How Long Is the Security Line at Atlanta Airport? What to Expect at Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)

The security line at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) can be anything from a quick 10–15 minutes to well over an hour, depending on time of day, day of week, season, and which checkpoint you use.

There’s no single wait time that’s always true, but there are clear patterns and local tips that can help you plan.

Typical Security Wait Times at Atlanta Airport

At ATL, most travelers can expect:

• Low to moderate waits:
  20–35 minutes at many off-peak times
• Busy periods:
  30–60+ minutes during rush hours and heavy travel days
• Occasional surges:
  Around holidays, Monday mornings, and Sunday evenings, lines can stretch to over an hour at the main checkpoint if you arrive at the peak.

These are general ranges, not guarantees. Security wait times change quickly in Atlanta, especially because ATL is a major hub with constant connecting traffic.

Quick-Reference: When ATL Security Is Usually Longest

How long is the security line at Atlanta airport? It often depends on when you get there.

By Time of Day

Morning rush (approximately 5:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.)

• One of the busiest windows at ATL
• Lots of business travelers and early flights
• Plan for 30–60 minutes, sometimes longer at peak

Midday (approximately 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)

• Often moderate; can be smoother than early morning
• Many travelers see 20–40 minutes during this window

Late afternoon & early evening (approximately 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

• Another common busy period, especially Sunday and Monday
• Expect 30–60 minutes depending on traffic and checkpoint

Late evening (after 8:00 p.m.)

• Can be lighter, sometimes 15–30 minutes
• But if several late flights bunch up, there can still be a line

By Day of Week

In Atlanta, wait times often follow this pattern:

• Busiest travel days:
  Monday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday
  Expect longer lines, especially morning and late afternoon.
• Moderate:
  Tuesday and Wednesday tend to be more manageable.
• Holidays & major events:
  Around Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, spring break, and large Atlanta events (big conventions, major games, festivals), waits can spike at almost any time of day.

Security Checkpoints at ATL and Which Are Fastest

Hartsfield-Jackson has several security checkpoints. The line you choose can matter as much as the time of day.

Main Security Checkpoint (Domestic Terminal – North & South Entrances)

• Located at the Domestic Terminal at the top of the MARTA escalators and between North and South ticketing.
• Handles a large share of Atlanta-originating travelers.
• Often the longest line, especially:
  • Weekday mornings
  • Sunday evenings
  • Holiday periods
• Convenient if you’re being dropped off at Domestic or arriving on MARTA, but not always the fastest.

South Security Checkpoint (Often for Delta & Some PreCheck)

• Located closer to the South Terminal (often used by Delta).
• Sometimes has a different flow and can be a bit faster than the main line, but it depends on the moment.
• If you’re already at the South curbside check-in or flying Delta, checking this area can be worthwhile.

North Security Checkpoint

• Near the North Terminal airlines (other major carriers).
• Lines can be shorter or longer than South depending on time; it’s worth visually checking both if you’re already at Domestic.

International Terminal / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Terminal (Concourse F)

• Has its own security checkpoint.
• Address:
  2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354
• Often less crowded than the main Domestic checkpoint.
• Atlanta locals sometimes depart from International, even for domestic trips that connect internationally later, if their airline and ticket allow check-in there.
• Best if:
  • Your flight checks bags at the International Terminal
  • You’re being dropped off by car or rideshare directly at Concourse F

How Early You Should Arrive at ATL (Realistic Local Guidance)

For most travelers out of Atlanta:

• Domestic flights out of ATL:

  • Aim to arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure
  • Add extra time for:
    • Early morning or Sunday evening flights
    • Holidays or school breaks
    • Checking bags, traveling with kids, or unfamiliarity with ATL

• International flights leaving ATL:

  • Plan for at least 3 hours before departure
  • Gate areas and document checks can also take extra time

For Atlanta residents who know the airport well, cutting it closer is tempting, but security lines at ATL can jump fast. A 20‑minute wait can become 45 minutes with just a couple of large groups or flight banks.

