Passenger Security

Security Overview

Effective April 2024, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) implemented new regulations in compliance with legislation passed by the Atlanta City Council. As a result, access to the Airport will be 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. The rationale for the legislation is, first and foremost, safety. 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.

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	3:30 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.