History and location of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and serves as the primary airport for the city of Atlanta, Georgia. It is located about 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta and covers an area of over 4,700 acres.
The airport was originally established in 1925 as Candler Field, named after Asa Griggs Candler, a prominent businessman in Atlanta and the founder of Coca-Cola. The airport was primarily used for mail and passenger flights, and by the 1930s, it had become a major hub for Delta Air Lines.
In 1942, during World War II, the airport was taken over by the U.S. military and renamed Atlanta Army Airfield. After the war, the city of Atlanta took over the airport and began expanding it to accommodate the growing demand for air travel.
In 1957, the airport was renamed Hartsfield Atlanta Airport in honor of William B. Hartsfield, who had served as the mayor of Atlanta for more than two decades and had played a key role in developing the airport. In 1971, a new terminal complex was built, and the airport was renamed Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport.
In 2003, the airport was renamed again to its current name, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, in honor of Maynard Jackson, who had served as the first African American mayor of Atlanta and had played a key role in expanding the airport during his tenure.
Today, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving more than 100 million passengers annually. It is a major hub for Delta Air Lines, which operates over 1,000 flights per day from the airport, and is also a hub for several other major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. The airport has five runways and two terminals, with a total of 209 gates. It is a major economic driver for the city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia, providing thousands of jobs and generating billions of dollars in economic activity each year.
10 good things about Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
- Accessibility: The airport is located within a few miles of major highways, making it easy to reach by car or taxi.
- Size: With more than 209 gates and five runways, the airport can handle a large volume of passengers and aircraft.
- Conveniences: The airport offers a wide range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and lounges, as well as free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals.
- Efficiency: The airport has a well-designed layout and efficient processes for check-in, security, and baggage handling, which helps minimize wait times and improve the passenger experience.
- Connectivity: Hartsfield-Jackson is a major hub for Delta Air Lines, which offers connections to hundreds of destinations around the world, as well as several other major airlines.
- Sustainability: The airport has implemented a number of sustainability initiatives, including energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, recycling programs, and alternative fuel vehicles.
- Art program: The airport has an impressive collection of public art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations, which add to the airport’s overall ambiance.
- Customer service: The airport has a dedicated customer service team that is available to assist passengers with any questions or concerns they may have.
- Innovation: Hartsfield-Jackson has been a leader in adopting new technologies to improve the passenger experience, including automated security screening and biometric facial recognition.
- Community impact: The airport is a major economic driver for the Atlanta region, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing billions of dollars to the local economy. Additionally, the airport sponsors a range of community programs and initiatives, including education and job training programs, as well as environmental and social responsibility programs.
10 potential drawbacks or issues that some passengers may experience at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
- Crowds: As one of the busiest airports in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson can get very crowded, especially during peak travel periods.
- Delays: With such a high volume of flights and passengers, delays can be common, especially during inclement weather or other disruptions.
- Long distances: The airport is very large, so passengers may have to walk long distances to get from one gate or terminal to another.
- Security wait times: The airport’s security lines can be long and slow-moving, especially during peak travel periods, although the TSA PreCheck program can help expedite the process for eligible passengers.
- Parking: The airport’s parking lots can be expensive, especially for long-term parking, and may fill up quickly during peak travel periods.
- Limited public transportation: While the airport is accessible by public transportation, the MARTA train system only goes as far as the nearby city of College Park, so passengers may need to take a bus or taxi to reach their final destination.
- Noise: As a major airport, there is a significant amount of aircraft noise in the surrounding area, which can be disruptive for nearby residents and businesses.
- Layout confusion: Some passengers may find the airport’s layout confusing, as there are multiple terminals and concourses with similar-sounding names.
- Cleanliness: Some travellers have noted that the airport can be dirty or in need of more frequent cleaning, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Safety concerns: As with any major transportation hub, there is a risk of crime or other safety concerns, although the airport does have a dedicated police force and security measures in place to help prevent and respond to incidents.
If you are traveling via Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, here are some things to consider:
- Arrival time: Given the airport’s size and potential crowds, it’s a good idea to arrive at least two hours before your flight to ensure that you have enough time to check in, go through security, and reach your gate.
- Terminal and gate: Be sure to double-check your terminal and gate information before arriving at the airport, as the airport has multiple terminals and concourses, and gates can sometimes change at the last minute.
- Transportation: If you’re planning to use public transportation to get to or from the airport, make sure to research your options in advance and allow extra time for any connections or delays.
- Parking: If you’re driving to the airport, be aware that parking can be expensive, especially for long-term stays. Consider using a ride-share service or park-and-ride lot as an alternative.
- Security: Expect to go through security screening before boarding your flight. Check the TSA’s website for a list of prohibited items and prepare accordingly to minimize delays.
- Amenities: The airport offers a wide range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and lounges, so be sure to explore your options and plan accordingly based on your needs and preferences.
- Connections: If you’re making a connecting flight, be sure to check your flight’s status and allow enough time between flights to make your connection.
- Weather: Given the airport’s location in the Southeastern United States, weather can sometimes be a factor in flight delays or cancellations. Be sure to check the weather forecast for Atlanta and your destination before departing.
- International travel: If you’re traveling internationally, make sure to have all necessary travel documents, including your passport and any required visas or vaccinations.
