Atlanta Airport Parking and Wait Times

I would love to get some expert feedback on parking at the Atlanta airport. We have our daughter flying out on a domestic flight and. then two hours later we leave on an international flight. Where is the best place to park and will we be able to check in to our Delta international flight in the main terminal? Thank you!

Parking at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL) can be a bit overwhelming, but with some planning, it can be straightforward. Since you are flying domestically and then internationally, you will have different needs for parking, especially with the time gap between the two flights. Here are some options and tips for parking and check-in:

Since you'll be parking for several hours (with a two-hour gap between your daughter’s flight and yours), here are the best options for both convenience and price:

  • Terminal North Parking Deck (Hourly Deck) – This parking deck is ideal for short-term parking and is located very close to Terminal T (Domestic Terminal), where your daughter’s flight will depart. It’s a good choice if you plan to stay with her while she checks in or after she’s checked in. The Hourly Deck is more expensive than long-term parking but is the best option for quick access to the terminal without long walks. From here, you can easily transition to the international terminal.
  • Terminal South Parking Deck (Hourly Deck) – If you prefer to park closer to the International Terminal (where your flight will depart), this is a great option. You can park here and then use the Plane Train to get to the Domestic Terminal to meet up with your daughter. The Hourly Deck offers easy access to both terminals, but you may need to plan extra time for the transfer between terminals.
  • Long-Term Parking (Economy Lots) – For longer-term parking, the Economy Lots (A, B, C, and D) are more affordable and offer a shuttle service to both terminals. While these lots are farther away, the shuttle ride takes around 10 minutes. This is a better option if you're looking to save money, but keep in mind that you might need to leave more time to get from the Economy Lot to the terminal, especially with the transfer between terminals.
  • Park-Ride Lots – If you want to save even more money, you can use the Park-Ride Lots and take the shuttle to the terminal. This is a great budget option, but it requires additional time to shuttle from the parking lot to the terminal, so plan for extra time.

As for checking in to your Delta international flight, Delta operates its international flights from Terminal F (the International Terminal). You will be able to check in for your international flight in Terminal F, and from there you can go through security and customs. Delta offers a seamless check-in process for both domestic and international passengers, so you should be able to check in for your flight in the international terminal without issues, even if you are departing from the domestic terminal first. Make sure you allow ample time for security checks, especially for your international flight.

To avoid any issues with timing, it’s important to allow yourself enough time to travel between terminals. The Plane Train is the most efficient way to get from Terminal T (Domestic) to Terminal F (International) and will take about 5 minutes. It operates frequently, so you won't have to wait long. If you’re concerned about having enough time, you might also consider parking in one of the closer decks to both terminals.

Overall, for convenience, the Hourly Deck at either Terminal T or F would be your best bet. Just be mindful of how much time you’ll need for the transition between the two terminals. Safe travels!


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