Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by William Bone

17 March 2008   Customer Rating :

Its the worst airport and its supposed to be fairly new. When your plane finally lands you drive around for 30 min for the pilot to find a parking place. I fly Delta a lot and they used to be better but I think most of the problems I've had weren't necessarily because of the airline but the airport. The airport is fairly new yet they couldn't get put in moving sidewalks. Good luck if you get dumped at a far end of the terminal and your next flight is at the other end or usually in another terminal. Getting between terminals is easy but then getting from one end of a terminal to another is about 4 miles, or so it seems.

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by A Taveira

16 March 2008   Customer Rating :

I had the horrible experience of going through ATL this month. Departures wasn't so bad, but Arrivals was horrible. Too much confusion, there are no signs for baggage claims on the trains or anywhere near the stations, immigration was a mess. I have never seen such a huge line, and I fly international in and out of JFK and EWR. But what took the cake was security to leave the airport. I have never seen such a thing in my life. This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen in my entire life. Maybe someone can explain this one to me.

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by D Banks

12 March 2008   Customer Rating :

The set-up and operation of the security entrance is poorly managed. Passengers are divided up into narrow entry lanes that zig-zag endlessly until you finally reach a x-ray machines. Security personnel search you over and over again - I was body searched in the exact same sequence four times. Security guards the rudest I've ever met. The signage is confusing. The trains list A, B, C, D, E, and T concourses as destinations but not baggage or terminal. I spent quite a while wandering around trying to figure out how to get out of the terminal. Hotel shuttle buses have to navigate a narrow lane with lots of diagonal parking spaces. it takes a huge amount of time to get in and out of the airport via hotel shuttle buses. Outside the security entrance, the food court restaurants offer a fairly diverse choice of meals at not-too-expensive prices. Once you get past the security entrance, the prices of food go through the roof. I suspect that these restauranteurs know that you won't want to exit to the outer lobby for a meal and then go through the security maze again, so they feel no need to offer any reasonable price meals. I was stuck in Atlanta Airport for over almost 48 hours because of cancelled flights due to snow emergencies. It was a bad dream that is taking me a while to recover from. If you value your sanity, avoid Atlanta airport.

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by A Bonelli

12 February 2008   Customer Rating :

The layout is very simple and logical. Yes the concourses are a bit long but not any worse than airports of its size. You enter in the MIDDLE of the concourse which makes sense. My flight came into A13 and my connecting flight was C33. Considering Delta gave me a connection time of only 40 minutes I was a bit worried but I made it over to C in about 10 minutes. I also like the renovations. Much brighter than before and new tiles also makes the place look a bit updated.

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by M Bodin

31 January 2008   Customer Rating :

I have flown through Altlanta's Hartsfield airport for many years. In recent years the aiport has become overcrowded and chaotic. A recent trip through Hartsfield left me winded as I had to sprint from concourse B to concourse E when they changed gate. No announcement, no warning, in fact an announcement about a flight to Peoria had supposedly been changed to gate E35 - but it turned out to be my flight! In concourse B terminals showed my new gate number E35 - but as I raced (swift walk, can't run in airports anymore!) through the underground the terminals said my flight was at the original gate number. When I got to E35 they confirmed that this was the gate for my flight. Nothing on the display - and 10 minutes later they started boarding. I wonder how many folks got to spend additional hours waiting for the next flight?

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by Justin Cidonia

17 January 2008   Customer Rating :

It is the worlds busiest airport getting 86.8 million passengers a year. And the recent renovation looks amazing when compared to what it look liked before. Don't miss the MLK artifacts in Concourse E. Concourse F is to be located on the east side of the airport Arriving international passengers whose final destination is Atlanta will be able to retain possession of their baggage as they proceed to exit the airport through the new entrance. It is expected to open in 2010 at the earliest. When built, Jackson International Terminal (Concourse F) will have 10 new gates: F1 - F10, and a new customs facility. The South Gate Complex (name unofficial) is scheduled to be built after completion of the JIT. This new terminal is planned to have up to 70 gates.

