Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – Security Wait Times & TSA Details

The Atlanta Airport security wait times can vary throughout the day because of its complex layout, passenger traffic, and the time. On average, passengers can expect 15 to 30 minutes at security checkpoints during off-peak hours in domestic and international terminals. But during peak hours, especially mornings and holidays, the wait time may exceed one hour. On the contrary, travellers can enroll in expedited security screening programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR to speed up the screening process. Therefore, flyers should plan accordingly to save time and improve their airport experience.

Expected Current Average Security Wait Times at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

The current average security wait time at Atlanta Airport is typically 20 to 25 minutes, depending on flight schedules and passenger volume.

ATL Security Wait Times (General)

Generally, passengers can expect 15 to 30 minutes at standard security checkpoints during non-peak hours when the security lines are shorter. While early mornings and evenings tend to experience higher congestion.

Atlanta Airport TSA Wait Times

The TSA wait times can be less than 10 minutes at checkpoints, but during peak travel, the main domestic checkpoints can experience the longest lines.

How to Expedite the Security Screening Process at ATL

Travelers can enroll in TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or Global Entry to move quickly through dedicated lanes.

TSA PreCheck: It allows enrolled passengers to use dedicated security lanes where they can keep on shoes, belts, and light jackets, and leave laptops and liquids in their bags. Most TSA PreCheck passengers clear security in under 10 minutes.

CLEAR: It uses biometric identification such as fingerprints or facial recognition, allowing members to skip the ID check line and head straight to the physical screening area.

Atlanta Airport Customs and Immigration Wait Time

Travellers can expect to spend 30 to 45 minutes clearing the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. But during busy hours, especially when several international flights arrive at once, it may take up to an hour or more. Passengers can enroll in expedited security screening programs to reduce the customs wait time.

Enroll in Global Entry: Enrolled flyers can use automated kiosks to verify their identity, saving up to 30 minutes compared to regular lines.

Use the Mobile Passport Control (MPC): U.S. citizens and eligible international passengers can use the MPC app to submit passport and customs declaration information electronically, allowing them to bypass long lines and move faster through a dedicated lane.

Additionally, ATL has recently introduced a new Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) system, which uses facial recognition to speed up identity matching, reducing Atlanta International Airport customs and immigration wait times by about 22% in early trials.

Where to Contact for ATL Security Wait Times Assistance

Travellers can get the updates from the following:

While the Security wait time at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport varies throughout the day, it can be minimized by enrolling in trusted traveler programs and checking live updates.

Frequently Asked Questions