Question 1

Which terminal do I check in at in Atlanta?

Accepted Answer

By destination, not by airline: flights within the United States check in at the Domestic Terminal, and flights leaving the country at the Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal — they sit on opposite sides of the airfield. Delta uses both. Gates are on concourses T, A, B, C and D (domestic) and E and F (international), all reached on the Plane Train.

Question 2

How do I get between concourses at ATL?

Accepted Answer

The underground Plane Train links every concourse with both terminals, airside, running about every two minutes on a three-mile loop. Walking is also possible along the Transportation Mall, but with 198 gates across seven concourses the train is almost always faster.

Question 3

I arrive on an international flight and continue to a U.S. city — what happens?

Accepted Answer

After you collect and re-check your bag at the International Terminal you cannot re-enter the secure area there for a domestic connection through baggage claim exits. The airport runs a free shuttle connector, 24 hours a day: about 15 minutes to the Domestic Terminal’s ground transportation area, or to the Rental Car Center.

Question 4

How much is the train to downtown Atlanta?

Accepted Answer

MARTA costs $2.50 with up to four free transfers within three hours. The station is inside the Domestic Terminal, at the west end between the North and South baggage claims — no shuttle needed.

Question 5

How early should I arrive, and which security checkpoint should I use?

Accepted Answer

The airport’s official advice is at least two hours before departure. The Domestic Terminal has four checkpoints — Main, North and Lower North, plus South, which is TSA PreCheck only; the International Terminal has its own main checkpoint.

Atlanta, Georgia

ATL questions travelers actually ask