5 Tips for Enjoying an Extended Layover in ATL

Updated: April 2019

Waiting in Atlanta’s ATL Hartsfield Jackson airport can be one of life’s frustrating experiences. Layovers and unpredictable delays allow us to experience everything from frustrated business travelers to screaming children to the unusual sights and smells associated with uncomfortable humans crowded into warm places.

So, if you find yourself with extra time in Atlanta – by plan or misfortune – here are 5 ways to relax at ATL:

1. Walk. If you have time, get off the main gate concourses and walk through ATL’s connector tunnels.  The longest walk is a two-mile, one-way trek from the main security checkpoint to Gate F1.  Once youcome down the escalators from the main terminal, it’s about a 25-minute walk to Terminal E. Since most travelers take the Plane Train or moving sidewalks, you can walk through the center tunnel at your own pace. If you want to do the full 2-miles, take the escalators up to Terminal E, then walk straight across between the food court and duty free shopping toward Gate E18.  At the end are escalators and stairs down to the connector to the new International Terminal.

   

2. Art. ATL’s airport art extends throughout the site.  The oldest exhibit, a display of African sculpture and photography, is in the tunnel between the main terminal and Concourse A. The newest is a $4.1 million marvelous Southern wetlands experience completed in 2016 which immerses visitors into the sights and sounds of a Georgia swamp.  An overhead canopy opens to a video sky full of birds, all while the soothing sounds of crickets, frogs and birds deliver a Southern serenade. The light-effect of rain drops on a pond on an exposed concrete floor can cause even the most harried traveler to stop for a reflective moment. Children’s art work from Georgia and around the world is featured in Concourses T, D and E.
3. History. History buffs will enjoy the Atlanta History walk between Concourses B and C, which traces the area’s evolution from the Etowah tribe through current day.   Civil War and civil rights both receive substantial attention, presented from the eyes of leaders and citizens alike. Photos include everyday life, local sights, historic events and legacy advertising from local companies like Coca Cola. Overhead monitors bring multi-media experiences into the mix.

   

4. Go Clubbing.  As Delta’s primary global hub, ATL features nine Delta Sky Club locations, but few other options.  Besides one American Airlines Admiral Club, the only other non-Delta option is The Club at ATL on Concourse F, open to any traveler for a daily fee.  Most of the clubs offer comfortable seating, room to spread out, variety of free beverages, and for-purchase adult beverages. Food is often available, including packaged snacks, order-from-a-menu dining, and an all-day buffet in some of Delta’s larger Sky Club locations on Concourses A, B, E and F. If you’re beyond security and want to enjoy some sunlight and outdoor air, the Delta Sky Club on Concourse F offers a Sky Deck, especially if you love the smell of jet fuel in the morning or the feel of heat and humidity in the afternoon.  For premium credit card holders, check with your provider as many of these (like American Express Platinum) offer club benefits that may gain free access.
5. Eat, Drink and Be Merry. If you have time, check out our full post on top ATL eats. Atlanta offers a broad selection of higher-end sit-down dining, airport outlets of local favorites, and the usual national chain outlets.  One Flew South in Concourse E and Ecco in the International Terminal are the best choices for great food, small, comfortable bars, and a relaxed environment.  Our favorite burgers are at Fly Burger on Concourse B, but many others favor Grindhouse Killer Burgers on Concourses T and D.  Local institutions including the Varsity in the International Terminal, Pascals and Lotta Fruitta in Concourse B and hometown-chain Chick Fil-A located in various locations offer a taste of the town inside the airport. If you don’t have club access but still want to take the edge off with an adult beverage, good choices include Blue Moon and Sam Adams on Concourse B.  You’ll get a more local vibe at Ludacris’ Chicken + Beer.  For two unique airport experiences, try Terrapin Tap on Concourse B and D, featuring local beer, a cigar bar and hookah lounge; or Jay Z’s 40/40 Club at the center point of Concourse D. Local pianists are featured at the Piano Bar at the center point in Concourse E.

I Didn’t Know That

Don’t be surprised by musical artists playing a variety of locations in ATL.  As part of an effort to improve passenger experience, ATL pays performing artists to play throughout in the main terminal, near security lines and on the concourses.

More for the Active Traveler

If you’re considering walking, OurTravelCafe features an extended guide to the Longest Walk In ATL. It includes a guide to the walk, distances, estimated walk times, and sites you’ll find along the way.  We also share our data from our trusty Garmin VivoActive HR for the fitness-obsessed or IoT-cool.

ATL Airport Links:

Aside from the Plane Train connecting the Main Terminal, International Terminal and everything in-between, these are some of the most helpful links you’ll find about ATL:

Airport Art:  http://www.atl.com/about-atl/airport-art-program/

Airport Music: The Atlanta Journal Constitution provides more information.  http://www.myajc.com/news/local/musicians-add-bit-soul-hartsfield-jackson/EERDqUhnoc3QqBFS65jbsN/

Second Dining Opinion.  Atlanta Thrill List offers its take on best ATL dining, from a February 2017 piece by Caroline Eubanks.  https://www.thrillist.com/eat/atlanta/best-atlanta-airport-restaurants-food-hartsfield-jackson

Second Drinking Opinion.  Creative Loafer offers its opinions from a December 2016 review.  http://www.creativeloafing.com/food-drink/article/20846828/where-to-drink-at-the-atlanta-airport

Our Other Airport Bites

We’ve spent lots of time in airports over the years. See some of our most recent US experiences and stories here.