Atlanta Security Wait Times: ATL Checkpoint Delays (2024)

TSA PreCheck at ATL

The TSA PreCheck program is available at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL), offering enrolled travelers expedited security screening. Benefits include not having to remove shoes, light outerwear, and belts during the security check, and the ability to keep laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in carry-on bags.

Enrollment Center: The TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center at ATL is located post-security on Concourse A, between Gates A19 and A21, for ticketed and connecting passengers only. It operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-in appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where to Use TSA PreCheck at ATL: PreCheck service is available at the ATL Domestic MAIN, NORTH, SOUTH, and International Checkpoints. The service is open to select frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs.

Learn More About TSA PreCheck: For more information about enrolling in the TSA PreCheck program, visit iFly TSA PreCheck Guide.

Participating Airlines at ATL:

  • AeroMexico
  • Aerolane Lineas Aereas Nacionales del Ecuador
  • Air Canada
  • Air Europa
  • Air France
  • American Airlines
  • Aruba Airlines
  • Austrian Airlines
  • Avianca
  • British Airways
  • Cayman Airways
  • Copa Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • EL AL Israel
  • Eastern Airlines
  • Finnair
  • French bee
  • Frontier Airlines
  • ITA Airways
  • Interjet
  • KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
  • LAN Peru S.A.
  • LATAM Airlines
  • Lufthansa
  • Qatar Airways
  • Scandinavian Airlines
  • Silver Airways
  • Sun Country Airlines
  • Swiss International Air Lines
  • TAM-Linhas Aereas S.A.
  • TAP Air Portugal
  • Thomas Cook Airlines (Scan.)
  • Thomas Cook Airlines (UK)
  • Titan Airways
  • Turkish Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • Volaris
  • WestJet
  • Avelo Airlines

CLEAR Plus

The CLEAR Plus service provides expedited security screening for air travelers, designed to save time and reduce stress. CLEAR Plus members can enjoy dedicated CLEAR Lanes at the Domestic Terminal North and the Domestic Terminal South. The service is also available at the Hertz Rental Car Center “Fast Lane”, to speed up your exit from the airport. The CLEAR Plus enrollment center is located at the Domestic Terminal North.

For more information on CLEAR Plus, including how to enroll and start your membership, visit iFly Airport Security. As a special promotion in partnership with iFly, CLEAR is currently offering a 2 month free trial for new members, and allows the addition of up to 3 family members to the trial.

Lost Items at TSA Checkpoints

If you've lost an item at a TSA checkpoint or in checked baggage at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL), you should promptly contact the airport's Lost and Found. For detailed information and to report your lost item, you can reach the TSA Lost Items Contact at www.aatc.org/lost-found/. Be prepared to provide a comprehensive description of your item, including color and any unique features, to aid in its identification and recovery.

About ATL Security Wait Times

The security wait times at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport are calculated using a combination of historical flight information and TSA staffing schedules. Our goal is to provide reasonably accurate estimates of wait times at ATL through the use of advanced data analysis methods. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that these estimates can vary due to unforeseen circ*mstances. The TSA advises passengers to arrive at the airport well in advance of their scheduled departure time.

We strive to provide accurate security checkpoint wait times to aid in your travel planning. However, it's equally important to stay in touch with your airline regarding wait times at the ticket counter and any potential changes to your flight schedules. These factors should also be considered when determining your arrival time at ATL. Please bear in mind, each airline has its own recommended and mandatory arrival times.

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Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport wait times Q&A

Security checkpoint operational hours vary by location: Domestic Terminal Main operates 24 hours, Domestic Terminal North from 4:15 AM to 9:00 PM, Domestic Terminal Lower North from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Domestic Terminal South from 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM, and International Terminal Departures from 5:30 AM to 12:00 AM.

TSA PreCheck is available at Domestic MAIN, NORTH, SOUTH, and International Checkpoints. CLEAR Plus lanes can be found at the Domestic Terminal North and South. You can enroll in these programs for expedited screening, with CLEAR Plus also offering a special 2 month free trial in partnership with iFly.

The TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center is located post-security on Concourse A, between Gates A19 and A21. It is available for ticketed and connecting passengers, operating Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Peak times typically occur between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., as well as days before and after holidays and long weekends. It's advisable to arrive at the airport well in advance of your scheduled departure time, considering additional time for parking, rental car drop-off, airline check-in, and security screening.

Yes, real-time wait times can be checked to keep your travel plans on track. However, keep in mind that these estimates can vary due to unforeseen circ*mstances.

If you've lost an item at a TSA checkpoint or in checked baggage, contact the airport's Lost and Found immediately. You can reach the TSA Lost Items Contact through their website and provide a detailed description of your item for identification and recovery.

Yes, all checkpoints are ADA accessible. For additional assistance, please contact TSA Cares 72 hours prior to your flight.

