Passenger Security

Security Overview

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. The busiest times usually occur between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., as well as days before and after holidays and long weekends. During peak times, please allow additional time for parking, rental car drop-off, airline check-in, and security screening.

To check real-time TSA Security wait times, click here.

Only ticketed passengers are allowed through TSA security checkpoints. Airlines may issue gate passes that allow one adult to accompany a disabled passenger or minor traveling alone. Gate passes are issued at the discretion of each airline. Certain items are not allowed beyond security checkpoints or on an aircraft. For information on restricted items please visit the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov or call TSA toll-free at (866) 289-9673.

For more information on TSA Security Screening, click here.

Hours of Operation

Passengers can access all concourses and gates from any checkpoint.

Location Screening Categories Hours of Operation
Domestic Terminal Main Standard Screening 24 Hours
Domestic Terminal North Standard Screening

Priority Screening

4:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Domestic Terminal Lower North Standard Screening

CLEAR Standard

4:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Domestic Terminal South TSA PreCheck

CLEAR w/ PreCheck

4:00 a.m. to 9:15 p.m.
International Terminal Departures Standard Screening

TSA PreCheck

4:45 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

TSA screening hours are subject to change.

All checkpoints are ADA accessible. For additional assistance please contact TSA Cares 72 hours prior to your flight, click here.

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program that allows travelers to keep their shoes, belts and jackets on and leave their 3-1-1 compliant liquids and laptops in their bags when going through security checkpoints.

For additional information and to enroll, click here and complete an online application. Then schedule an appointment for an interview and fingerprinting at a TSA Precheck Enrollment Center.

The TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center at ATL is located post-security on Concourse A, between Gates A19 and A21. This location is for ticketed and connecting passengers ONLY. It is open 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.

CLEAR

CLEAR is a biometric-based program that allows passengers to enter dedicated security checkpoint lanes.

Passengers may enroll on the CLEAR website (click here) or in person at CLEAR enrollment pods located in the Domestic Terminal (North and South) near the Main Security Checkpoint.