The world’s busiest airport for passenger traffic is
upping its game on the food and beverage front, giving flyers more local
choices on what to eat and where to fly.
The Good: As the saying goes: if you want to fly
anywhere, you will probably connect through Atlanta. The destinations served by
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is staggering, including 60
international cities in 45 countries. Delta Air Line is responsible for the
majority of them. From Johannesburg and Jacksonville to Peoria and Portland,
there are nonstop flights from Atlanta. Virgin Atlantic is planning a new
flight to London Heathrow, which I'm excited about and last year, Korean Air became
the first airline to offer regular service to Atlanta aboard the gigantic
Airbus A380, the world’s biggest commercial passenger plane. As if that weren't
enough, airport officials are planning $2 million in incentives to lure
airlines to start new service. Terminal F, which opened in 2013 and is now
known as the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal is the airport’s new
international facility, giving the airport additional much-needed capacity.
The
Bad: If you've been to the airport recently you've seen major construction which is almost always a
constant within the terminals.
Walkability:
The Plane Train system is a convenient connector between terminals, but once
you get to the concourse, expect a long walk. Moving walkways are only found in
the new F concourse, meaning that passengers with flights at the very end of
the terminal are in for some exercise.
Security
and Immigration: Security is ever-present, but don’t expect Atlanta’s typical
southern hospitality to shine through. TSA is pretty tough and downright rude most of the time which passengers frequently complain about. Luckily, new automated kiosks at immigration will speed up the process for
those who do not hold Global Entry status.
Canceled
flights light up the departures board (Photo: Getty Images)
Delays:
Despite having five runways, Atlanta is still vulnerable to delays, often because
of afternoon thunderstorms. And with the heavy volume of scheduled flights,
terminals can become overcrowded quickly. But during severe delays, many
airport lounges and restaurants will remain open past normal hours. Another
positive about being such a large airport is that Delta has planes on standby
in the hangar that can often be subbed in if needed.
Public
Spaces: Given the airport’s layout, a train ride is required to reach most
gates. There are few public spaces for non-travelers to use although the main
terminal building features an atrium with natural light, a decent food court,
and some seating for those wishing to await loved ones. While public art and
photography are plentiful and entertaining, do not expect many landside tarmac
views for aviation buffs.
Plugs/Charging
Outlets: The airport has some outlets, but Delta took it upon itself to become
one of the first airlines to install its own charging stations in gate areas.
They are extremely popular, and many charging stations also boast USB outlets.
Earlier this month, the airport started offering free Wi-Fi in all terminals…
finally!
Transportation:
Atlanta’s MARTA train connects travelers to downtown and Buckhead from an
airport station for the low price of $2.50. Dozens of airport hotels run free
shuttles to the airport, and a new rental car facility, reached via train,
stores thousands of automobile options.
(Photo:
Andrew Cohen/Flickr)
Hotel:
There is no hotel inside security, although airport officials are considering
this option (where to put it is a big question). Still, there are plentiful
choices at all price points around the airport’s perimeter. For many, the
Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel is the best option considering half
of its rooms directly face the runway with balconies for al fresco plane
spotting. Quick naps are a cinch in the Minute Suites facility, which rents
sleeping rooms by the hour in Concourse B.
Food: Despite the price of airport food which probably beats sports food when it comes to prices you can't deny that the range of choices are pretty extraordinary. Especially since this year they have opened a P.F. Chang's and Bone Fish and Grill. Atlanta’s food spectrum is a highlight for those with a layover here and with
frequent trains connecting the terminals, all options are open to everyone.
Here is a breakdown of the best meals, concourse by concourse.
Concourse
T (yes, the first concourse is labeled T): Originally the international
terminal, this is one of the airport’s more compact concourses. The world’s
first airport IHOP now serves travelers its trademark pancake menu
`round-the-clock before they pass through security.
Concourse
A: Sandwich lovers have their pick between Boar’s Head Deli, Jersey Mike’s
Subs, or Brioche Doree. Tex-Mex appetites can get their fix at Qdoba (the airport’s
newest and second location) while Asian fusion cravings are satisfied at the
new P.F. Chang’s. Atlanta’s local brew, SweetWater, has opened a microbrewery
where passengers can enjoy pints and tasty pub grub. Varasano’s keeps its
Buckhead pizza menu lively with live piano music in the evening.
Concourse
B: Paschal’s has one of its airport Southern cooking cafes in this concourse,
which is often the busiest of them all due to its ability to park the widest
range of aircraft here. Menu items include local staples like country fried
steak, fried chicken, and mac ‘n’ cheese. The new Gabriel’s Bakery Café is
another locally born option that does everything from soup and sandwiches to
naughtier treats like their famous Whoopie Pies.
 |
SWEETWATER DRAFT HOUSE AND GRILL
CONCOURSE B |
Concourse
C: Fans of Chick-fil-A will find one of its two Atlanta airport restaurants
here (the other is in Concourse A). Another southern favorite is the terminal’s
Varsity, which is a smaller version of the famous downtown burger and hot dog
joint. Overseas flyers will find another Varsity in Concourse F.
Concourse
D: Perhaps one of the weaker concourses on the food front. Still, there are
some tasty options, including well-known names Buffalo Wild Wings (featuring 24
beers on draft), Chipotle, and Wolfgang Puck.
Concourse
E: Home to Atlanta’s best-kept secret, One Flew South, this international
concourse frequently sees travelers from all concourses rushing here to dine on
“southernational” cuisine. One Flew South’s global menu blends regional flavors
and includes the popular open-faced meatloaf sandwich, a salmon hot pot, shrimp
and grits, and pork belly sliders. The separate sushi menu is the best in the
airport, and this was the first airport restaurant to be considered for a James
Beard Award. The adjacent food court soothes traveler nerves with live piano
music in the evening.
Concourse
F: The food court here was named best in the world by The Moodie Report in its
annual Airport Food and Beverage Awards. On offer are numerous Atlanta
favorites including Mexican taqueria, The Original El Taco, and Elena Garcia’s
Tapas bar, which is the second airport location for its namesake Venezuelan
chef.
Shopping:
Long connections are quite common, but there is plenty of temptation for the
credit card. Duty free shops in Terminals E and F are spacious, and big-name
brands like Brookstone, Brooks Brothers, Michael Kors, Swarovski, and Tumi are
found across the terminals. There is no chance of getting bored here. While
there is no dedicated pharmacy, sundries stores tend to carry most
over-the-counter medications. Spa-goers can choose between Concourse A and C
locations of XpresSpa for a quick massage.
In
Short: The Atlanta airport is often the butt of travel jokes, but the reality
is that this facility (while not as architecturally stunning as Detroit or the
new terminals at London Heathrow) connects the world. It deserves its standing
within the global ranks and only has plans to get bigger and better.
*******
Terri Marcelle's love for travel came since she was four. Her first trip to Puerto Rico with her parents around Christmas time and once she arrived asked her parents if all of it was for her. Since a child she's traveled to the Caribbean Islands, South America, Mexico and across the U.S. and is now taking her journey to the U.K and Russia to network with multiple bloggers, photographers and videographers.
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