ATL spreads ‘love’ to guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day

Clockwise from top: Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts dancers soar at the ‘We Love Our Guests’ customer appreciation kickoff. Senior Deputy General Manager Michael Smith describes the sights and sounds to be experienced during the weeklong event. USO volunteer greeters prepare to distribute treats to passengers. A guest writes scribes a message on the “love wall.” Tasty chocolate hearts. Domestic Terminal atrium banners encourage all to share the love using hashtag #LoveATL. Photos by The Decisive Moment Photojournalism

By Anika Robertson
Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

Love is in the air at the world’s busiest airport, as ATL leaders launch a weeklong celebration to mark Valentine’s Day and, more importantly, thank the 104 million guests who travel through Hartsfield-Jackson each year.

“This is the third year we’ve hosted this event to provide our guests with an entertaining, uplifting and memorable Valentine’s travel experience,” said Airport Senior Deputy General Manager Michael Smith at the campaign kickoff Feb. 8 in the Domestic Terminal atrium.

New this year is a specially constructed “love wall,” where guests can write personalized messages. At 24 feet long, the festively decorated wall near the atrium will remain visible throughout the Valentine’s celebration.

“We encourage our guests to take photos in front of our ‘love wall,’” Smith said. “What better way to express yourself on Valentine’s Day than writing a sweet note on the ‘love wall?’”

Event-goers enjoyed love-themed melodies, courtesy of a jazz ensemble from Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts, metro Atlanta’s first K-12 fine arts school, in Clayton County. Dancers from Stilwell gracefully performed in white and lavender.

As part of the weeklong celebration, volunteers from the Department of Aviation, USO of Georgia, Hojeij Branded Foods, Delta Air Lines, Atlanta Fire and Rescue, and other Airport partners will hand out candy and treats to guests throughout the Airport.

The love fest also includes an array of musical performances and festive decorations to brighten the mid-winter days with cheer and, of course, love. A large heart constructed of red ruffles stands in the atrium as well as the centerpoint of Concourse F.

“We are excited this week – and every week – to show our 104 million-plus guests how much we appreciate them,” Smith said. “This celebration is one small way in which we can express our gratitude.”

Hartsfield-Jackson guests, passengers and employees are encouraged to use hashtag #LoveATL and share messages on social media.