Several procedures are to be done before taking off and after arriving at the airport. At Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, security times may vary as it has been the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic since 1998. Passengers will have to go through check-in, security, boarding, and customs. However, travelers can register for in-services like TSA, CLEAR, etc, to reduce the Atlanta Airport security wait times. They can do this priorly and plan their arrival accordingly to avoid any last-minute chaos.
Average Security Wait Times at Atlanta Airport
During peak travel season, the average Atlanta Airport wait time is up to 30 minutes. However, on normal days, it is somewhere around 15 to 20 minutes.
| Security Wait Time AT Atlanta Airport | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| AM | Wait time | PM | Wait time |
| 12 to 1 | 3-5 minutes | 12 to 1 | 22 minutes |
| 1 to 2 | 0 minutes | 1 to 2 | 16 minutes |
| 2 to 3 | 8-10 minutes | 2 to 3 | 10 minutes |
| 3 to 4 | 15 minutes | 3 to 4 | 15 minutes |
| 4 to 5 | 20-23 minutes | 4 to 5 | 12 minutes |
| 5 to 6 | 17 minutes | 5 to 6 | 10 minutes |
| 6 to 7 | 10 minutes | 6 to 7 | 10 minutes |
| 7 to 8 | 25 minutes | 7 to 8 | 5 minutes |
| 8 to 9 | 16 minutes | 8 to 9 | 8-10 minutes |
| 9 to 10 | 15 minutes | 9 to 10 | 4 minutes |
| 10 to 11 | 5 minutes | 10 to 11 | 18 minutes |
| 11 to 12 | 24 minutes | 11 to 12 | 12 minutes |
ALT Airport Security Wait Times in Zones
Atlanta Airport Security Wait Times is divided into five zones, which become a determining factor in the duration of the procedure. Green Zone takes the lowest time, while Red Zone takes the highest.
- Green Zone: 0 to 15 minutes
- Yellow Zone: 15 to 30 minutes
- Orange Zone: 30 to 45 minutes
- Purple Zone: 45 to 1 hour
- Red Zone: 1 hour and above
Domestic and International Atlanta Airport Security Wait Times
Although International Security wait times vary from Domestic times, typically the maximum wait time at ALT Airport is 1 hour.
Domestic Security Wait Times
Atlanta Airport has various checkpoints for security screening, and passengers can be free in around 20 minutes on normal days. However, this time may increase during peak travel season.
- North Checkpoint: 10-11 minutes
- Lower North Checkpoint: 15-18 minutes
- South Checkpoint: 11 minutes
- Main Checkpoint: 10-11 minutes
International Security Wait Times
At the International terminal, security wait time is generally less than the domestic terminals, that is, 6-8 minutes. International flyers have to wait less and get free early.
NOTE: International passengers can only check in through the main checkpoint; the other ones are only for domestic travel.
Atlanta Airport TSA Security Wait Times
Passengers can book with TSA PreCheck to reduce waiting time at the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. ATL Airport has focused TSA security lanes, which help in boosting the process.
Domestic Screening Timings:
| TSA Security Details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Location of the Domestic Checkpoint | Type of security checking | Timings |
| North Checkpoint | Both Standard and Priority Screening | 3.30 A.M. to 10 P.M. |
| Lower North Checkpoint | TSA PreCheck and CLEAR | 4 A.M. to 10 P.M. |
| Main Checkpoint | Standard Screening | 24 hours |
| South Checkpoint | CLEAR and Standard Screening | 3.30 A.M to 10 P.M. |
International Screening Timings:
For International traveling passengers, the screening is done at the main checkpoint. The timings for these are:
- Standard Screening: 4.30 A.M. to 12 A.M
- TSA PreCheck: 7 A.M to 10 A.M. AND 2 P.M. to 7 P.M.
Custom Wait Times at the ALT Airport
The average waiting time for Customs at the Atlanta Airport is 1 hour or more. But passengers can cut down on this time a little by purchasing the two services listed below by the ALT Airport:
- APC: Automated Passport Control, also known as E-Gates. Through this, passengers can skip the counters and use the self-service kiosks.
- MPC: Mobile Passport Control. This helps passengers in submitting their passport and customs declaration details through mobile or tablet beforehand.
Atlanta Airport CLEAR Security Wait Times
Passengers who opted for CLEAR Security can directly move towards the dedicated lanes at the domestic checkpoints available for fast and accessible screening:
- North Checkpoint: 4 A.M. to 8 P.M.
- South Checkpoint: 4.30 A.M to 9 P.M.
Contact Atlanta Airport For a Better Security Encounter
Travelers can contact the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport for a more streamlined and hassle-free experience.
- Airport Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
- Helpline Number: (855) 787-2227
- Website: https://www.atl.com/
- Mailing Address: Department of Aviation, P.O. Box 20509, Atlanta, GA 30320
Generally, Atlanta Airport security wait times lie between 15-20 minutes, which may extend during the peak season. Passengers can enroll in various services to reduce security wait times at the airport. It offers TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, APC, and MPC to ensure a systematic process. Peak Times for the airport are 4-5 in the morning and 12-1 in the afternoon, when the security wait time takes more than 20 minutes to free the passenger. All in all, passengers must check the security waiting time before arrival and plan accordingly.
FAQs on ATL Airport Security Wait Times
The average security wait time is 15 to 20 minutes at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
ATL Airport offers TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, APC, and MPC to help passengers reduce their security wait time.
The TSA PreCheck at Lower North Checkpoints opens at 4 A.M and closes by 10 P.M.
You can call their helpline number (855) 787-2227 or contact them via their official website https://www.atl.com/
The Atlanta Airport has 5 security wait time zones. It includes Green, Yellow, Purple, Orange, and Red.
Yes, Atlanta Airport has CLEAR security service available to quicken the procedure.
The CLEAR Facility opens at 4 A.M. at North Checkpoint and 4.30 A.M. at South Checkpoint.
There are four security checkpoints available for domestic travel, including North, Lower North, South, and the Main Checkpoint.
The red zone takes the most security screening time, that is, 1 hour or more.
International flyers can complete their security screening process through the Main Checkpoint.