Atlanta Security Wait Times: ATL Checkpoint Delays (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to get through ATL airport security? ›

It's important to note that wait times at security checkpoints can fluctuate depending on the volume of travelers. It is strongly suggested that passengers arrive at Hartsfield International Airport at least 3 hours before departure time for a smooth pre-check process.

Is ATL experiencing delays? ›

General Departure Delays: Traffic is experiencing gate hold and taxi delays lasting 15 minutes or less. General Arrival Delays: Arrival traffic is experiencing airborne delays of 15 minutes or less.

Why are security lines so long in Atlanta airport? ›

Security wait times have been a major customer service issue at the world's busiest airport amid a ramp-up in travel since the depths of the pandemic and a recent construction project to upgrade screening equipment at the domestic terminal that reduced capacity at the checkpoints.

How much time do you need to get through Atlanta airport? ›

Passengers should plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to scheduled domestic departures and three hours prior to international departures. Wait times at the screening checkpoint vary throughout the day.

Is 1 hour enough time to get through airport security? ›

"The two-hour recommendation is fairly standard across the industry," says Heather Lissner, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport spokesperson. "We recommend the two hours so that travelers have enough time to get dropped off or park their cars, check their bags and get through security to their gates."

How long should I give myself to get through airport security? ›

Give yourself plenty of time to park, check in, and go through security. We recommend arriving two hours before your flight. If the lines are short, hey, more time for last minute gift shopping or to meet your fellow travelers.

How early should I arrive at ATL? ›

How early should I arrive? If you are flying domestically, airport officials recommend you arrive at least two and a half hours early. But, if you are flying internationally, you should try to get to the airport three hours early.

What time is rush hour over in Atlanta? ›

Plan Your Travel Time

Rush Hour Avoidance: Try to avoid traveling during peak morning and evening rush hours, typically from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Adjust your schedule to leave earlier or later, if possible. Weekends and Holidays: Traffic tends to be lighter on weekends and holidays.

Why is everyone moving to ATL? ›

A Booming Business Hub. Atlanta's economic landscape is a significant draw, offering a robust and diverse business environment. The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies such as Delta Air Lines, Home Depot, Coca-Cola, and UPS, providing extensive career opportunities across various industries.

What are the busiest TSA times in Atlanta? ›

Busiest Days/Times: Mondays before 9:00 AM and Fridays 3:00-5:00 pm. TSA screening times vary, depending on departure times. Mid-day; they range from 20-30 minutes, but you can do a same-day check of screening line times at: http://www.atlanta-airport.com/Passenger/Waittimes/Default.aspx.

Can you skip airport security line? ›

3. Skip the longer lines with TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry. TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry can be a great way to save time. In addition to skipping the longer security lines, members aren't usually required to remove laptops, shoes, belts, light jackets or toiletry liquids at security checkpoints.

How many security checkpoints are in Atlanta airport? ›

The full reopening Thursday morning brings the total to 36 security screening lanes across the domestic terminal's four checkpoints: Main, North, Lower North and South. Combined, the additional four lanes can screen up to 600 passengers an hour, according to airport officials.

What is happening at the Atlanta airport right now? ›

Delays by Destination: No destination-specific delays are being reported. General Departure Delays: Traffic is experiencing gate hold and taxi delays lasting 15 minutes or less. General Arrival Delays: Arrival traffic is experiencing airborne delays of 15 minutes or less.

Can you get to the airport 30 minutes before flight? ›

For most airports, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time (airports requiring additional time are listed below, Go to footer note). Additionally, you're required to be at the gate and ready to board 15 minutes before scheduled departure.

Is 35 minutes enough time to connect flights in Atlanta? ›

Not positive but I thought the legal connection time was 50 minutes. 35 minutes in not comfortable at all. You're close but okay if it's on the same concourse. If you have to switch concourses, you probably won't make it.

How early should I get to Atlanta airport for a 7am flight? ›

Check-In Times at U.S. Airports

When you're traveling within the United States, we make the suggestion to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure.

What is the busiest time at Hartsfield-Jackson? ›

Be aware of peak crowd hours: The busiest times in Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson are between 5–7 AM and 4–6 PM.

Is 40 minutes enough time for a layover in Atlanta? ›

40 minutes is almost never enough time for a layover in Atlanta. Even if you arrive right on time, and your next flight is one gate over from your incoming flight, the Atlanta airport's ability to transfer baggage from one plane to another very often exceeds 40 minutes.

How many hours before can you go through airport security? ›

' That depends on the airport, the airline, and the cabin/class of service booked. Some pax may complete check in and go through security four or five hours before departure, but others may not be allowed through until two hours before. It's not simply airport-dependent as other factors are taken into consideration.

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