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by T Jackson

8 January 2008   Customer Rating :

As an Atlanta resident, I feel very fortunate to have an airport such as Hartsfield-Jackson minutes away from my home. As a connecting airport, Atlanta is wonderful. Unlike many of its northern counterparts (NYC area airports, ORD, DEN, etc.), ATL does not suffer chronic weather delays. Getting from concourse to concourse is a breeze, using the automated people mover system. Also, the art exhibit between the T-Gates and Concourse A in the underground walkway is interesting. Not to mention, there are plenty of dining and shopping choices. Immigration queues (at least for US residents) tend to be short. As a destination airport, ATL stands for a little improvement. Baggage claim can be a mess as claim carousels can be jammed with people from a multitude of flights. (Delta and AirTran are currently updating their baggage systems and carousels - hopefully improvement is not to far off.) Traffic congestion in the pick-up/dropoff area is awful. The best way to get around this, however, is to take MARTA (Atlanta's subway/light rail system). The station is located within the terminal and it can have you in downtown in less than 20 minutes. All in all, this airport is a great airport. While it may not be the prettiest airport to look at, it is functional and efficient.

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by J Baum

4 January 2008   Customer Rating :

Hartsfield Airport is one of the worst designed and most poorly managed of large airports. Just a few of anecdotes from recent visits: I arrived on a weekday mid-afternoon from Charlotte hoping to get picked up and out of the airport before rush hour. But my bags from Continental were late in getting delivered to the carrousel, where 12 other flights also had bags arriving at the same places! In addition, no passengers from an international flight which came in an hour earlier had picked up their bags from the same carrousel because of delays in immigration, so lots of bags were going piling up and getting knocked off from the overload. No one was there to manage the chaos. Meanwhile, carrousels on either side of ours were empty. No was in charge. Also, be sure to bring your cell phone. Airport pay phones don't work! I tried at least 10 of them, running out of coins in the process, before being kindly directed to a free phone at an obscure service desk. One more thing: the concourse trains are poorly signed and the announcements reveal very little useful information. Even locals didn't know what stop to get off for baggage claim, and we scrambled to run out the doors when we realized that an extra stop had been added recently which was beyond the baggage claim station. Also, no other large airport I know has arrivals and departures curbs adjacent to each other, causing chaotic traffic. In short, this airport is a mess.

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by J Ludewig

9 November 2007   Customer Rating :

Came in from FRA to continue to LAX in September. I have been in ATL frequently and though it is one of the larger airports, it is fairly easy and fast to get around, once you passed immigration. Also immigration was fairly quick last time, which I have seen worse in the past though. Overall an airport you do not have to be worried about - unlike Paris CDG.

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by G Boisvert

15 August 2007   Customer Rating :

ORD-ATL-ILM-ATL-ORD, and arrived in Atlanta with a two hour layover and hopes of a relaxed lunch, but then our gate was changed four times within half an hour. On the outbound segment, we spent more time on the train between terminals than at the actual gates themselves. When we finally found the right gate, we found that no less than four flights were leaving from the same gate, and that the gate agents had no interest in providing us any information about our flight whatsoever - even after our departure time came and went. Not so bad on the way back, in that they never changed our gate. However, our flight to O'Hare was boarding next to a flight to Midway, both leaving at the same time. This led to mass confusion, especially as the gate agents only stated that they were boarding flights to "Chicago" without saying which flight they were referring to. Finally, after boarding the plane, we were delayed an hour because we needed more fuel - and the airport refused to send anyone who was capable of actually loading the fuel (apparently the captain can't do this). Of course, there was no air conditioning while we waited for the gas pumper to show up. It's a shame, because Delta was actually a pretty good airline, but the horrors of Atlanta soured the trip. Next time I go to Wilmington, I'll pay extra to fly via Charlotte on US Air - much less stress, and the flights leave more or less on time. Avoid this airport like the plague!

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by F Chaplin

2 August 2007   Customer Rating :

Coming from CDG (and going to JAX) we expected the worst (especially being French!), we had the best. No line at the desk, very easy to find its way in the airport, the customs were fast, shuttle between the concourses was very easy to use. The only downside - restaurant staff are not very pleasant, but the airport has nothing to do with it. Will use this airport again with pleasure !

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by B Reddien

20 June 2007   Customer Rating :

Logical structure, that can quickly be made out, fast transportation system between concourses. Guiding to that shuttle through basement in direction west (A to E) can be improved. Unexpected security recheck with baggage drop-off after already having received the baggage (should be clearly announced to prevent passengers from already taking personal belongings, like knives etc. out of the bags)

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by Aaron Rosenweig

29 March 2007   Customer Rating : n/a

The underground train really comes in handy for the long trek from concourse E to the main terminal. My Bag was already waiting upon my arrival to the baggage claim. Overall, I prefer this airport much more compared to Chicago's O'Hare. I wish other airports could learn from Atlanta's Hartsfield.

