When I flew into Atlanta airport for the first time I was a little bit overwhelmed and didn't really know where to go, so each time I lead a trip, I make it one of my priorities to give some pointers on how to get through the this big airport :o)
You will arive at one of the 6 terminals listed above (T, A, B, C, D, or E) and will want to follow the signs toward baggage claim when you get there. Basically you will head toward the center of the terminal and arrows will point your way. You will step onto an escalator which will take you down into a tunnel. In the tunnel, you will see more signs for baggage claim and you will want to take the train, especially if you are in one of the terminals toward the end. I believe it is a 2 mile walk from E terminal to baggage claim, or something close to that, so take the train :o) Unless you want to take a stroll of course. Hop on when a train comes in and go for an exciting ride (well at least it was for this Kansan :o). You will stop at each terminal but will not get off until AFTER T. It is tempting to get off at T because you might think it is the last stop, and technically you would make it to baggage claim that way, but make it easy on yourself and keep on riding. The train will speak to you in a nice voice saying "Next stop Baggage Claim" (or something like that) and you will get off there.
*If you are flying into T, things are a little bit different. I flew in there once, and I don't exactly remember how to make it to baggage claim from there, so I would ask an ATL representative about where to go from there. Thats what I did.*
After you are off of the train, you will ride another escalator UP this time to baggage claim. You will either go to baggage claim North or South, and just take a look at the signs to know which one you are supposed to go to. The big signs hanging in the air will tell you which terminal has your airlines baggage. When you walk into the baggage claim area, if you don't know where to find your luggage, look up at the big screen which says which planes have come in and where those passengers can claim their baggage. If you are confused by this (I was the first time) just ask one of the many ATL officers around for help. They are generally pretty friendly.
After getting your bags, head toward the Atrium which is also the food court. You will see 4 circular seating areas, and a group of people with lots of bags :o) If you are arriving pretty early, there may not be as many people around at that time but they will come. You will have the awkward "look at someone, they look back" and then nearly at the same time you will say "Are you going on a mission trip this summer? With AIM? Okay good…I found someone" haha! Sometimes there is more then one missions organization flying out of ATL so be sure you are with the AIM group :o) Eventually you will start seeing a bunch of people who look like they know what is going on wearing the same shirt and you will feel at ease :o)
Grab something to eat or drink, (I recommend Atlanta Bread Company) and get to know some of the other students that are going to be traveling this summer. Eventually you will find some of your team and you can start getting to know them as well.
Becca, Nathan, or myself will be there to meet you very soon there after :o) And we will be super excited :o)
Follow this guide, and you too will be able to survive Atlanta Airport…it really isn't too bad when you know what to do.
