The official website of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Category: Events

  • ATL unveils Market The Welcome campaign to greet international visitors

    ATL unveils Market The Welcome campaign to greet international visitors

    Airport Senior Deputy General Manager Michael Smith speaks to dignitaries about new marketing campaign highlighting Atlanta and Georgia attractions on Nov. 21.

     

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

    International visitors arriving at the world’s busiest airport will now receive an added helping of Southern hospitality.

    Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) leaders, joined by local and state tourism officials, unveiled Market The Welcome, a unique marketing effort targeting international travelers.

    “It’s often said that first impressions mean everything,” Airport Senior Deputy General Manager Michael Smith told dignitaries at the unveiling Nov. 21 in the International Terminal. “For some international travelers, their first impression of the United States involves landing at and navigating through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. We want that impression to be memorable, and we believe Market The Welcome will achieve just that.”

    The campaign inspires international visitors with breathtaking visuals of the Atlanta and Georgia experience during each step of the international arrivals process. Nearly 30 images in six languages are posted in customs-secured areas of the Airport. Images featured include the Atlanta BeltLine, Piedmont Park, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and Toccoa Falls.

    The effort is produced in partnership with the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, Georgia Tourism and Brand USA, an organization dedicated to marketing the U.S. as a leading travel destination. Hartsfield-Jackson is one of just a handful of global airports selected for the Market The Welcome campaign.

    Most people don’t realize travel is an export,” said Chris Thompson, Brand USA president and CEO. “The product is the experiences and the memories people take home and the money [visitors] leave behind. [Market The Welcome] gives them a taste of what they might be seeing as they’re arriving to stay here and then otherwise encourage them to come back if they’re just passing through.”

    Kevin Langston, deputy commissioner for Tourism with the state of Georgia, said it’s essential that Georgia travel be an “enriching experience.”

    “We often call Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Georgia’s front porch, and just like the front porch at home, it’s the first impression that most visitors have of us,” Langston said.

    And international traveler numbers are rising. Currently, ATL services 77 international destinations with new routes in 2018 for China, Korea and Mexico.

    “Hospitality is the gasoline that drives our great city’s economic engine,” said William Pate, president and CEO of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau. “As home to the world’s busiest airport and as a global gateway to the United States, Atlanta has an even greater opportunity now to make sure that we maximize our visitors’ experience.”

  • ATL set to break another single-day passenger record

    ATL set to break another single-day passenger record

    ATL officials expect more than 3 million travelers to pass through Hartsfield-Jackson over the Thanksgiving holiday period.

     

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

    Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) expects to break another single-day passenger record during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday travel period, when more than 3 million people are expected to navigate through the world’s busiest and most efficient airport.

    TSA is projecting more than 97,000 passengers will travel through ATL on Nov. 26, the Sunday after Thanksgiving. This figure would set a single-day screening record, topping June 30’s historic count of 92,421 departing passengers by nearly 5 percent. It also bests last year’s figure by more than 15 percent.

    During a Nov. 14 press conference, Airport Senior Deputy General Manager Michael Smith said that as in years past, extra staff in guest relations, operations and law enforcement will be on-site during the holiday period from Nov. 20-26.

    “At Hartsfield-Jackson, protecting our guests is our top priority. That takes on even greater importance during heavy travel periods,” Smith said. “Rest assured that local, state and federal law enforcement officials will remain hyper-vigilant to any threats posed to the traveling community, and they will maintain a strong, visible presence at the Airport.”

    To ease congestion, ATL will minimize construction efforts during the holiday period.

    Mary Leftridge Byrd, TSA’s federal security director at Hartsfield-Jackson, said her team’s preparedness is supported by partnerships with the Airport and airlines.

    “We are continuously working together to prepare for this period of heavy volume to improve the travel experience while keeping transportation security our top priority,” Byrd said. “We’ll have all hands on deck and all lanes open.”

    She credited savvy travelers and Automated Screening Lanes, or Smart Lanes, for reducing wait times at security checkpoints.

    ATL travelers are reminded to double-check carry-on bags for prohibited items such as excess liquids as well as knives and tools, which are frequently discovered during screenings.