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by Harvey Geiss

29 March 2007

Heathrow, LAX, JFK, they are all easy to get around in compared to ATL, and you know why? They all have basic signage that leaves no doubt at every turn where you are at and where you need to go. Not ATL, it's all a big guessing game. No adequate signs at the intra-concourse shuttle either--good luck heading in the right direction and knowing where to get off at. Ground transportation? Do you need to go to pink, purple or maybe green or orange for the Hertz bus, just pick a color and maybe you will end up at the correct Hampton inn--what an absolute disaster and are any of the city "fathers" interested in fixing the problem? I am sure there have been numerous complaints. First time having been to Atlanta and the first 2 hours left a bad taste having had to find my way out of the airport took that long.

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by Tom Everett

24 March 2007

The problem is communication, all phases. What I call the Atlanta Olympics. Arriving at gate A36 at 9:25 PM with a planned departure from A12 at 10:15 PM. After landing 15 minutes late, and deplaning you discover your connecting flight is now boarding at gate E2! Bang the race is on and you are confronted by scores of people who want to mosey here and there. Lots of folks from England (on the wrong side of hall), slowing traffic flow. When I arrived at the gate the door was closed but was reopened to allow me to board. After sitting, the nurse next to me was very concerned for my health. I told her it was just the Atlanta Olympics, normally you get to pick your event but not at Atlanta via Delta!

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by Dyla Baldwin

8 February 2007

As an ATL resident who flies out of Hartsfield-Jackson often, I can honestly say that the underground train works wonderfully. I see no need for people movers between a 21 and 41 gate (as an instance) that is just lazy. As for security, it moves with amazing efficiency (compared to Phoenix and LAX). As for style, this is the south, so adjust to the bland airport in progress without being so judgmental.

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by Giuseppe Gigliello

1 February 2007

Great airport, I found it so quick and easy. It took me less than 30 minutes to get off my plane landed on time from Seattle, arriving to the main hall, collecting my belongings and catch the first Shuttle to Tennessee. On my way back to Italy ATL-LGW-LHR-LIN, having to depart from Hartsfield-Jackson I experienced the same idea of an extremely well engineered airport from check-in to gate, made to let you save time. Great shops at the terminal (Concourse E), very professional and easy- going staff at the immigration digital check-out, nice choice of food and comfy seats by the gate. Great airport, indeed.

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by Jalaal Elasmar

1 February 2007

One of the best airports in the United States, minus the security areas. Check-in for any airline is quick, especially when you use the automated kiosks. Both domestic and international security checkpoints, however, were not designed for post 9/11, as the entrance to the line starts just ouside the Atrium (original entrance was a good 200 yards from Atrium). After passing through security, there should not be any more hassles to get to your gate. Concourse T starts right after security, and all other Concourses can be accessed by underground train or moving sidewalks adjacent to the trains. International Concourse E is the most modern part of the airport, compared to A B C and D, having spacious seating areas, and a wide variety of eateries. Return flights domestic are easy to handle - pretty much going back the way you came. International arrivals arrive at customs with the same situation as departure security. Customs agents suspect everybody who steps up to the counter of felonious acts - after that nightmare, baggage goes through declarations and rechecked to be sent to the Terminal Carousels - then another bout with arrival security, and back to the Underground Train. Otherwise, great airport

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by Carlos Morales

27 December 2006

If you travel out of Hartsfield on Monday morning, give yourself at least 3 hours before your flight. Even though you may have the ability to go through the Medallion/Platinum line, that line just to get your passport checked is an hour long. Then you are herded in with the rest of the thousands of fliers in line. Expect another 45 minutes to an hour in line while enjoying the screams of loud TSA agents. Return from International locations is just as bad. Once you go through customs and immigrations, your bags are re-checked below deck and can take an hour or more to arrive at the carousel from concourse E. There should be a way to make local Atlanta passengers be able to leave the terminal and go directly to the main terminal from Concourse E without having to go through security again which has turned into another hour line most Friday evenings. Avoid ATL at all costs Monday and Fridays.

