It appears that we may have a 6 hour layover at the Atlanta Airport. Never having been to that airport, any suggestions on the best way to spend this time would be appreciated. Leaving the airport may not be an option if we choose not to deal with security and long lines twice that day.

You have my sympathy for such a long layover. The airport does have a website www.atlanta-airport.com for general information and maps. There is an atrium area in the main terminal (outside security) with a restaurant and shops. Concourse A also has more in the way of restaurants and shops than C or D, for example.

Well, there's a little train that runs between terminals. You could ride it, alot.

You could drink. Figure 1 beer an hour, 6 hours and you've got a nice buzz for the second leg of your journey.

You could go into a bathroom and yell "Oh My God it's Chipper Jones!!" and watch everybody run in, sharpies in hand.

Sorry, but that's about it.

The Atlanta airport is about as interesting as any other major hub. There is a shopping concourse with the typicals--Museum Co,Brookstone etc. There are lots of snack shops and restaurants. You can probably get a good meal at Houlihan's. I'd put my carry-ons in a locker, look for one of those quick massage places and then eat or shop. Kill the rest of the time reading a good book.

Thanks for the info. Our original flight no longer exists and this long layover is the best we could do without adding connecting flights through other airports. Is there a health club at the airport?

Hartsfield is not "layover" friendly--there is really nothing to do and no they do not have a fitness center. Few sitdown restaurants (Houlihan's, Friday's) but lots of food courts! I would not suggest leaving the airport, you never know what will happen on the MARTA.

Kate's MARTA comment is about as illogical as they come. Though you may have to sit next to someone who's of a lower socioeconomic class than yourself, it's very, very safe. Those same people who would never think of riding MARTA for their safety don't think twice about hopping in their cars and hitting one of Atlanta's roads and interstates where hundreds of people are killed and thousands hurt a year.

Paul, unless you go through security, there's really little to do as mentioned above. If you check your bags on to their final destination, going back through security should not be much of a hassle.

If you like fine dining, there is one new, very good restaurant down near the airport in College Park called Oscars. You could take the MARTA, but a cab's probably easier.

MARTA? What exactly is MARTA?

atlanta's pretty screwy and if you get on the MARTA god knows where you'll end up. err on the side of caution and just stay put. there are alot worse things than a 6 hour layover in atlanta, although nothing comes to mind at the moment.

MARTA = Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, a series of buses and trains that run throughout the Atlanta metro area.

MARTA - IT'SMARTA!

I've never had a problem on a Marta train and I've been riding them since they started running.

However, I wouldn't go too far from the airport.

If you are feeling adventurous, you could lock up your bags and grab a cab to Oscar's in College Park. I hear it's one of the best new restaurants. I haven't eaten there myself but I am told it is very good.

As for security, my parents went through a few weeks ago and it wasn't much of a hassle. So I don't think it will be that much of a wait.

The airport does have a Chilli's and I think a TGIFridays. I usually go to Houlihan's in the atrium. The piano guy is usually playing. And the potato soup there is pretty decent.

On the 3rd, I had the pleasure of eating at Oscar's, thanks to some informed Atlantans, and it was very fine indeed. If you have time for a meal, Oscar's is five minutes from the airport, on Main Street in College Park. Very nice place, food and management. Ciao

Thanks for all the info. Oscars sounds like a good idea. Is there any good shopping near the airport that we could access by cab or MARTA?

I had a long layover and so my small daughter and I got on the MARTA and went to Underground Atlanta, a shopping center, and shopped and had a nice lunch. Be adventurous.

I'm glad to hear I was right about Oscar's.

Truth be told, there is no shopping near the airport. Zip. Nothing.

Like the last poster said, you can take Marta to Undergound Atlanta for some shopping and lunch. There is a Johnny Rocket's there and a Mick's. Not to mention the World of Coke, which is always fun. I take guests there all the time.

If your bags are checked through, I think you should be able to take a MARTA train to a particular destination-
ride the North Line to Dunwoody, which is a quick walk over to Perimeter Mall (Nordstrom's), or take the Northeast Line to Lenox for another quick walk to Lenox Square (Nieman Marcus). Allow 40 minutes each way from ATL airport for these trips (I'm on the cautious side in time estimation on these trip times). If you'd like to just have a quiet time, ride MARTA North Line to the Arts Center(15 min. ride from airport) and visit the High Museum for the currently-showing Winslow Homer/mini-Matisse exhibits. You're issued MP3 players/headsets, so you can tour the exhibits at your own speed. The tiny cafe at the base of the building has nice sandwiches. Do visit the MARTA website as other poster suggested to get a feeling for the stops. I have not flown out of ATL since 9/11, so don't know how much of a slowdown has been added due to the extra security. Hope this helps.