    Smith also reminded holiday travelers of the “See Something, Say Something” federal initiative.

    “If you notice suspicious behavior or activity, don’t hesitate to report it to the nearest law enforcement official,” Smith said.

    Passengers should plan to arrive at least two hours before scheduled departure for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. Travelers should also monitor their airlines’ websites and social media feeds for updates.

  • City, ATL leaders dedicate art installation ‘Flight Paths’

    City, ATL leaders dedicate art installation ‘Flight Paths’

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

    Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, joined by ATL and other City leaders, on Nov. 9 dedicated “Flight Paths,” the multidimensional, award-winning art installation at the world’s busiest airport.

    “Flight Paths,” which simulates a Georgia forest through the fusion of light, sound and video, is the largest single public art project in the City of Atlanta’s history.

    “We are so grateful and proud that this creative landscape now enhances Atlanta’s gateway to the world, where we can show it off to the 104 million passengers that come through Hartsfield-Jackson each year,” Reed said.

    Artist Steve Waldeck worked for 13 years to bring his concept to life. Located in the underground walkway between Concourses A and B, “Flight Paths” recently won the 2017 CODAaward in the Transportation category.

    Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr. said since opening last year, the 450-foot installation has helped enhance the customer experience at Hartsfield-Jackson.

    “Under Mayor Reed’s leadership, the City of Atlanta has continually increased its investments in the arts, ensuring that it plays an essential role in defining the cultural life of the city,” Council said.

    Airport Art Program Manager David Vogt said his team is used to hearing about the positive impact of ATL’s art, which consists of works from artists in the region and throughout the world.

    “Steve Waldeck’s immersive forest canopy installation is certainly one of the Airport’s most popular artworks,” Vogt said. “But it’s also fantastic to be recognized for having one of the most successful public artworks in a transportation environment.”

    Mayor Reed added that Hartsfield-Jackson’s art program is essential to maintain Atlanta’s status as the cultural capital of the Southeast.

    “Creative art makes a great first impression on visitors to Atlanta and to the world’s busiest airport,” Reed said. “It’s important that our emergence on the global stage be celebrated by art that captures our imagination, and represents our soul, our roots and our ambitions. I am genuinely excited for the millions of people who will experience the beauty and serenity of this immersive artwork as they enter and leave our City.”

  • ATL’s premier food festival feeds masses, raises funds for child hunger

    ATL’s premier food festival feeds masses, raises funds for child hunger

    Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Grill won Best Restaurant at third annual Taste of Hartsfield-Jackson Nov. 1. © 2017 Decisive Moment Events

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

     

    Hundreds of ATL travelers and guests filled their bellies for a good cause at the world’s busiest airport. The Taste of Hartsfield-Jackson transformed the Domestic Terminal atrium into a communal feast, raising more than $11,151 for No Kid Hungry, a nonprofit fighting childhood hunger.

    Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr. shared that while Hartsfield-Jackson is known for many things, its award-winning concessions program deserves to be celebrated.

    “In 2016, our concessions program grossed more than $1 billion dollars in sales for the first time in our Airport’s history,” Council said to Taste attendees on Nov. 1.

    “But beyond monetary success, our concessions program boasts an assortment of dining options.”

    With more than 75 items to sample from more than 30 restaurants, attendees waited patiently in popular lines including Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Grill, Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint, Atlanta Chophouse and Phillip’s Seafood. Tasters voted Papi’s “Best Restaurant” for its assortment of Caribbean dishes, including shrimp and grits, jerk chicken, black beans and yellow rice.

    Radio personality and ‘Atlanta Eats’ host Steak Shapiro presented the timed chef’s challenge, which pitted Delaware North Executive Chef Rich Bolton against HMSHost Chef de Cuisine Pamela Place. The 20-minute competition featured celebrity chef Cat Cora, prominent restaurateur Tom Catherall and Airport Deputy General Manager Cortez Carter judging each dish.

    Place won the challenge with a seared pork loin paired with a secret ingredient: apple pie moonshine.

