Earlier in 2012 the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta unveiled its brand new Maynard H. Jackson Jr. international terminal, which cost over $1 billion to build. As you can expect, there are lots of great new features in the terminal but also some bugs that need to be worked out. Here's what you need to know if you'll be using Atlanta's international terminal in the near future.
It's Big - Really Big
Perhaps the best and worst thing about the Hartsfield-Jackson International terminal is its size: a whopping 1.2 million square feet. That's a good thing in terms of accommodating lots of passengers (the Atlanta terminal is now the world's busiest) but a bad thing for those who are forced to walk a half mile or more to catch a flight. The longest hike is for those who arrive at the airport on Concourse E and need to trek to Customs. But because passengers no longer have to re-check their luggage after clearing Customs, they can leave the airport more quickly (up to 45 minutes) than before.
How can you do the least amount of walking? Try the shuttle to connect to the MARTA transport system or take the train to the rental car center. The airport has added shuttle vans of larger size to accommodate more people and added more routes to its schedule in attempting to get people to their terminals on time. Off-airport parking providers and hotels are being asked to take their customers straight to the international terminal to help with passenger congestion. If you have physical disabilities that prevent you from walking long distances, ask for a wheelchair from the airline before disembarking.
Airport of Fine Art and Great Food
One perk of the long walk? The airport has installed numerous works of fine art and lots of seating along the way. The total value of the artwork is in the $5 million range so you can be sure that it is, indeed, fine with four signature pieces that exemplify a commitment to regional culture. The building itself, too, is a work of art with its glass façade topped by a sweeping roofline and enhanced by metallic curves that echo the dramatic cityscape of Atlanta. It's also LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) certified due to its construction of energy-efficient, regional materials and a focus on recycling glass, aluminum and other materials.
Although all of the restaurants planned for the new international terminal are not yet in service due to contract disputes, when they open in fall, you can expect to experience a real culinary delight with seafood, tapas and more.
Although Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport's new terminal is still working out the kinks, you can expect a spectacular display when you fly into or out of Atlanta on international flights. It might be best to secure offsite airport parking in order to avoid the long walks and congestion but once you get to your terminal, relax and enjoy all it has to offer passengers of the world.
S. Hurley Hall runs the Taking Off Travel Blog for off airport parking provider ParkRideFlyUSA. It covers travel destinations, business travel, travel gadgets, travel tips and more. Join our email list and be the first to hear about special offers that make your trip less expensive. Reserve airport parking before you arrive at the airport. Visit the Park Ride Fly website for a special discount offer.
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