the city is usually moderate but can be heavy on weekdays

• Afternoon arrivals (12–5 p.m.)

  • Good for hotel check-in times in areas like Downtown, Midtown, or near the airport
  • Watch for rush hour traffic leaving ATL after 3–4 p.m.

• Late-night arrivals (after 9 p.m.)

  • Often cheaper, but some MARTA rail service runs less frequently
  • Can be convenient if someone is picking you up by car when traffic is lighter

For departures from ATL to Burbank via United:

• Early morning departures from ATL often give the most connection options through major hubs
• Leaving ATL earlier in the day typically reduces your risk of rolling delays throughout the afternoon and evening

What to Expect at Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

If you’re starting in Burbank and returning to Atlanta, BUR is much smaller and easier to navigate than LAX. That can make the departure experience more relaxed before a longer connection route to ATL.

Key things to know:

• Compact layout – Shorter walks from check-in to gates
• Security lines are typically shorter than at larger airports, but can still get busy at peak times
• Ground access: Ride-shares, taxis, and car rentals are available, and it’s closer to many LA-area neighborhoods than LAX

For United flights from BUR:

• You’ll usually check in at the United counter in the main terminal
• Bags are typically tagged through to ATL, even though you’ll change planes at a hub

💡 Tip for Atlanta-bound travelers: Because BUR is smaller, plan enough time for any checked baggage issues or last-minute changes—especially if you’re trying to make a tight layover on your way to Atlanta.

Arriving in Atlanta on United: Airport Layout & Terminals

Where United Arrives at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

ATL is Delta’s main hub, but United also operates there along with other carriers in the Domestic Concourses. United flights typically use:

• Concourse T or Concourse A, within the Domestic Terminal

However, gate assignments can change, so always confirm on airport monitors or your boarding pass.

Getting Around ATL After a United Flight

ATL is a very large airport, but it’s designed to be straightforward for transfers and exits:

• After landing, follow the “Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation” signs
• Take the Plane Train, an underground tram that connects all concourses with:
  • The Domestic Terminal (North and South)
  • The MARTA station (for public transit into the city)

If Atlanta is your final destination, you’ll most likely:

1. Exit at “Domestic Terminal – Baggage Claim” on the Plane Train
2. Follow signs to Baggage Claim North or South (United’s carousels will be listed on the overhead screens)

Ground Transportation from ATL into Atlanta

Once you’ve landed from Burbank and collected your luggage, you have multiple options to get into Atlanta and surrounding areas.

1. MARTA Rail (Public Transit)

For many locals and visitors, MARTA is the simplest, most predictable way into the city.

• MARTA Airport Station is located inside the Domestic Terminal, near Baggage Claim
• Trains typically run to:
  • Downtown Atlanta (Five Points, Peachtree Center)
  • Midtown (Arts Center, Midtown stations)
  • Buckhead and parts of north Atlanta

This is especially convenient if you’re:

• Staying near major hotels Downtown or in Midtown
• Connecting to buses or walking within central neighborhoods

2. Ride-Share, Taxis, and Car Services

Ride-share pickups at ATL (such as app-based services) are:

• Usually directed to specific pickup zones at the Domestic Terminal
• Signed clearly; you’ll follow the “Rideshare” or “Ground Transportation” signs

Taxis and licensed car services generally queue outside the Baggage Claim level, with posted rates to common destinations in the Atlanta area.

3. Rental Cars

If you need a car to get around metro Atlanta, you’ll head from the Domestic Terminal to the Rental Car Center (RCC):

• Take the ATL SkyTrain from the terminal to the RCC
• Most major rental brands operate there
• From the RCC, you can drive directly onto nearby interstates like I‑85 and I‑285

A rental car makes sense if you’re:

• Visiting suburban areas like Marietta, Alpharetta, Roswell, or Peachtree City
• Needing flexible travel across the metro area for work or family visits

How Long Does It Take to Get from ATL into Atlanta?

Typical travel times after your United flight from Burbank:

*Actual times depend heavily on traffic, especially during weekday rush hours (7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.).