ATL Security Wait Time Factors That Matter Most

Several local and operational factors affect how long the security line is at Hartsfield-Jackson:

• Flight banks: When many flights depart around the same time, lines surge.
• Staffing and open lanes: The number of TSA lanes open at any moment changes throughout the day.
• Weather issues: Storms affecting Atlanta or other hubs can cause rebooking surges, making lines longer.
• Events in the city: Major conventions at Georgia World Congress Center, big events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, and large festivals can bring in waves of travelers.
• Airport construction or reroutes: From time to time there may be temporary changes that shift where people line up or how they enter security.

Using TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and Other Expedited Options at ATL

TSA PreCheck at ATL

TSA PreCheck can significantly cut your security line time at Atlanta airport.

Benefits typically include:

• Shorter, faster-moving line
• Keeping shoes, belts, and light jackets on
• Leaving laptops and small liquids in your bag at many lanes

At ATL, you’ll find PreCheck lanes at:

• Main Domestic Terminal security
• Some North/South checkpoints
• International Terminal (Concourse F)

Even PreCheck lines can get long during peak times, but they are usually much shorter than the standard line.

CLEAR at ATL

CLEAR uses biometric ID verification to speed up the ID check step.

• CLEAR pods are typically located in:
  • Domestic Terminal main checkpoint
  • Sometimes at South Terminal and International Terminal, depending on the day and setup
• With CLEAR, you still go through standard or PreCheck screening, but you skip most of the ID line.

Airline Priority Lanes

Many airlines at ATL offer priority security access for:

• First or business class passengers
• Certain frequent flyer tiers

These lanes can reduce your wait but are still subject to overall crowding.

Best Local Strategies to Shorten Your Wait at ATL

If you live in Atlanta or travel through ATL regularly, these practical habits can make a big difference:

1. Choose Your Arrival Time Carefully

• For morning flights, consider arriving closer to 2–2.5 hours early, especially on Monday, Friday, or Sunday.
• If you can, pick flights outside the heaviest rush windows, such as mid-morning or mid-afternoon.

2. Consider the International Terminal When Appropriate

If your airline and ticket allow:

• Being dropped off at the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal can sometimes mean shorter lines.
• This works best if:
  • You’re checking bags at F, or
  • You’ve confirmed with your airline that you can originate your trip from that terminal.

Remember: If you park at Domestic but depart from International, you’ll need to factor in the shuttle or Plane Train ride back and forth.

3. Use MARTA Wisely

If you’re coming from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near a MARTA line:

• MARTA drops you directly at the Domestic Terminal.
• You bypass roadway traffic but still need to plan for security wait time once upstairs.
• For early morning flights, check MARTA’s first train times so you’re not cutting things too close.

4. Travel Light When Possible

At Atlanta airport, moving quickly through security is easier if you:

• Use carry-on only when you can
• Organize electronics and liquids so they’re easy to access
• Wear simple shoes and minimal metal

Even if the line is long, a prepared bag helps you move smoothly once you reach the screening area.

Sample Planning Guide: How Early to Get to ATL

The table below gives a rough guide for when to arrive at Atlanta airport based on common situations. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Where to Get Official, Up-to-Date Info for ATL Security

Since wait times change quickly, it’s smart to double-check conditions the day you fly:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320
  Main airport information line: often listed on airport signage and official materials.
• Many airlines and travel apps show estimated TSA wait times for ATL.
• Local Atlanta TV and radio often provide airport traffic and security updates on major travel days.

When you’re already at the airport, look for digital boards near the ticketing areas that sometimes display approximate wait times at different checkpoints (Domestic vs International).

Key Takeaways for Security Lines at Atlanta Airport

• Expect 20–60 minutes for security at ATL in many situations, with longer waits during rush hours and holidays.
• ATL’s main Domestic checkpoint is often busiest; the International Terminal can sometimes offer shorter lines for eligible travelers.
• Arrive 2 hours early for domestic and 3 hours for international as a general rule, adding extra time for peak days or complex trips.
• Using TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and priority lanes can noticeably reduce your wait, especially for frequent Atlanta travelers.
• Always check same-day conditions before heading to Hartsfield-Jackson, and give yourself a buffer so an unexpectedly long line doesn’t cause you to miss your flight.