    “I was given a personal compliment from chef Cat Cora, which means a lot in my career,” the 20-year industry veteran said. “But hearing and overseeing the audience’s responses and reactions was exciting.”

    Place, who works at Atlanta Chophouse and Umaizushi on Concourse C, revealed it’s always best to incorporate fresh ingredients when cooking.

    “[Herbs] liven and open up the flavors of the food,” Place said. “Fresh basil and fruits together complement and enhance each other. Basil offers a savory balance, whereas, when using citrus they tend to make the essence of the food pop. Atlanta Chophouse’s salmon was given much praise from the audience as well as Carrabba’s lasagna. I was very proud in the growth my team has shown each year in the participation of the Taste of Hartsfield-Jackson.”

    Event organizer and Concessions Marketing Manager Demetria Wideman also praised this year’s results that, in addition to raising funds for No Kid Hungry, donated more than 520 pounds of food from 14 participating restaurants to the Atlanta Mission.

    “The funds raised set a record for the event. The crowd size increased as well,” Wideman noted.

    “That equates to great exposure for the concessions program as people are able to try food from several different locations and hopefully return to patronize them in the future. Most importantly, the event helps the most vulnerable in our community — children and the homeless.”

    Allison Palestrini, Southeast Director of Share Our Strength – No Kid Hungry, shared that although one out of four kids in Georgia lives in a home that struggles with hunger, it is a “solvable problem.”

    “Together, we’ll make sure no kid in our nation goes hungry and they all get the healthy food they need every day,” Palestrini said.

    “It is like an event trifecta – business, stakeholders and community,” Wideman added.

    “We all win, and that makes it all worthwhile.”

  • Thousands attend, hundreds hired at ATL’s job fair

    Thousands attend, hundreds hired at ATL’s job fair

    An applicant submits her application at the Airport Community Job Fair at the Georgia International Convention Center. © 2017 Decisive Moment Events

     

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

     

    More than 2,300 job seekers flocked to the Airport Community Job Fair on Oct. 31 in the hope of landing one of 1,800 positions available at the world’s busiest and most efficient airport.

    Early totals indicate 438 applicants were hired on the spot, with more to come pending application reviews and interviews from the 60 participating businesses.

    The fall job fair, held at the Georgia International Convention Center, offered opportunities ranging from baristas and digital software engineers to passenger sales agents and security officers.

    “We were hoping to hire about 20 qualified candidates,” said Jamaal Campbell, human resources manager with Hojeij Branded Foods. “We were able to double that projection by hiring 54 new employees. I have been a part of job fairs for several years, but this one was our most successful.”

    Hojeij positions up for grabs included cooks, cashiers, bussers and shift leaders at the company’s 18 Airport eateries. New Hojeij hire Joshua Gilbert looks forward to showcasing his culinary talents.

    “I love to cook, so this was an opportunity for me to go a little bit further, learn a little bit more,” Gilbert said.

    Several City of Atlanta  recruiters welcomed applicants and encouraged online submissions for 54 open positions across varied fields and divisions.

    “We have solid waste, engineers, watershed [and] a lot of public safety people are needed,” said Samantha Graves, recruiting coordinator for talent acquisitions. “I will be helping to pair people’s talents, scanning their resumes and … finding a job that fits well for them.”

    Companies weren’t the only ones scouting for talent. Several regional schools offered training and financial incentives for those seeking education and additional skills.

    Robert Thomas, admissions representative for Heavy Equipment Colleges of America in Georgia, recruited students by touting the job placement success of the three- to nine-month program.

    “We train and certify heavy equipment operators and assist with lifetime job placement across the country,” said Thomas, adding that 85 percent of graduates are veterans.

    Historically, Hartsfield-Jackson has held one job fair per year. But the upward growth of the economy, coupled with the Airport’s huge influx of passengers and the launch of the Airport’s capital improvement program, prompted organizers in 2016 to add a second event in the fall.

    And with more events, organizers have added more features, including resume printing service, a career coach, interview rooms and daylong training.

    Last week, Hartsfield-Jackson hosted training sessions covering resume writing, interviewing skills, job fair success and airport customer service. The sessions were conducted by the Georgia Department of Labor, Aerotropolis WorkSource Georgia and the Department of Aviation.

