Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Common Complaints

• Overcrowding and Congestion: This is the most significant and consistent complaint, with many travelers finding the airport severely crowded, impacting their overall satisfaction and making navigation difficult.
• Rude and Unhelpful Staff: Numerous recent reviews frequently mention unprofessional, unknowledgeable, and rude airport and TSA staff, particularly during international arrivals, security checks, and when seeking assistance.
• Terminal Facilities and Cleanliness: Some reviews describe the airport as unkempt, with overflowing trash and dirty floors, and a lack of seating.
• Confusion with Signage and Navigation: Despite the concourse train system, some travelers, especially international arrivals, find signage to be poor or confusing, particularly for baggage claim, rental car connections, and ground transportation.
• Security Wait Times: While average security wait times are often 15-30 minutes, they can exceed an hour during peak times (early mornings and evenings), and some travelers report frustrating experiences with TSA agents. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are available to help expedite this.
• Ground Transportation and Parking: Travelers report difficulty finding rideshare pick-up areas, infrequent and confusing shuttle services, and that parking can be expensive and in high demand, with a major parking lot closure for construction impacting availability.

Overall, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a highly functional and vital aviation hub, particularly efficient for connecting flights. However, its immense passenger volume often leads to significant challenges in traveler satisfaction, primarily due to overcrowding, perceived rude staff, and occasional difficulties with facilities and ground transportation. Travelers are advised to plan ample time, especially during peak hours, and consider expedited security programs.