Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is the worlds busiest airport and enjoys a well deserved reputation for offering cheap travel options, including cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages to many destinations.
The following are tips from Pamela Berger how to bypass lines, crowds and stress while at this airport:
If you are meeting or leaving someone from the north or south side of the airport, use the downstairs entrance. There are check in kiosks and baggage services downstairs (south side only) and usually no lines or even police waiting to order you to move. Traveling via the downstairs entrance is a great way to save time and avoid the chaos that comes with crowds.
There is a less well known six lane security checkpoint by the American check in counter on the north side. On the south side past Delta ticketing and Brooks Brothers, there are four security lanes. If the main security checkpoint is really busy, either of these options are quicker to pass through, regardless of the airline you are flying.
If you are departing from the T Gate, enter through the north or south security lanes and then walk to the T Gate. This is faster than going though the main security checkpoint and then waiting to take the tram.
If you need to go to baggage claim after your flight lands (from A, B, C, D or E terminals), enter the first car of the tram. This will allow you to exit in front of the rest of the people on the tram and take the escalator to baggage claim first.
The only place Wi-Fi is free at the airport is at the E Terminals food court.
If you are tired and face an extended layover, go to Minute Suites at B Terminal. They offer full service secluded napping stations for $30 an hour. In addition to a daybed and blankets, each suite comes with TV, workstation with a phone, desk, office chair and Internet.
If you would like to indulge in a little spa treatment, go to Concourse A (opposite the food court) or C (opposite Gate C37) to XPresSpa. A manicure can be had for $20 and a 10 minute massage for $25.
You can access any changes made to your flight schedule by signing up for Trak-A-Flight, a free service offered by the airport that provides updated flight information to email accounts, PDAs or mobile devices.
If you have the inclination and time for gourmet eating, check out One Flew South on the E Concourse. www.cheapfares.com