    Janisha Radford moved to Atlanta from Flint, Michigan, in 2015. Seeking additional part-time work, the certified nurse assistant learned of the fair through online research. By early afternoon, she was offered a wheelchair agent position from GAT Airline Ground Support.

    “I like to help people. I enjoy it,” Radford said. “[The fair] is a good opportunity for anyone … someone who wants to do something with themselves.”

    Chief job fair organizer Chermaine Axam hopes that message of opportunity will continue to resonate.

    “Our goal was to provide job seekers with the tools needed to land a position at the job fair,” said Axam, ATL’s assistant manager for community affairs. “And the results paid off for many who were hired on the spot.”

  • Hartsfield-Jackson honors survivors during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

    Hartsfield-Jackson honors survivors during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

    ATL honors survivors during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Sisters By Choice offered complimentary breast exams to uninsured and underinsured ATL employees on Oct. 4 and 23 at the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.  © 2017 Decisive Moment Events

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

    Shades of pink dotted the International Terminal on Wednesday as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) marked national Breast Cancer Awareness Month with its second annual Survivor Celebration.

    ATL Office of Public Affairs Director Myrna White said we don’t often pair the term “celebration” with breast cancer. “But thanks to advances in modern medicine, national campaigns to promote early detection and education, and the life-changing work of groups such as Sisters By Choice, I’m here today to tell you this is a celebration,” said White, who was joined by City of Atlanta first lady Sarah-Elizabeth Langford Reed and dozens of survivors and other dignitaries.

    Back for a second year, local nonprofit Sisters By Choice brought its Mobile Breast Clinic to ATL to provide care to uninsured and underinsured employees for two days this month. Headed by Dr. Rogsbert Phillips-Reed, the organization offers breast examinations, digital mammograms and diagnostic care.

    According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. “Unfortunately,” White said, “thousands of individuals will not receive lifesaving screenings and treatment because they either lack access – or lack the resources – to obtain quality breast care.”

    Breast cancer signage is on display at ATL throughout the month, and many Airport employees distributed pink lanyards.

    Phillips-Reed said her 28-year-old organization celebrates survivorship while remembering those who lost their lives. “There [are] over 3 million women throughout the United States living after being diagnosed with breast cancer,” Phillips-Reed said. “It says that we are doing something good about this disease … we have made progress.”

    Survivor Latosha Key McDade, diagnosed with breast cancer at age 28, facilitates the Sisters By Choice Emory Midtown support group. “I use this journey to hold the hands of other women,” the seven-year survivor said. “While everyone’s journey is a little different, my purpose … is to help them get through that journey knowing that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”

    Journalist and former news anchor JaQuitta Williams is celebrating her 10th year of being cancer free. She expressed gratitude for her experience. “It taught me how to live on purpose,” said the host of TBN’s “Joy In Our Town.” “No matter what happens,” she said, “every day is a good day because life is a beautiful thing.”

  • Mayor’s 5K draws masses, raises funds to help Atlanta students

    Mayor’s 5K draws masses, raises funds to help Atlanta students

    Runners and walkers participate in the third annual Mayor’s 5K on the 5th Runway Sept. 30 at Hartsfield-Jackson. © 2017 Decisive Moment Events

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

     

     

    Before daybreak Sept. 30, nearly 2,000 runners and walkers took off for the third annual Mayor’s 5K on the 5thRunway, hosted by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

    The race marked the last for Mayor Reed as Atlanta’s leader. Reed conceived the event during his two-term administration.

    “It has been the honor of my life to serve as the mayor of the City of Atlanta and to be shoulder to shoulder with people like you who are such good, amazing people,” Reed said to the thousands gathered.

    This year’s record proceeds will help Atlanta students with tuition through the Mayor’s Youth Scholarship Fund.

    “The cost of college is a barrier to so many of the City of Atlanta’s children,” Reed said. “Under the leadership of Jannquell Peters, who runs our scholarship program, we are going to award more than 100 students average scholarships of $5,000 to pay for college.”

