Atlanta Travel Forum

I am flying to Europe for the first time(Paris,Spain and Portugal).I am feeling a little intimidated about what course of action I should take when arriving at Hartsfield.I am open to any tips as I am desperate to have a clue.Thanks!

I am not sure exactly what your question is but let me reassure you that the Atlanta airport, while large and busy, is easy to get around in. I assume you will be arriving in Atlanta on a domestic flight. Find out if your baggage is checked through to your European destination. If not, you will need to pick it up at baggage claim and then check in with your international carrier. They will tell you the departure gate and you will go there like any other departure. Security lines are long but generally move pretty well. How much time do you have between arrival in Atlanta and departure to Europe? The airport is well signed and easy to navigate - don't be intimdated by the size of the place or the crowds. They do a pretty good job of moving people through as most of the passengers in Atlanta are changing planes. Let me know if you have other questions.

It's a lot like domestic travel with a few exceptions. With that:

ATL can be an intimidating airport for anyone but with a little bit of pre-trip planning you should be okay. Similar to domestic travel here in the US, airlines have a "no later than" time for check-in in order to comply with security measures -- some one hour and some two hours before departure. Check your carrier to see what their requirements are. Make sure that you account for Atlanta traffic (as I know how bad it can get) as well as standing in what can sometimes be a long check in line. I know that's rather obvious but int'l flights generally don't occur as frequently as domestic. Of course, ensure you have all your necessary documents such as your passport, tickets (if paper) and visa. (None of the aforementioned countries require visas). Again, as in any domestic flight ensure you account for the time to clear security.

Hope this helps a little. Safe travels.

Check on ATL airport's website:
www.atlanta-airport.com

You will most likely arrive in Atlanta via the domestic concourses, T, A, B, C or D. Most overseas flights leave on the E concourse.
All you need to do is know what gate your leaving from, follow the signs to the escalators that go down to the train - one side goes towards baggage claim, the other side will go towards the E gates.
It's a very busy airport but easy to navigate - even the longest transfer should take no longer than 20 minutes.
Have a great time.
Tom

Unlike most countries, when you fly internationally from the USA, it's basically the same as flying domestically. The only difference is that they ask you to arrive earlier, and you have to show your passport when you check in.

So all you have to worry about is remembering your passport, and arriving on time.

Make sure you opt for a long connection. If I have a choice between a two hour layover and a five hour layover, I will take the five hours and keep myself busy (plenty to do at the airport, read travel books, or just get a good book).

I have seen many people frantically miss connections to their international flight. If you have a long layover you stand a better chance of having the airline place you in the next flight that will allow you to make the connection.

Other than that, relax, don't over pack, make sure you have a free hand at all times for the stairs, and enjoy your trip - excellent vacation choices!