International travelers flying into and out of Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport will now see a brand new look. The Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal, which opened in May 2012, puts a new face on international travel at the worlds busiest airport. The new facility will help meet the demands of increased oversees travel in the coming decades.
The first thing passengers flying out of Atlanta will notice is the new entrance to the airport. Passengers will access the new international terminal from the east side of the airport, off I-75 at Exit 239. The main terminal, which now handles only domestic flights, is still accessed from the original airport entrance off I-85. The international terminal has its own parking on that side of the airport. A free 24 hour shuttle will provide transportation between the two terminals.
Eight airlines will operate international flights out of the new facility. Those airlines are Air Canada, Air France, AirTran/Southwest, British Airways, Delta, KLM Royal Dutch, Korean Air, and Lufthansa. Atlantas airport now has 40 international gates, 12 in the new Concourse F and 28 in the existing Concourse E. Passengers are now able to fly to nearly 80 destinations in 50 countries. Following the completion of their merger, AirTran/Southwest is expected to add new routes to the Caribbean and Mexico. Other airlines are expected to add additional routes to Asia and South America.
The new terminal has an attractive design, with a sweeping roofline and soaring glass windows. The facility is LEED-certified. Passengers will notice several spectacular pieces of art, as the city requires that 1% of capital construction costs be dedicated to public art. Travelers will have a variety of dining options in the new international terminal. Choices will include sit down restaurants, a tapas bar, a gourmet market, quick food options, bars, and a Starbucks. Retail shopping outlets will include Clutch, Brookstone, The Body Shop, Touch Table, Simply Books, and Tommy Hilfiger. Business services, personal services, and Wi-Fi are also available.
There are separate security checkpoints for arriving and departing passengers. Atlanta bound travelers who are returning home will find they are no longer required to re-check their bags after clearing customs and immigration. They will be able to keep their bags and exit the airport.
Some ground transportation options, including taxis, will be available at the new terminal. A shuttle will take travelers to the rental car center. Hotel and offsite parking shuttles will pick up and drop off at the international terminal. Travelers taking the MARTA transportation will need to take the shuttle to the main terminal.