    According to City of Atlanta estimates, race proceeds totaled $188,752, pledged and in-kind. Monies came from individual registrants, corporate groups and donors, including lead sponsors Delta Air Lines, Mizuno and HMS Host. Last year’s event raised $185,340.

    Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr. urged the crowd to have fun and make history on the loop course.

    “Today, you will participate in a 5K race on one of the flattest – and fastest – courses in metro Atlanta,” Council said. “Unlike any other course in the world, this race is set on our fifth runway, often called America’s most important runway. Like so many of [Mayor Reed’s] initiatives during his tenure in office, this race has really taken off, growing and improving each year.”

    This year’s improvements included a virtual race option for registrants and a drone that captured the activity overhead. Race-goers were able to meet hometown Olympian track medalists Terrence Trammell and Angelo Taylor, and Tri-Cities High School’s drumline performed, boosting pre-race excitement.

    Once the horn blew, arm bands illuminated the darkness as participants raced down Runway 10-28. Many finishers took selfies at sunrise.

    Council heralded the Mayor’s 5K as just one example of Mayor Reed’s support for the Airport and community at large.

    “Although [Reed’s] tenure as mayor ends in just a few short months, his extraordinary achievements on behalf of this Airport – and the entire City of Atlanta – will reverberate for generations to come.”

  • ATL marks milestone in ‘iconic’ canopy project

    ATL marks milestone in ‘iconic’ canopy project

    ATL dignitaries and partners assembled to celebrate the arrival of canopy steel Sept. 28. © 2017 Decisive Moment Events

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

     

     

    Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) officials, along with City leaders and partnering construction and design firms, marked a milestone in the Airport’s capital improvement program, as steel installation is set to begin on the massive canopies that will change the face of the Domestic Terminal.

    “These canopies will increase efficiency by expanding roadways,” Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed told more than 50 dignitaries and media representatives gathered Sept. 28 at a staging area. “They will include overhead pedestrian walkways, which will provide public safety and ease traffic congestion. [Passengers] will experience greater convenience and connectivity.”

    On Oct. 1, the steel trusses that support the canopies will be moved from the staging area to the North roadway. Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr. said the “signature project” of the multibillion-dollar ATLNext program will draw attention near and far.

    “These canopies, iconic in their appearance and functionality, represent the exciting future of the world’s busiest and most efficient airport,” Council said.

    The design requires 3,500 tons of steel to support 19,776 square yards of ETFE, a translucent polymer, over the North and South entrances of the Domestic Terminal.

    In 2002, the Department of Aviation’s Planning and Development team proposed a canopy concept, with ATL officials implementing the current design plan in 2015. The joint venture of New South – McCarthy – Synergy began prepping the site in 2016.

    New South Construction CEO Doug Davidson said his team is excited to be part of such a monumental project for Atlanta.

    “The continuous growth and expansion of our Airport not only provides great careers for many people in our community, but also provides tremendous opportunity for many of our local and small minority-owned business partners,” Davidson said.

    Still, there are inherent challenges with leading a large-scale construction project at an Airport with more than 270,000 people navigating through the facility each day.

    ATL’s Planning and Development team, led by interim Assistant General Manager Tom Nissalke, will mitigate traffic issues at each construction stage while placing top priority on public safety.

    “Aspects of this work will be performed 24 hours per day with the utmost attention being paid to safety,” Nissalke said.

    Reed said he expects the Airport’s transformation to further advance Atlanta’s position as a top business city.

    “Ultimately,” Reed said, “we expect the improvements of ATLNext to convince more leading businesses and startups to bring and build their dreams in the city of Atlanta.”

     

    Coming to ATL? Follow these tips:

    1. Add at least five extra minutes of travel time to the Airport.
    2. Obey speed limits while entering construction areas.
    3. Watch for signs redirecting traffic.
    4. Visit next.atl.com for the most up-to-date information.
  • ATL boosts awareness, honors top performers at safety expo

    ATL boosts awareness, honors top performers at safety expo

    An attendee tests ergonomics at second annual OneATL Safety and Risk Management Expo Aug. 23. © 2017 Decisive Moment Events

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

     

    Hundreds of Airport employees increased their operational awareness and shared best practices at the second annual OneATL Safety and Risk Management Expo. The conference, held last week at the Georgia International Convention Center, is one of only two of its kind hosted by a U.S. airport.

