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.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has confirmed that, beginning on May 7, 2025, it will officially implement the enforcement of the REAL ID Act at all TSA security checkpoints across the United States. This long-anticipated deadline, established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), signifies a pivotal step in standardizing and strengthening the identification process for domestic air travel. From that date forward, all air travelers age 18 and older will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another TSA-approved form of identification—such as a valid U.S. passport or military ID—when passing through airport security screening.

What is REAL ID?

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for the issuance of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The legislation was a direct response to recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission, which identified the use of fraudulent identification as a serious security concern. Since then, the Department of Homeland Security has worked with states and territories to roll out secure issuance processes and enhanced credential features. A REAL ID-compliant card is typically marked with a star in the upper portion of the card, signifying that it meets federal standards.

Key Information for Travelers

TSA has provided the following guidance to ensure travelers are prepared:

• Non-REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or state-issued IDs will no longer be accepted at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights after May 7.
• Travelers must bring an alternate acceptable form of ID—such as a passport, DHS trusted traveler card (e.g., Global Entry), or a military ID—if they do not have a REAL ID.
• TSA PreCheck® members are not exempt from this requirement; all passengers must comply regardless of PreCheck status.
• Non-citizens voluntarily self-deporting on international flights will not be denied boarding under this provision.
• According to TSA, approximately 81% of U.S. air travelers already present acceptable forms of identification, and this number is expected to rise as the deadline approaches.

Nationwide Coordination and Readiness Federal authorities have been working closely with state departments of motor vehicles (DMVs) to facilitate public education campaigns and streamline application processes.

Visit tsa.gov/real-id for the most current information and a list of acceptable alternative forms of ID.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) implemented regulations in compliance with legislation passed by the Atlanta City Council in 2024. Access to the Airport is restricted 24/7 to ticketed passengers, personnel, individuals meeting or greeting passengers, those performing facility maintenance, and others who have legitimate business to conduct at the Airport.

The legislation covers the Domestic and International terminals, ATL SkyTrain, Rental Car Center, and parking decks. Hartsfield-Jackson is publicly owned and operated by the City of Atlanta. This legislation enhances ATL’s ongoing work to maintain a secure and safe environment for passengers, workers, and vendors at Hartsfield-Jackson. Refer to City of Atlanta Code of Ordinances Chapter 22 – Aviation, Article III, Division 3, Subdivision I, Section 22-115. Click here to view frequently asked questions regarding this policy.

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 10:00 p.m.
Domestic Terminal Lower North	Standard Screening CLEAR Standard	3:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Domestic Terminal South	TSA PreCheck CLEAR w/ PreCheck	4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
International Terminal Departures	Standard Screening TSA PreCheck	4:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.        2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.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 Plus

CLEAR Plus 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.