How to Breeze Through Atlanta Airport Security Wait Times 

Serving millions of passengers annually, Atlanta Airport, formally known as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, is one of the busiest airports in the world. It can be difficult to oversee the security screening procedure due to the large number of travelers. 

There is often a sense of urgency when navigating the ATL security procedures. You may have a flight to catch soon if you’re reading this. In light of that, do you know how long the average security wait times at ATL are? Typically, they last between 17 and 26 minutes. Although knowing this information is helpful, it does not ensure a stress-free trip. Make sure to read this travel guide through to the end for more precise information on Atlanta Airport Security Wait Times. 

Atlanta Airport Security Wait Times Overview

Even if you’re relatively familiar with the safety wait times at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, it’s crucial to comprehend the process thoroughly before your journey. You might be surprised to know that this international airport’s overall security wait times are estimated based on a detailed analysis of past flight records and TSA schedules. There isn’t an authoritative timeline for wait times here, so airport authorities recommend reaching your terminal well before your flight’s departure.

What are the average Atlanta Airport Security Wait Times?

As you are aware that the TSA wait times at Atlanta Airport can fluctuate enormously, and there is no set duration. The actual wait time relies on different facets, including the specific terminal, the day of the week, and the time of the day. Regardless, on average, you can predict wait times to be between 2 to 10 minutes during non-peak hours. When the flight time is busier, the waiting period can extend up to 30 minutes or more. 

Check the real-time TSA wait times on the official Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport website to manage your travel plans effectively. Further, arriving at the security checkpoints two to three hours before your flight departure is advisable to avoid any delays during check-in and security screening.

How to Access the Airport’s Security Checkpoints?

You can easily access the safety checkpoint at any concourse or gate at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Below are the kinds of screenings presented and their functioning hours at each checkpoint:

ATL Terminal Name	Operational Hours
Domestic Terminal Main	Open 24 hours for standard screening.
Domestic Terminal North	Open 3:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. for standard and priority screening.
Domestic Terminal Lower North	Open 3:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. for standard and CLEAR standard screening.
Domestic Terminal South	Open 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. for TSA PreCheck and CLEAR with PreCheck screening.
International Terminal Departures	Open 4:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. for standard screening and 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. for TSA PreCheck.

How Early to Arrive at ATL?

The guidelines recommend that passengers follow the arrival procedures provided by the TSA. For domestic flights, arriving at least 2 hours before your departure time is recommended. For international flights, the advised arrival time is 3 hours before departure. 

Checking Atlanta Airport Security Wait Times

You can check wait times at ATL through multiple strategies, including:

Methods	Justifications
ATL Website	The airport’s website offers real-time updates on security wait times for each security checkpoint.
MyTSA App	The TSA has a smartphone app called MyTSA that provides calculated wait times at security checkpoints at airports across the U.S.
Social Media	The airport’s official social media accounts often give updates on wait times, especially during peak travel periods.

Moreover, these sources can provide an estimate of security wait times at ATL, but they may not always be correct. It’s a good idea to check numerous sources, particularly during peak travel times or significant holidays when wait times can vary enormously. Arriving at the airport well before your flight will help you avoid possible issues related to fluctuating security wait times.

Atlanta Airport PreCheck at ATL Airport

Atlanta Airport offers the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck program to decrease wait times. However, this advantage is open only to travelers enrolled in the expedited security screening program. TSA PreCheck permits passengers to enjoy a more streamlined experience, including not having to remove shoes, light outerwear, or belts during screening. Also, travelers can carry laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in their carry-on baggage.

Registration Desk

Both connecting and reservation travelers can use the TSA PreCheck enrollment desk, which is situated post-security on Concourse A, tucked between gates A19 and A21. This counter is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. There is a first-come, first-served policy for walk-in availability.

Remember that TSA PreCheck is available at the Atlanta International Airport’s Domestic Main, North, South, and International Checkpoints if you’re wondering where to find it. Select travelers on all participating airlines and those who are enrolled in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler programs are eligible for this expedited screening service. 

Additionally, the details provided overhead, here is a quick list of major airlines participating in the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck program. This can help reduce your wait times at Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

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

Last but not least, you need to thoroughly understand Atlanta Airport Security Wait Times and TSA PreCheck by now. You can efficiently manage your flight security wait times with thoughtful preparation and strategy. You may plan ahead by keeping an eye on wait times using a variety of online services.

You can swiftly reach the checkpoints by striking a balance between security screening choices like TSA PreCheck and enrolling in it. Your trip will go more smoothly because the TSA procedure is designed to be as efficient as possible. Please feel free to ask for help from the authorities at Atlanta International Airport if you have any questions. Have a safe trip! 

Frequently Asked Questions