- Comfort: Given the potential for crowds and delays, it’s a good idea to bring along any items that can help make your travel experience more comfortable, such as a neck pillow, snacks, and a good book or other entertainment.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and serves as a major hub for Delta Air Lines. Here is a list of airlines that operate at the airport, along with their contact information:
- Aeromexico – 1-800-237-6639
- Air Canada – 1-888-247-2262
- Alaska Airlines – 1-800-252-7522
- American Airlines – 1-800-433-7300
- Boutique Air – 1-855-268-8478
- British Airways – 1-800-247-9297
- Delta Air Lines – 1-800-221-1212
- Frontier Airlines – 1-801-401-9000
- JetBlue Airways – 1-800-538-2583
- Korean Air – 1-800-438-5000
- Lufthansa – 1-800-645-3880
- Qatar Airways – 1-877-777-2827
- Southwest Airlines – 1-800-435-9792
- Spirit Airlines – 1-801-401-2222
- Turkish Airlines – 1-800-874-8875
- United Airlines – 1-800-864-8331
- Virgin Atlantic – 1-800-862-8621
Please note that this information is subject to change, and it’s always a good idea to check with the airline directly or visit their website for the most up-to-date contact information.
20 questions you might want to ask a travel agent when traveling through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
- What are the best flights and airlines for my travel dates? A travel agent can help you find the best flights and airlines for your travel dates based on your budget, travel preferences, and schedule. They can compare different airlines and flight options, and help you choose the best one for your needs.
- What are the baggage allowances for my flight and how much will it cost to check bags? Different airlines have different baggage allowances and fees, so it’s important to know what you can and can’t bring on your flight and how much it will cost. A travel agent can provide you with this information and help you plan accordingly.
- What documents do I need to travel internationally? If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll need a valid passport and possibly a visa or other travel documents depending on your destination. A travel agent can help you determine what documents you need and ensure that everything is in order before you depart.
- Are there any visa or vaccination requirements for my destination? Some destinations require specific vaccinations or visas, so it’s important to know what you need before you travel. A travel agent can help you determine what requirements there are for your destination and ensure that you’re prepared.
- How early should I arrive at the airport before my flight? It’s important to arrive at the airport with enough time to check in, go through security, and make your way to your gate. A travel agent can advise you on how early you should arrive based on your flight time and the airport’s procedures.
- What is the airport layout, and how do I navigate it? Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a large airport with multiple terminals and concourses, so it’s important to know how to navigate it. A travel agent can provide you with a map of the airport and advise you on the best ways to get to your gate.
- Are there any lounges or other amenities that I can access at the airport? Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has a number of lounges and amenities that you can access, including business centers, Wi-Fi, and charging stations. A travel agent can help you determine which amenities you can access and how to make the most of your time at the airport.
- Can I pre-book airport parking or ground transportation? Pre-booking airport parking or ground transportation can save you time and money, and a travel agent can help you arrange these services in advance.
- What are my options for transportation from the airport to my hotel or other destination? Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is well-connected to the city’s transportation network, with a range of options for getting to your hotel or other destination. A travel agent can advise you on the best transportation options based on your budget and travel preferences.
- Are there any good dining options at the airport? Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has a range of dining options, from fast food to upscale restaurants. A travel agent can recommend some of the best options based on your preferences and dietary requirements.
- Are there any shopping options or duty-free stores at the airport? Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has a range of shopping options, including duty-free stores, souvenir shops, and luxury boutiques. A travel agent can recommend some of the best options based on your interests and budget.
- What is the security screening process like at the airport? The security screening process at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport can vary depending on the time of day and the number of passengers, so it’s important to know what to expect. A travel agent can advise you on the security screening process and help you prepare accordingly.
- Are there any COVID-19 related travel restrictions or requirements I should be aware of when travelling through this airport? Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there may be travel restrictions or requirements in place when traveling through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. A travel agent can advise you on any current restrictions or requirements, such as mask mandates, COVID-19 testing requirements, or quarantine rules.
- What are my options for accessing Wi-Fi at the airport? Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, but there may be limitations on data usage or connection speed. A travel agent can advise you on how to connect to the airport’s Wi-Fi network and any potential limitations.
- What are the customs and immigration procedures like for international travelers? If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll need to go through customs and immigration when you arrive in the United States. A travel agent can advise you on what to expect during this process and help ensure that you have all the necessary documents and information.
- Are there any travel insurance options available for my trip? Travel insurance can help protect you in case of unexpected events, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. A travel agent can advise you on different travel insurance options and help you choose the best one for your needs.
- What should I do if my flight is delayed or canceled? Flight delays and cancellations can be frustrating and stressful, but a travel agent can help you navigate these situations. They can advise you on what to do if your flight is delayed or canceled, and help you make alternate travel arrangements if necessary.
- What are my options for upgrading my flight or seat? If you’re interested in upgrading your flight or seat, a travel agent can advise you on your options and any associated costs. They can also help you book your upgrade and ensure that everything is in order before you depart.
- Are there any safety concerns or precautions I should be aware of when traveling through this airport? While Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is generally a safe and secure airport, there are certain precautions you can take to ensure your safety. A travel agent can advise you on any safety concerns or precautions you should be aware of when traveling through this airport.
- How can I make the most of my layover at the airport? If you have a long layover at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your time. A travel agent can advise you on the best ways to spend your layover, including dining options, shopping, and airport amenities.