Planning Connections: United Itineraries and Atlanta Weather

Flying BUR → Hub → ATL on United means you’ll be affected by weather not only in Los Angeles and Atlanta, but also at your connection hub.

Consider These When Booking:

• Winter routes through Chicago (ORD) or Denver (DEN)

  • Can encounter snow or de-icing delays
  • Build in more time between connections if possible

• Summer thunderstorms affecting ATL

  • Afternoon and evening storms are common in the Atlanta area
  • Earlier arrivals may reduce risk of weather-related disruptions

• Tight layovers

  • If traveling with checked bags or with children, a slightly longer connection may be less stressful
  • United itineraries will typically meet minimum connection times, but those can feel short in large hub airports

Baggage Tips for BUR–ATL United Flights

Because you’re connecting through at least one hub, handling luggage efficiently is important.

Checking bags from Burbank to Atlanta:

• At BUR, confirm your bag is tagged all the way to ATL
• Keep your baggage claim tag in case of delays or mishandling

At ATL:

• After landing, follow “Baggage Claim” signs in the Domestic Terminal
• Check the screens to find the carousel number for your United flight from the hub city (for example, “Flight from Denver” or “Flight from Chicago”)

If your bag doesn’t arrive:

• Go to the baggage service office listed on signage near the carousels
• Have your claim tag and boarding pass ready
• Provide a local Atlanta address or hotel details if delivery is needed

Making the Most of an ATL Layover on the Way to Burbank

If you’re flying United from Atlanta to Burbank and have a connection out of ATL on another airline (for example, if you mixed carriers), you might spend some extra time in the terminal. ATL is well-equipped for layovers.

Inside the Airport

Across the concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F):

• Many restaurants and quick-service options
• Seating with charging outlets
• Various shops for snacks, travel supplies, and souvenirs

You can move between concourses using:

• The Plane Train (fastest method)
• The pedestrian tunnels (with art exhibits) if you prefer to walk

Because ATL is large, always keep an eye on the time needed to get back to your departure gate, especially during busy periods.

When to Arrive at ATL for a United Flight to Burbank

For departing flights ATL → Burbank (with a hub connection) on United:

• Domestic flights:
  • Many travelers plan to arrive at ATL 1.5–2 hours before departure
• Add extra time if:
  • You’re checking bags
  • You’re traveling during major holidays
  • You’re unfamiliar with ATL’s layout

Steps at ATL for United departures:

1. Go to the Domestic Terminal
2. Proceed to the United check-in area
3. Clear the TSA checkpoint
4. Take the Plane Train to your departure concourse (typically T or A)

How This Route Fits into Life in Atlanta

For Atlanta residents, a United Airlines Burbank-to-Atlanta trip often comes up for:

• Work in the entertainment or media industry in the LA area
• Visits with family in Southern California who prefer Burbank over LAX
• Trips that combine Atlanta business with time in Los Angeles

Because there’s usually a connection, it pays to:

• Plan around Atlanta traffic when leaving for or arriving from ATL
• Consider whether MARTA or ride-share makes more sense for your specific neighborhood
• Build a little buffer if you’re heading straight from ATL to:
  • A meeting Downtown or in Midtown
  • A scheduled event in Buckhead, Cobb, or other surrounding areas

Quick Summary for Atlanta Travelers

United Airlines Burbank to Atlanta – Key Points:

• No typical nonstops: Expect at least one connection through a United hub
• Total travel time: Often 6–9 hours depending on layover length
• Burbank (BUR): Smaller, more relaxed departure airport than LAX
• Atlanta (ATL): Large, busy airport but with clear signage and good transit options
• Upon arrival in ATL:
  • United flights usually use Concourse T or A
  • Use the Plane Train to get to Baggage Claim and ground transportation
• Getting into Atlanta:
  • MARTA for Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead
  • Ride-share/taxis or rental cars for wider metro access
• Plan for connections and weather: Choose hub cities and flight times that fit your schedule and risk tolerance

Understanding these details helps Atlanta-based travelers and visitors use United Airlines between Burbank and Atlanta with fewer surprises and smoother connections into the city and across the metro area.