    “Hartsfield-Jackson has a proactive, safety-first culture,” said Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr. during the Aug. 23 event. “We achieve this by clearly defining, or redefining, roles and responsibilities. We achieve this by constantly promoting safety and providing the tools, including training, that are necessary for success.”

    The day began with the 16th annual ATL FOD Walk in which about 120 ATL employees scoured Runway 8L-26R for debris that could damage aircraft such as hardware, water bottles and even broken asphalt.

    Later, hundreds of employees throughout Hartsfield-Jackson gathered at the GICC to participate in workshops to learn about current safety regulations and issues in the workplace.

    Safety demonstrations between sessions offered a glimpse of how Airport and airline emergency personnel respond in times of crisis. Southwest Airlines showed onlookers how to remove an incapacitated passenger, deliver oxygen and begin resuscitation. Atlanta Fire Rescue and Atlanta Police officials shared what happens once someone spots a suspicious package.

    ATL’s Safety Management System Manager and event organizer Scott Ayers said this year’s expo saw more participation from Airport stakeholders and partners, including Delta Air Lines, Kone, 3M, Southwest Airlines, MOPAC Plant & Building Services, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

    Keynote speaker W.E. Scott, former director of consulting services for the National Safety Council, discussed how to lead by setting an example in behavior and attitude, regardless of role.

    “Everybody can be a leader,” Scott said. “Someone is watching us all the time. No matter where we are or what we do … you have to say, ‘Is this something that I want someone to see?’”

    “Being safe at work allows us to do what we really care about,” Scott said.

    ATL officials recognized a number of businesses and employees for their emergency preparedness and leadership that keeps the world’s busiest airport safe.

  • ATL’s relief areas provide haven for service animals, passenger pets

    ATL’s relief areas provide haven for service animals, passenger pets

    Service Animal Relief Areas are available for all passenger pets at Hartsfield-Jackson.

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

     

    ATL leaders marked the completion of the seventh Service Animal Relief Area – the most animal relief areas of any other airport in the United States – during a press event last week next to the newest relief area at the International Terminal.

    “These areas allow for easier, more comfortable travel for guests and their pets while meeting federal requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act,” said Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr., who was joined Aug. 24 by members of Georgia Guide Dog Users. “Each year, more than 2 million pets take to the skies, so we know these areas offer a welcome bathroom break for our beloved animals.”

    These facilities not only provide pet comfort, but also increase the quality of ATL’s passenger experience.

    Rita Harris, president of Georgia Guide Dog users, said she is thankful for the project.

    “It is important for us because we, as visually impaired, are faced with challenges as well as having things accessible to us,” Harris said.

    “In solidifying our commitment to individuals with disabilities, we have made a significant investment,” said Steve Mayers, ATL’s director of customer experience and ADA coordinator. “This will enable our passengers with disabilities to have the convenience of providing care for their pets and a de-stressed area.”

    Each Service Animal Relief Area is spaciously equipped with pet supplies and concrete and grassy turf areas as well as a ground-level drinking fountain. All equipment is ADA accessible, including an automated entry door.

    Pet cleanup is simple with biodegradable pet waste bags and an overhead shower hose. The floor surface is antimicrobial, seamless, and it is stain and slip-resistant. A single sink is stationed on an adjacent wall for travelers to freshen up before leaving the space.

    Each relief area is always open at the following locations: T7, A10, B33, C19, D Centerpoint, E14 and F7.

    In addition, two outdoor dog parks at Hartsfield-Jackson offer relief and relaxation. Poochie Park, a 1,000-square-foot dog park in the Ground Transportation area on Domestic Terminal South, is located outside of doors W1 and W2. An additional pet relief area is located on the arrivals level of the International Terminal, right outside of door A1.

    “Service animals are loved and treated as family members by their owners, and we want them to be safe and comfortable, too,” Mayers said.