Atlanta Airport (ATL) Baggage Claim: Process, Tips, and Location

Atlanta Airport Baggage Claim areas are different for domestic and international travelers. As this airport has two terminals, the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal, the process for both varies too. Upon arrival, passengers traveling within the U.S. can proceed directly to baggage claim, while those flying from another country must clear customs and immigration before moving on to baggage claim. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest and crowded airports around the world, which increases the chances of losing or delaying baggage. To resolve this problem, there are ATL lost and found offices of various airlines.

Atlanta Airport Baggage Claim Area Locations

There are two major baggage claim areas located at each terminal of ATL Airport. Passengers can either directly move there or after clearing customs and immigration. One is located in Concourse F, which also connects to other concourses, and the other is situated in Concourse E.

NOTE: The baggage claim areas at the Atlanta International Airport work 24/7.

Atlanta Airport Baggage Claim Department Contact Details and Address

The baggage claim department at Atlanta Airport is easily accessible if passengers face any baggage-related queries or problems. The staff will assist travelers in any way to resolve their discomfort and get their luggage back. 

Steps to follow to find the Baggage Claim Area at Atlanta Airport

Passengers are required to reach the assigned carousels at the baggage claim belts to get their luggage. 

Step 1. After disembarking the plane, follow the signs to the baggage claim area

• Travelers are required to look for signs that can lead them to the area where baggages are claimed. 
• Following the signs can ensure that they reach the correct place and staff are also present, who are ready to assist fliers.

Step 2. How can passengers use monitors to find their carousels

• A carousel is the conveyor belt where checked baggage will be placed. 
• Digital monitors in the baggage claim area will display the carousel number assigned to arriving flights. 
• Passengers have to locate their flight number on the screen and move accordingly.

Step 3. Check the monitor keenly and look for any changes in the carousel number

• Fliers are required to check the displayed screens attentively as the carousel number sometimes changes. 
• These changes may be due to delays, capacity issues, or operational problems.
• If there is a change, passengers will have to locate the new carousel number assigned to their flight.

Baggage Claim Process

1. Moving to the area: After landing, passengers leave the plane and follow the signs to the baggage claim area.

2. Immigration and customs: International travelers have to clear immigration and customs from the designated counters. They might have to present their passports, other travel documents, and answer some questions. If travelers have any declaration documents, that will be presented too. 

3. Baggage Claim Area: Travelers will have to wait for their baggage on the assigned carousel for their flights.

4. Baggage Claiming: Fliers can leave the airport after getting their luggage.

What to do when baggage is lost or delayed?

In case of lost or delayed baggage, the passenger will have to report it to the airline or the airport’s baggage service department to retrieve it.

• Baggage Service office: Once realised that bags are lost, the passenger must immediately locate the baggage service area. At ATL Airport, the offices are in two locations at both terminals. So, travelers have to make sure to be in the right area.

• Report to Airline: The Flyer can move to the airline’s help desk to report the lost baggage and seek assistance from them.

• File a missing baggage complaint: At the office or desk, the passenger will have to file a lost or missing luggage complaint as per the airline’s or ATL airport’s rules and policies.

• Obtain a reference number: As soon as the complaint is filed, the flyer will receive a reference number as a confirmation and tracking his/her baggage.

• Provide Information: The Traveler should provide all the necessary information, like full name, flight number, date of travel, color, size, and brand of lost baggage.

• Check Frequently: Passengers can track the status of their complaint with the help of the reference number provided after launching the complaint.

• File a Claim: A claim can be filed on the airline if the baggage is declared lost after 20-25 days. The flyer will have to present items value with proof to get compensation.

• Compensation: Airlines are subject to compensate the passengers if their baggage is lost, delayed, or damaged under the DOT regulations, whether the passenger is flying domestically or internationally.

Safety Tips for an Organized Time at Atlanta Airport Baggage Claim Area

Claiming baggage at Atlanta Airport is a simple process, but it can be made better by keeping these things in mind.

• Fliers must locate their carousel number correctly.
• Keeping electronic tracking devices in the bags will be futile.
• Travelers must always have essentials in their carry-on bags, like a mobile phone, cash, medicines, passports, and visa documents, especially while traveling internationally.
• A complaint must be raised as soon as they realise that the baggage is lost.
• Passengers must be aware of their rights and procedures.
• Gather the information about the landing terminal and baggage claim area in advance, particularly for first-time travelers.

End Note

Atlanta Airport Baggage Claim can be easily located by following the signs, and if the passenger doesn’t know where to go, he/she can follow the people exiting the plane or ask any staff for assistance. Delayed or lost baggage is a very common problem at big airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. That is the particular reason, lost and found offices and airline desks are established at both terminals. Passengers can ensure a satisfactory and streamlined experience with a little alertness.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)