Atlanta's airport is enormous, and it works differently from the small regional airports many people are used to. None of it is hard. It just helps to know a few things in advance.
It really is big
Hartsfield-Jackson is Delta's largest hub, and it's one of the busiest airports in the world. Most travelers begin at the main domestic terminal, and international flights use a separate terminal. Check which one your flight uses before you set off.
Past security, the gates are spread along a row of concourses. An underground train, the Plane Train, runs between them, and it's quick. Still, don't assume the next gate is a short stroll away. Sometimes it isn't.
Getting there
If you'd rather skip the driving, the MARTA rail line goes right to the domestic terminal, which is handy if you're staying near a station. If you're driving, remember that Atlanta traffic can get heavy at rush hour, and you don't want to be sitting on a highway when you should be at bag drop.
Security lines
Security can be busy, especially early in the morning and around holidays. There's more than one checkpoint, and the wait at each can differ, so it's worth glancing at the signs before you join the longest queue. We'd leave extra time, and more again if you're checking a bag.
Connecting through Atlanta
Many trips connect here, and it's one of the places where a tight layover can go wrong. Our post on how long a layover you really need has some rules of thumb. The short version: for a big hub like this, leave more time than the minimum.
Booking from Atlanta
If you're flying Delta from Atlanta, we can check fares for you. There's more on our Delta flights from Atlanta page, or you can send us your dates and we'll take a look.