Passenger Help

In earlier postings, you may read of my experiences at the Atlanta Airport.

Hoping to keep others from the same fate I experienced (missing my flight due to not knowing how to traverse the Airport Concourses), I posted the following on the “Contact Us” column at the official Atlanta Airport internet site:
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06/06/09

Sirs:

Recently I traveled through the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and had a BAD experience.

Though I, and at least two other passengers arrived at our gate at least 8 minutes before our flight time, our flight left 10 minutes early, leaving us behind.

For the 6 ½ hours I waited in Atlanta for the second, then third flight as Standby, I discovered what I thought would be helpful for anyone flying “through” Atlanta the first time. My return flight also helped in my research.

Following is what I suggest be given to EVERY passenger arriving by plane at Atlanta. The exact wording will undoubtedly be edited by someone more knowledgeable than I. I’m suggesting this principle, not necessarily this wording.

If I had this notice, I WOULD NOT HAVE MISSED MY FLIGHT.

Respectfully,
Mike Maddex
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Welcome to Atlanta

You have arrived at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the “busiest in the world.”

If you are scheduled on a connecting flight, here are some suggestions on how to reach, and board, your next flight.

1. Since the Gate of Departure on your ticket may be a tentative one, you should IMMEDIATELY check one of the Video Advisory screens in your Concourse, or see the attendant at one of the gates, to find out where your flight will leave from.

2. If it is at one of the Gates on the same Concourse where you are, you simply look at the Gate signs, and walk to the Gate given you. If not, go to suggestion 3.

3. If, on the other hand, the Concourse from which you will be departing is DIFFERENT from the one where you are, find Gate 18 in your present Concourse, and take the descending Escalator to the Underground train station.

4. Look for the sign at the train departure door for the Concourse(s) the next train will go to.

5. Board the train that goes to your Concourse.

6. On the train, instructions are PLAINLY given as to the next Concourse stop. When your Concourse is announced, depart the train.

7. Look for an “UP” escalator. Take it to the top, and look for the signs for the Gates. You will arrive at about Gate 18.

8. Gates 1 through 17 are to the left, and Gates 19 through 36 are to the right.

9. Walk to the Gate from which your flight will depart.

10. Check in with the Attendant as soon as possible, to get your Boarding Pass.

Thanks for flying to Atlanta, and have a nice flight!