Can I check-in and clear security at the international terminal in Atlanta for a domestic flight?

Can I check-in and clear security at the international terminal in Atlanta for a domestic flight?

10/14/2019 1:59:29 AM

Yes. The TSA does not care what terminal you use, and the documentation requirements do not change in any way. You are entering the same sterile area no matter which checkpoint you go through. The international terminal is the site of a pilot program using CT scanners instead of traditional X-ray machines, so who knows if that will speed things up or slow them down. The upside is that electronics no longer have to be removed from bags.

In some cases, if you need services at the checkin desk, that may be an issue as some airlines either do not have a desk in the international building or do not provide services to domestic passengers there. Just to be safe, I would be sure to get my boarding pass printed in advance or on my phone. If you have to check a bag, I would definitely call ahead and make sure.

The airport would rather you not do this, as it messes up predictive staffing, but that’s their problem not yours. No rule against it.

By the way, the reverse of applies if you have an international flight going out of ATL and want to take MARTA or park in the domestic garages and avoid the long bus between terminals. The only thing you can’t easily due is get back from an arriving international flight to the domestic terminal if you have to check bags because you won’t be able to re-enter the secure area to take the train, so you’ll have to take the bus.

1/14/2021 1:44:39 AM

During my visit in 2013, my impression was that there was only 1 security area.

From incoming flights from Europe, you first go though immigration and then pick up your bags and go through customs.

Between customs and security you are supposed to give up your bags again, which I missed all together. A security assistant took the bag and delt with it.

After security ([International] Arrival Level) you entered the Departure Level. You could either get on the subway or go to a Mall (Mezzanine Level).

My impression was that there were peaple who had entered the Departure Level from a different (I assume security) entrance and were passing their time before getting on the subway to the domestic (and international) departures (E to A and T).

The map implies an entrance and Tickets check-in before security on the Departure Level, so it would seem this level is intended for domestic use.


(source: pasarelapr.com)

Credit:stackoverflow.com‘

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

Search Posts

Latest posts

Popular posts