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Current Average TSA Wait Time at ATL
3 mins avg. wait time
This avg. wait time is based on the current time (Pacific Standard Time). Please expect to wait up to at least (3 mins) on average to go through secuirity checkpoints at ATL.
This average wait time is based on the current time (Pacific Standard Time). Please expect to wait up to at least (3 mins) on average to go through security checkpoints at ATL.
ATL TSA Wait Times
ATL, Atlanta, GA
AM Times
12 am - 1 am
9.8 mins
1 am - 2 am
8.2 mins
2 am - 3 am
6.7 mins
3 am - 4 am
6 mins
4 am - 5 am
5.1 mins
5 am - 6 am
16.8 mins
6 am - 7 am
22.7 mins
7 am - 8 am
7.3 mins
8 am - 9 am
46.4 mins
9 am - 10 am
4.8 mins
10 am - 11 am
6 mins
11 pm - 12 am
2.8 mins
PM Times
11 am - 12 pm
15.1 mins
12 pm - 1 pm
13.7 mins
1 pm - 2 pm
8.8 mins
2 pm - 3 pm
7.6 mins
3 pm - 4 pm
8.4 mins
4 pm - 5 pm
13 mins
5 pm - 6 pm
5.9 mins
6 pm - 7 pm
15.2 mins
7 pm - 8 pm
18.3 mins
8 pm - 9 pm
8.8 mins
9 pm - 10 pm
7.3 mins
10 pm - 11 pm
16.3 mins
Reserve parking at ATL
Disclaimer
This TSA checkpoint display is based on TSA data with an hour rolling window. While we make every effort to ensure it is timely and correct, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Actual flight TSA wait times may vary. Please give yourself a time buffer to get through security.
Check ATL TSA wait times to plan your arrival at the airport and choose which checkpoint to use. It helps you plan your trip to the airport and skip the stress of delays due to the security process.
See current ATL TSA wait times
The ATL TSA wait times can vary at any time of the day. The security wait times at Atlanta Airport depend on factors such as passenger volume, staffing, and seasonal travel demand.
TSA checkpoints by terminal
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has four major checkpoints. The domestic terminal houses three, and the international terminal has one. Check our detailed ATL Airport map to find the checkpoints easily. Each checkpoint also has different operating hours.
| Name | Location | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Main Central Security Point | Domestic Terminal: Follow the walkway between Z-Market and Heritage Bookseller | 24 Hours |
| North Gate Security Point | Domestic Terminal: Behind the American Airlines check-in counter | 4 a.m. - 9 p.m. |
| South Security Checkpoint | Domestic Terminal: Behind the Delta check-in counter | 4 a.m. - 9 p.m. |
| International Terminal Departures | Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal: Near Truist ATM | 4:30 a.m. - 12 a.m. |
TSA operating hours may change according to the ATL Airport Authority.
What affects TSA wait times at ATL?
From passenger volume to security staffing, different factors affect the ATL TSA wait times. Check if any of these factors are applicable on the day of your departure.
Time of day: Certain times of the day see the highest traveler volume at Atlanta Airport. The TSA wait times are usually longer around these hours. Early morning departures, particularly between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., are usually the busiest hours at ATL.
Day of the week: Though Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the US, certain days see even sharper spikes in traveler volume. This is mainly due to business travel and weekend trips. Midweek travel often provides a smoother security experience.
Holidays and peak travel seasons: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break, and summer vacation are some of the busiest travel periods at ATL. Vacation travelers, along with regular travelers, significantly increase passenger volume, leading to longer screening times.
TSA staffing and security operations: Operational changes, staffing levels, and enhanced security procedures may temporarily increase wait times even on normal travel days.
How early should you arrive at ATL Airport?
Your recommended arrival time depends on your destination, airline, baggage, and parking arrangements.
Domestic flights
For domestic flyers, it is best to arrive at least 2 hours before departure. This may change depending on the factors affecting wait times. During holidays or peak travel periods, allowing additional time for parking, baggage check, and security is advisable.
International flights
It is ideal for international passengers to arrive at least 3 hours before their scheduled departure. This gives you enough time for check-in, passport verification, baggage processing, and security screening.
Tips to avoid long ATL TSA wait times
The security process at ATL can cause delays and may be stressful, especially if you are on a tight schedule. Follow these simple steps to breeze through the TSA checkpoints.
- Check current TSA wait times before leaving for the airport.
- Plan to reach the terminal outside peak travel hours if possible.
- Pack your bags according to TSA guidelines.
- Keep your identification and boarding pass easily accessible.
- Use TSA PreCheck if you travel frequently.
Plan your ATL trip around security and parking
Flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport? Start by figuring out how early you should arrive. Reserving your parking spot ahead of time saves you the hassle of finding parking, while real-time ATL TSA wait times let you know the expected security wait time. If it shows longer wait times, you can head to the airport earlier. To make things easier, book a nearby Atlanta Airport parking spot in advance. This gives you enough time to check in at the lot, park your car, and reach your terminal on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the TSA wait at Atlanta Airport?
Check the real-time ATL TSA wait times to know the expected hold-up at security processing. These wait times are not static and change based on passenger traffic, staffing, and travel demand.
Do all TSA checkpoints operate 24/7 at ATL?
Only the Main Central Security Point in the Domestic Terminal operates 24/7. All other TSA checkpoints at ATL close by 9 p.m. or 12 a.m., depending on the checkpoint.
Is 2 hours enough for Atlanta Airport?
Two hours is a good time for domestic flyers, but it doesn't apply to everyone. If you are an international traveler flying out of ATL, it is best to arrive at the terminal at least 3 hours earlier.