( CNN ) -- Call it odd , but I 'm a self-appointed airport sleuth . I apply this title to travelers who weave their way in and out of airport terminals , bypassing lines , crowds and stress , and ultimately finding devilish gratification in knowing what others do n't . As a longtime resident of Atlanta , I 've passed through the world 's busiest airport hundreds of times and have a few handy tricks that make life a bit easier , faster and more comfortable . It 's not very sleuth-like of me to share my secrets , but my hope is you 'll share yours , and together , we can expand our sleuth-like ways ... 1 . If you 're dropping off or picking up someone from the north or south side , use the downstairs entrance instead of the upstairs . There are check-in kiosks and baggage services below ( south side only ) and barely any lines or even cops to tell you to keep moving . It 's guaranteed to save you time . Plus , you avoid the crowds and chaos above as you slip past the masses with ease . 2 . There 's a lesser-known security checkpoint with six lanes by the American check-in counter on the north side . Also , on the south side past Delta ticketing and the Brooks Brothers store , you 'll see Delta 's own set of four security lanes . If the main security is super busy , try either of these as a possible faster option , no matter which airline you 're flying . Road warriors ' best tips for smooth travel . 3 . If you 're lucky enough to be departing from the T Gate , enter through the side security lanes , ( either north or south ) and then walk to the T Gate . This is actually faster than going through the main security and taking the tram . I love the T Gate ! 4 . When heading to baggage claim after your flight arrives ( from A , B , C , D or E terminals ) , be sure to board the very first car of the tram . This will let you out in front of the hordes of people now behind you and up the escalator to baggage claim first . Freedom ! It 's one of my favorite secrets , so shhh ... 5 . Wi-Fi is n't free at the airport , unless you 're at the E Terminal food court . Hojeij Branded Foods provides the free service that can help time slip on by . So if you have a long layover , take the tram to E Terminal , and maybe you 'll have the added benefit of meeting a cute international man ( or woman ) of mystery . What airport sleuth would n't love that ? 6 . Exhausted from traveling , and have a long layover ? Go to Minute Suites at B Terminal . Here , full-service secluded napping stations are offered for $ 30 an hour . Minute Suites was the first of its kind in the country . ( Philadelphia International Airport is now the second . ) Besides a daybed and blankets , each suite offers a high-definition television and workstation with a phone , desk , office chair and Internet . As soon as you find out your flight is delayed , be the sleuth that you are and leave your irked co-passengers behind in exchange for some quiet time with your feet up , door shut , blanket tucked and the TV tuned to `` Million Dollar Decorators . '' ( Oh , how I love that show . ) This is n't the airline I signed up for . 7 . Flying can be uncomfortable enough , so I believe in making airport time a bit indulgent . Concourse A ( across from the food court ) and C ( opposite Gate C37 ) have an XPresSpa . Prices are $ 20 for a manicure or $ 25 for a 10-minute massage . Or grab an old-fashioned shoeshine offered at gates A20 and B17 . A bit of glam goes a long way for the airport sleuth . 8 . Sign up for Trak-a-Flight , the free service offered by Atlanta Airport that provides updated flight information to e-mail accounts , PDAs or mobile devices . This service provides instant access to any changes made to your flight . Knowledge is key if you want to take this title seriously . 9 . Want to forgo fast food for a fine dining experience ? Then head to the E Concourse and grab a seat at `` One Flew South . '' A couple of entree highlights are Thyme Roasted Pork Belly and Fennel and Coriander crusted Lamb Tenderloin . The restaurant also has an excellent sushi menu . For dessert , I suggest the sublime red wine and ginger-poached plums that make you forget you 're at an airport . Or if you 're just in need of a scrumptious cocktail , saddle up to the bar for the `` Portrait of a Bartender , '' made with Finian 's Irish Whiskey , St. Germain Elderflower and organic bitters . That delicious Elderflower makes me sigh with happiness every time . MatadorNetwork : Tips for speaking English abroad . Have some secret tips to share in navigating ATL or your own hometown airport ? I want in on them ! Please share your comments and suggestions below . And shhh ... let 's keep this between us !
A self - proclaimed airport sleuth shares tricks to make traveling easier , faster and comfortable . Hartsfield International 's B Terminal food court is the only one with free Wi - Fi . Minute Suites at B Terminal offer two charging stations for $ 30 an hour .