Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is prepared to meet the increased volume of passengers during the "100 days of summer" and wants to make their travel more convenient and pleasurable by offering some simple tips.
"Hartsfield-Jackson is well-prepared for the busy summer season, and we plan to make it as easy a travel experience for our customers as possible," said Aviation General Manager Ben DeCosta. "Major investments in improving the security checkpoints, concessions, parking and other customer facilities are making the Airport a hassle-free place to travel through and in which to do business."
Simple tips for stress-free travel:
Arrive at the Airport early. Plan to arrive 90 minutes before domestic flights and two hours before international flights, and then speed through security.
Hartsfield-Jackson recently celebrated the success of its security expansion program, which offers customers 32 security lanes across three checkpoints.
Expect an average wait time of less than 10 minutes during off-peak times and no more than 20 minutes during peak times.
Take advantage of lanes that are based on travel skills and experience.
Sign up for Trak-a-Flight, the Airport's free service that delivers updated flight information to e-mail accounts, PDAs or mobile devices. Check security wait times online at www.atlanta-airport.com.
Save time by parking at the Airport. Use Airport Park-Ride lots at just $9 per day.
Hartsfield-Jackson offers ample, convenient parking, with more than 30,000 on-site parking spaces in the hourly, economy, daily, and Gold and Silver Reserve lots. The lots are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
More than 8,000 on-site Park-Ride spaces offer additional convenience and accessibility. They also are a bargain at just $9 per day.
There are more than 40 express-pay stations inside the terminal and throughout the on-site parking decks that allow travelers to pay for parking in cash or by credit card before returning to their vehicles.
Call 1-877-ATL-PARK or go online at www.atlanta-airport.com for updates on parking availability in all lots.
Be prepared. Plan ahead in order to breeze through security.
Avoid wearing anything metal that will set off security sensors.
The Transportation Security Administration asks travelers to follow the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on baggage: 3-ounce bottles or less (by volume); one quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; and one bag per passenger placed in the screening bin.
Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
Be careful on the escalators if children are wearing Crocs or flip-flops.
Shop, dine and explore. Enjoy more than 70 new stores this summer.
Hartsfield-Jackson is adding more than 70 new stores by this summer that will offer travelers more options for pampering and last-minute purchases.
Find summertime needs — including sunscreen and books for the beach — at stores such as LATHER, the Beauty Lounge, Mori Luggage & Gifts, Sean John, the BlackBerry store, The New York Times Books & News, Atlanta Daily World newsstand, Buckhead Books and Drugs & More.
If there is time for a little pampering before or after a flight, head for the four full-service salons in the Atrium and on Concourses A, C and D. These salons will offer personal care services, such as manicures, pedicures, facials and hairstyling.
Relax with a good book and a cup of coffee either at Simply Books and Starbucks in the Atrium or at the new Café Intermezzo and Buckhead Books opening soon on Concourse B.
Grab a bite to eat! Dining choices include One Flew South on Concourse E; Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint and Phillips Seafood, both on Concourse D; and Sojourner's Café on Concourses D and E.
Explore what Atlanta and Georgia have to offer by visiting Georgia-themed stores, including the Atlanta Daily World newsstand, Zoo Atlanta's Panda Veranda, the Savannah Candy Kitchen and the Georgia Aquarium's Beyond the Reef.
Relax. Take time to experience the scenery and the sounds of music.
Hartsfield-Jackson is adding more than 70 new stores by this summer that will offer travelers more options for pampering and last-minute purchases.
The "Paper Runway" exhibit is a couture collection of ball gowns, business suits, hats and vests — all made of paper — created by a variety of cutting-edge artists. Check it out along the walkway on Concourse T.
The Atrium will be filled with the sound of music as it hosts the eighth annual jazz series in conjunction with the 32nd annual Atlanta Jazz Festival each weeknight through May 29 from 5 to 7 p.m.
May 20 - Takana Miyamoto
May 21 - Gary Motley
May 22 - Sharon Rae North
May 25 - Dexter Tolson: Goodfellas Jazz Band
May 26 - Charles Marshall: the Jazz Ambassador
May 27 - Bob Miles
May 28 - Joe Jennings
May 29 - Eldridge Simms Jazz Quintet
Duration : 0:2:54
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