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by M Labianca

2 November 2006

I have to go through Atlanta Hartsfield every 3 to 4 weeks. The experience is always the same: long waiting times through customs, unfriendly agents throughout the airport, long waiting times for the baggage and the drop-off (evening being a good idea) of the baggage before you board the train to the main baggage claim area, does not work. I have already lost twice me baggage between the drop-off and the main baggage claim area. The area is absolutely not protected, so until you finally make it to the baggage claim belts everyone out there could have walked away with the bags. The only real good thing about ATL is the MARTA into the City and Buckhead.

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by Byron Scott

27 September 2006

Beware of very aggressive TSA security screeners. They actually had tables before the machines where they were checking the size of your clear plastic bag of toiletries. I didn't realize that was what they were doing, so I just sent my bag of toiletries through the machine. It was called for a bag check, and a very arrogant and officious officer told me my plastic bag was too big and I could go buy smaller ones. In hopes of catching an earlier flight, I decided to let him throw most of my things away. The bag had been just fine at O'Hare when I flew to Atlanta, however when I mentioned this to the agent, he rudely said, "two wrongs don't make a right." I wanted to say, "and throwing away my two ounces of lotion has nothing to do with protecting us from terrorism," but I refrained. He was very rude and this was completely unnecessary. Also beware, apparently if there's a breeze somewhere near Atlanta, there are big ATC delays - many flights delayed on a clear Friday afternoon.

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by Robert Watson

22 September 2006

Atlanta airport is a easy airport to navigate, all international arrivals arrive at concourse E. I was in the immigration line for only about 25 minutes, but non-US citizens always have an 45 minute to hour wait. The underground subway systems connect all concourses T, A, B, C, D, and E. The layout is basically an linear shape and connecting flights can be done quickly. Customs lines are short and re-checking your bags is very simple. After re-checking your bags you must travel to the basement floor to use the subway system to connect to the rest of the concourses or the main terminal if Atlanta is your final destination.

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by Erez Har-Tal

16 September 2006

Transitted through Atlanta from Chicago to Tel-Aviv. On the way there a tight connection due to late departure from Chicago. The only reason I made it was due to the underground train that connects the concourses. was able to make the connection from concourse B to E in less then 45 minutes. On the way back, had to clear immigration. Quite a long line even at 5:45 am, when we landed. We had to pick up our luggage and clear customs. Recheck is painless. Information about connecting flights easily available. The security check was very strict. They almost opened bags for all passengers. I would recommend to have at least 2 hours when connecting from an international flight through a domestic flight. Otherwise it will be really tight. Overall impression. A nice laid out airport much better then O'Hare, however it would be nice to add a moving walkway in each concourse. It could be quite a hike.

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by Andrew Sprancs

6 September 2006

Arrived at ATL as a result of a rebooking - Delta flight to JFK from MAN cancelled. Not impressed. Bags came on to the carousel in twos and threes and my flight connection was tight. I understand that Border Protection personnel have a job to do, so does any law enforcement officer. Of the five or so on duty I got the most hostile and offensive. Some of the others were openly friendly to other arrivals!! Connecting flight at the other end of the airport. The shuttle felt as if it was being driven by a crazed teenage joyrider [yes - I know it doesn't have a driver]. Thrown about at every stop! LAX doesn't have a good rep, but I've never had an experience this bad.

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by Paul Chandler

22 August 2006

I flew into Atlanta from London in July and despite all the horror stories I was through immigration / customs in approximately 1 hour having been treated politely by the officer concerned. Baggage was prompt and having found where to return it to Delta for the onward connecting flight - it was easy to get to the next concourse.

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport review by Sujoy Sanyal

10 July 2006

The best part about the airport is its accessibility. Although passenger dropoff and pickup can be a quite a hassle compared to other airports, Hartsfield is very easy to get to via the MARTA rail for anyone going there from downtown. As for the terminal itself, the layout is one in which all of the concourses are laid out in a linear fashion, and all the passengers must enter the concourses at a single point. It was designed this way for reasons of smooth ground air traffic and also because of the fact that Atlanta is primarily a connection hub, and thus most passengers simply switch gates from within the concourse area. However, when the airport is at its busiest (and this is as busy as it gets anywhere on earth), it can be a huge hassle to get around. The underground trains running through the concourse area is extremely crowded, and the airport has a sense of utilitarian boringness to it, making it especially ugly. Make sure to get to Atlanta very early, as simply reaching the gate on a bad day can take around 2 hours, even for domestic flights. The problem is that the airport presents everything in heavy doses (lots of baggage carousels, security checkpoints, long lines - all in one place for everyone), so make sure you're prepared for the worst.

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