Security Lines at Atlanta Airport: How to Get Through ATL TSA Faster

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the busiest airports in the world, so security lines at Atlanta airport can feel intimidating—especially at peak times. With a little local knowledge, though, you can usually make it through TSA smoothly.

This guide walks you through how security works specifically at ATL, the different checkpoints, best and worst times to go, and practical tips for Atlanta residents and visitors.

Overview: How Security Works at Atlanta Airport

Every passenger flying out of ATL goes through TSA security before entering the concourses.

Key things to know:

• Security is separated by terminal/access point, not by airline alone.
• Your boarding pass determines which concourse you depart from, but you may be able to choose among several security checkpoints.
• After security, you can reach any concourse (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) using the Plane Train or by walking.

The main questions most people in Atlanta have are:

• Which security line is fastest?
• How early do I need to arrive?
• Should I use Domestic vs. International Terminal or Main vs. South Security?
• How do TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and Global Entry work at ATL?

Let’s break it down.

Where the Security Checkpoints Are at ATL

ATL has several major security access points. Knowing your options can help you avoid the slowest line.

1. Main Security Checkpoint (Domestic Terminal)

• Location: Domestic Terminal, between North and South ticketing areas
• Who typically uses it: Most domestic passengers; very busy at peak times
• Pros:
  • Central and familiar
  • Easy access from MARTA, parking decks, and rideshare drop-off
• Cons:
  • Can have longer lines, especially weekday mornings and Sunday evenings

This is the checkpoint most Atlanta travelers think of first, which is partly why it gets so crowded.

2. South Security Checkpoint (Delta / Domestic Terminal South)

• Location: Domestic Terminal South, near Delta ticketing
• Who typically uses it: Mostly Delta passengers, since Delta dominates the South Terminal
• Pros:
  • Convenient if you’re checking bags with Delta
  • Often has TSA PreCheck and CLEAR options
• Cons:
  • Gets very busy during heavy Delta departure banks
  • If you’re flying another airline, it may not be your best entry point

3. North Security Checkpoint (Domestic Terminal North)

• Location: Domestic Terminal North, near airlines other than Delta
• Who typically uses it: Passengers flying Southwest, American, United, Frontier, Spirit, and other non-Delta carriers
• Pros:
  • Convenient for non-Delta airlines
  • Sometimes less crowded than Main or South depending on time of day
• Cons:
  • Peak morning and late afternoon can still be crowded

4. International Terminal Security (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal – Concourse F)

• Location: International Terminal, 2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354
• Who can use it:
  • International departures from Concourse F (and some from E)
  • Some domestic passengers with no checked baggage sometimes choose to enter security here, then take the train to domestic concourses
• Pros:
  • Often less crowded than the main Domestic checkpoints, especially during mid-day
  • Modern terminal with spacious layout
• Cons:
  • Less convenient if you’re coming by MARTA (which arrives at the Domestic Terminal)
  • If you have checked bags on a domestic flight, your airline may expect you at the domestic side

For Atlanta locals willing to plan their route, the International Terminal can be a smart “secret weapon” for shorter lines, but make sure your transportation and airline’s bag drop align with that plan.

Typical Wait Times and Peak Periods at ATL

Wait times vary throughout the day and week. While they change constantly, there are clear patterns travelers in Atlanta commonly experience.

Busiest Times for Security Lines

Security at ATL is most crowded:

• Weekday mornings: roughly 5:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
• Late afternoon to early evening: roughly 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday evenings: when many travelers fly back to work

During these windows, lines at Main and South Security can get quite long. Atlanta-based business travelers especially feel this during Monday mornings and Thursday/Friday evenings.

Better (Typically Shorter) Times

Lines are often more manageable:

• Late mornings on weekdays (after the early rush)
• Early afternoon (outside lunch and evening peaks)
• Midday on Saturdays (varies by season and holidays)

Traffic can still spike during holidays, major conventions, and sporting events (for example, big football games or large conferences at the Georgia World Congress Center).

How Early Should You Arrive at ATL?

Because ATL is such a busy hub, giving yourself enough time is crucial.

A common local rule of thumb:

• Domestic flights:
  Arrive 2 hours before departure
• International flights:
  Arrive 3 hours before departure

Adjust based on your situation:

• Flying at peak times (early morning, Sunday evening, holidays)?
  Add 30–60 extra minutes.
• Traveling with kids, mobility needs, or lots of bags?
  Give yourself more time.
• Using TSA PreCheck or CLEAR and only carrying on a bag?
  You may be comfortable with slightly less, but still build in a cushion—ATL traffic and parking can surprise you.

For Atlanta residents, also factor in:

• Time from your home or office to I-75/I-85/285 traffic
• How long it takes to park in the Domestic or International parking decks and walk or shuttle to the terminal
• If you’re using MARTA, add some time for train frequency and walking from the station to security

TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and Global Entry at ATL

Programs that help you bypass the longest general security lines are widely used at Atlanta airport.

TSA PreCheck at Atlanta Airport

TSA PreCheck offers shorter lines and a simplified screening process (shoes on, laptops and liquids stay in bag in many cases).

At ATL, TSA PreCheck lanes are commonly available at:

• Domestic North, South, and Main security checkpoints
• International Terminal (Concourse F) during active hours

Local tips:

• Many Atlanta-based frequent flyers consider PreCheck almost essential because of ATL’s traffic and volume.
• Not every lane at every checkpoint is always open—look for signs and ask an agent if you’re unsure where the PreCheck line starts.

Getting TSA PreCheck in Atlanta

You apply online through TSA and then complete an in-person enrollment interview at an enrollment center. In the Atlanta area, these are often located in:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (TSA enrollment offices within or near the terminals)
• Various commercial enrollment centers around Metro Atlanta (often in office parks or shopping centers)

Check current locations and appointments before you go, since these can change.

