With the unpredictability of TSA lines and more time on my hands in retirement, I am arriving at ATL earlier for departing flights. And the last thing I want to do is sit around a crowded gate area with other bored passengers waiting to be squeezed in, motionless, even longer on the upcoming flight.
Once my antidote for a long wait or connection was a SkyClub Bloody Mary, served with bottles of Worcestershire and Tabasco on the side for my final customization. Now, my preferred cure for preflight waits is the longest walk at ATL: two miles, one-way, all beyond security, and perfect for getting your blood moving and daily steps in before or between flights. Best of all, depending on the time available, you can easily do all or part of the longest walk, complete it round trip by foot for a four-mile excursion, or combine it with a plane train return if you get behind schedule.
My version of the longest walk follows the connector tunnels and generally keeps off the crowded concourses, where walking speed and time requirements are unpredictable. As you’ll see, some concourse traversing is required but it’s limited to the least-crowded sections of Concourse E and the extra-wide aisles of the new International Concourse.
Here’s the basic, one-way route guide for ATL’s longest walk, starting at the Main Terminal:
- Descend the escalators from Main Terminal security to the connector tunnels.
- Walk the connector tunnels from Main Terminal to Concourse E. Train traffic at the escalator area will be busiest.
- Ascend the escalators to Concourse E, then walk straight across, beyond the food court, around the children’s art exhibit at gate E14, then past gates E15 to E18.
- Descend into the connector tunnel toward the International Terminal.
- Ascend to the International Terminal, and turn right to Gate F1, the end of the one-way walk.
- Turn around and repeat, or walk and descend to the train plane station for a quick ride to your concourse.
In my experience, the one-way trek requires about 40 to 45 minutes when walking at a brisk pace and pulling a single roll-aboard. Your travel time will vary based on your walking speed and the airport attractions or distractions which may delay you along with way.
Between T-Concourse and Concourse A
Here, ATL’s oldest and most elaborate display of airport art features African artifacts. Large stone carvings and bright photographs adorn this tunnel. Attentive walkers will notice that half of the carvings face toward Concourse T, while half face toward Concourse A. This way, African art welcomes you whether you’re arriving or departing ATL.
Between Concourses A and B
With dimmed lighting and surrounded by the sights and sounds of a Georgia wetland, artist Steve Waldeck’s 450-foot long “Flight Paths” truly is an immersive experience. As you reach the midway point and hear thunder, watch as first-timers actually try to avoid the projected images of water dripping into a pond on the floor. Along the way, colorful leaves and a small patch of bird-filled sky line the ceiling.
Between Concourses B and C
Take a walk on the historical side, tracing Atlanta’s evolution from prehistoric times through the Terminus, Civil War and Civil Rights periods and to the 1996 Olympic Games. Blending written, pictorial and video displays, the history walk is both educational and entertaining. The staring and solemn faces of oppressed black citizens and Civil Rights champions are juxtaposed with Atlanta’s business and economic symbols, includindg former Mayor and airport namesake William Hartsfield waving overhead from an airplane. Like Atlanta’s story, the exhibit is complex, confusing and – eventually – triumphant.
Between Concourses C and E
Move along, nothing to see here. Literally! Nothing. Nada. Carpet. Ceiling tile, and the occasional scraping sound of a misaligned conveyor wheel below the moving sidewalk. It’s also the least crowded area, so picking up the pace is a good option.
Traversing Concourse E
Immediately after exiting the escalator, the city remembers Dr. Martin Luther King with a dedicated display. One of his suits in the display would indicate a man of average stature, but his impact on our nation truly was larger than life. Fittingly, the display is located directly in front of the airport chapel.
As you walk straight across the concourse and past the center food court, you may be entertained by one of Atlanta’s musical artists at a grand piano. When not played live, the player-piano mode entertains the bar patrons nearby. Atlanta’s airport musician program pays local performers $75 per hour to entertain and calm travelers.
International Terminal
If you have trouble with vacation planning, amble over to Gate F-8. There, leave your planning to fate (F-8) and decide your next vacation location based on the destination displayed.
Or, if you prefer, stand in the center atrium, examine the two glittering pieces of art suspended from the ceiling, and join the local debate about their place, worth, and general effect on the universe.
Other Interesting Art and Artifacts
OK, I know this was a walk, and your primary interest may be exercise. If not, to paraphrase Ferris Bueller, “Airport life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
As you approach the top of the escalators at Concourse E, look back over your shoulder to the inspiring work of long-time Atlanta artist Radcliffe Bailey. The work, entitled “Saints” reflects African-American culture and themes. But for this New Orleans-area native, I’m also amused that the title also is the name of the arch-rivals of the Atlanta Falcons – the New Orleans Saints – and that a careful examination will find a “Who Dat” or two hidden in the artwork.
Also on Concourse E, check out the various whimsical artwork suspended from the ceilings at Gates E-16 Charles Hubbard’s four works evoke humor and curiosity, and pay homage to the various ideas about building flying machines.
One more amusing artifact: service animal restrooms. Hey, those dogs gotta go somewhere, and these plush pee points feature artificial grass and a fire hydrant.
Other ATL Airport Options
I’ve spent lots of time in ATL as a connecting traveler throughout my career, and now as an area resident. Here are some other options for enjoying an extended layover in ATL, as well as my recommendations on the best dining at ATL.
If you want to find or avoid the longest airport walks, here’s a link you might like. I’ve done many of these over my professional career.
Our Other Airport Guides
While I’ve traveled to 48 US states and 32 countries, I didn’t start writing this blog until near my retirement. But here area a few airports where I had both time and enough interest to write up some observations:
Chicago: Killing Time at Midway
Dayton: Fast, Efficient and Empty
