Airport guides · Atlanta, GA

Flying into ATL: what to expect

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Atlanta, GA. Live conditions in plain words, plus what's normal on arrival and departure.

Airport codeATL / KATL
Runways (FAA)5
Elevation1,024 ft
Longest runway12,390 ft
Flying to or from ATL?Get a free briefing: weather at both ends, the turbulence outlook and what to expect.Open My Flight

Weather at ATL right now

Clear skies; wind 12 mph; 14°C / 58°F. That means good visibility and no low cloud deck.

Forecast: wind around 10 mph.

Source: NWS Aviation Weather Center METAR, TAF and pilot reports for KATL. Updated every few minutes.

Runways and which way you'll land

ATL has 5 runways in FAA data: 08L/26R (9,000 ft), 08R/26L (9,999 ft), 09L/27R (12,390 ft), 09R/27L (9,000 ft), 10/28 (9,000 ft).

Runway numbers are compass headings divided by ten (runway 27 points roughly west, 270°).6 Airplanes take off and land into the wind where they can, so the direction you take off or land at ATL changes with the weather.5 That's normal.

Flying into ATL: common questions

Which runway will my flight use at ATL?

It depends mostly on the wind: airplanes take off and land into the wind where they can, so the runway in use changes with the weather. FAA data lists 5 runways at ATL (08L/26R, 08R/26L, 09L/27R, 09R/27L, 10/28); the longest is 09L/27R at about 12,390 ft.

Why might my flight circle before landing at ATL?

Holding is a normal way for air traffic control to space out arrivals when it's busy or the weather changes. Airplanes carry extra fuel for it. You can check current delay programs on the FAA's National Airspace System status page.

Is it normal for the landing at ATL to feel bumpy?

Yes. Low-level bumps are common on approach, especially on windy or gusty days, and a firm touchdown is often deliberate. The airplane is designed for it; keep your seat belt fastened while seated.

What can I bring through security at ATL?

TSA rules apply at every US airport: liquids in your carry-on must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, all in one quart-sized bag. TSA's 'What can I bring?' tool covers specific items.

Before you go

  • Liquids in carry-on: containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, in one quart-sized bag.1
  • Not sure about an item? Check TSA's "What can I bring?" tool.2
  • Need help at security because of a disability or medical condition? TSA Cares can help.3
  • Delays and ground stops across the US are shown on the FAA's airspace status page.4

Official ATL website

Calm reading for your trip

Nearby airport guides

BNA

Nashville International

CLT

Charlotte Douglas International

MCO

Orlando International

TPA

Tampa International

Sources

  1. TSA, Liquids, aerosols and gels rule (3-1-1)
  2. TSA, What can I bring?
  3. TSA Cares / passenger support
  4. FAA National Airspace System status (delays and ground stops)
  5. FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (takeoff and landing into the wind)
  6. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (aircraft performance and density altitude)
  7. FAA airport data via the NWS Aviation Weather Center airport API
  8. Holding patterns, explained (SafelyAboard)

Runway and elevation data: FAA, via aviationweather.gov, baked 2026-10-17. SafelyAboard doesn't rate airports.