CLEAR at Atlanta Airport

CLEAR is a separate program that uses biometrics (fingerprint/iris scan) to verify your identity and let you skip the ID check line, then move directly to physical screening.

At ATL, CLEAR lanes are generally found at:

• Domestic Terminal North
• Domestic Terminal South
• Sometimes at the International Terminal, depending on arrangements and hours

Many Atlanta travelers combine CLEAR + TSA PreCheck for the fastest experience when both lanes are available.

Global Entry (For International Travelers)

Global Entry speeds up re-entry into the U.S. when you land at ATL from abroad by using kiosks instead of the regular passport control line. It also includes TSA PreCheck benefits for departing flights.

• ATL often serves as an enrollment center where you can complete an interview after applying online.
• Many Atlanta residents who travel internationally through ATL find Global Entry helpful because customs lines can get long when several international flights arrive at once.

Domestic vs. International Terminal: Which Security Entrance Should You Use?

One of the most common Atlanta-specific questions is whether you can choose between the Domestic Terminal and International Terminal for security.

If You’re on a Domestic Flight

• Officially: You’re generally expected to check in and check bags at the Domestic Terminal for domestic flights.
• If you have no checked bags: Some experienced travelers enter through the International Terminal (Concourse F) to take advantage of shorter security lines, then ride the Plane Train back to their domestic concourse.
• Important: Always follow your airline’s guidance, especially for checked baggage. If your airline requires domestic check-in at the Domestic Terminal, plan accordingly.

If You’re on an International Flight

• If departing from Concourse F (and many flights from Concourse E), you’ll usually check in at the International Terminal and go through security there.
• If your airline instructs you to use the Domestic Terminal first (it happens for some international connections), follow those directions and allow extra time for getting from your check-in point to the correct concourse.

Step-by-Step: Getting Through ATL Security Efficiently

For Atlanta travelers, a consistent routine helps reduce stress. Here’s a straightforward process.

1. Before You Leave Home or Hotel

• Check your flight status for delays or gate changes.
• Confirm which airline and terminal you’re using.
• Decide whether you’ll use Domestic North, South, Main, or International based on:
  • Your airline
  • Whether you’re checking bags
  • Your program access (PreCheck, CLEAR)
• Review the TSA rules for liquids, electronics, and prohibited items so you’re not slowed down at the scanner.

2. Getting to the Airport

Driving / Parking (Atlanta-area residents and visitors with cars):

• Domestic Terminal: Access via I-85 and Camp Creek Parkway / Airport Boulevard depending on direction.
• International Terminal: Usually via I-75 and Exit 239 (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd).
• Consider parking in:
  • Hourly/short-term decks for quick pick-up/drop-off
  • Daily or economy lots for longer trips
• Allow time for walking or shuttles from parking to your chosen terminal.

Using MARTA:

• Take the MARTA Gold or Red Line to Airport Station, which is directly connected to the Domestic Terminal.
• From there, follow signs up to Main, North, or South Security.
• If your flight departs from the International Terminal, you can:
  • Go through Domestic security, then take the Plane Train to Concourse F, or
  • Use an airport-provided shuttle from the Domestic side to the International Terminal (outside security), then clear security there.

3. At the Terminal: Choosing a Security Line

• Follow signs to your airline’s check-in area if you have bags.
• After checking bags, follow signs for security:
  • Delta → usually South Security
  • American, United, Southwest, etc. → typically North Security
  • Any airline, Domestic side → Main Security as backup
  • International flights from F/E → International Terminal Security
• Look for monitors or staff who may indicate approximate wait times at each checkpoint and redirect passengers during heavy surges.

4. At the Security Checkpoint

To speed things up:

• Have ID and boarding pass ready (or mobile boarding pass open).
• Empty pockets and place metal items in your bag before you reach the front.
• Remove belts and jackets if using standard lanes.
• Take out laptops and large electronics, plus liquids bag, unless:
  • You’re in TSA PreCheck, where these often stay in your bag.
• After the scan, move quickly to the end of the belt to clear space and repack away from the main line.

Simple Quick-Reference: ATL Security Options

Special Considerations for Families, Seniors, and Travelers with Disabilities

ATL has processes in place to help travelers who need extra time or assistance.

• Families with young children:
  Strollers and car seats are screened, and you may be asked to carry infants through the metal detector. Give yourself extra time at security and choose a checkpoint with more space, if possible.

• Travelers with disabilities or mobility aids:
  TSA provides accommodations such as private screening options and alternative screening for medical devices. At ATL, you can:

  • Inform a TSA officer as soon as you reach the front of the line.
  • Request a wheelchair assistant through your airline in advance for help getting to and through security.

• Seniors:
  Many seniors in Atlanta find early afternoon flights easier, avoiding the heaviest morning crowds. TSA officers can typically be patient and help explain the process if you let them know you need a moment.

Helpful ATL Contact & Location Info

While hours and details can change, these core locations are stable references for planning your trip.

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320
  Main public information lines are typically listed on the airport’s official website.

• Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F)
  2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd
  Atlanta, GA 30354

• MARTA Airport Station
  Located inside the Domestic Terminal, adjacent to baggage claim and near Main Security access points.

For enrollment in programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, look up official enrollment center locations in the Atlanta area before visiting, as addresses and hours can shift over time.

By understanding how security lines at Atlanta airport are organized, when they’re busiest, and what options you have (Domestic vs. International, PreCheck, CLEAR), you can plan your trip from Atlanta with far less stress and a much smoother path from curb to gate.