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4M expected to pass through Atlanta airport during Christmas/NYE holiday period

By and FOX 5 Atlanta Digital Team
Published  December 20, 2024 6:24am EST
Atlanta
FOX 5 Atlanta

4 million passengers expected to pass thru ATL

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) says it is expecting approximately 4 million passengers to pass through during the Christmas holiday period. Here is a look at what it was like at 6AM Dec. 20 at the airport.

The Brief

    • TSA expects to screen 40 million passengers nationwide, with 4 million traveling through Atlanta's airport by January 2.
    • Hartsfield-Jackson predicts its busiest day on December 27, with over 327,000 passengers expected.
    • Travelers advised to check ATL.com for parking updates and monitor real-time wait times displayed at the airport.

ATLANTA - Holiday travelers passing through Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport are advised to prepare for increased traffic as the holiday travel season begins in earnest. TSA Administrator David Pekoske has cautioned that if an extended federal government shutdown happens, passengers could experience longer wait times at security checkpoints.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates screening approximately 40 million passengers nationwide through Jan. 2, with nearly 4 million of those travelers expected to pass through Atlanta's airport.

Steady Traffic at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

Good Day reporter Brooke Zauner, reporting live from Hartsfield-Jackson, noted that while lines are moving steadily, the volume is noticeably higher than during previous holidays like Thanksgiving. Wait times are averaging around 15 minutes, well below TSA's 30-minute target. Airport officials estimate 3.7 million travelers will pass through Hartsfield-Jackson between now and Jan. 5, with Dec. 27 expected to be the busiest day, as more than 327,000 passengers are predicted to travel that day alone.

Zauner spoke with holiday travelers who shared practical advice: "Be patient, arrive early, and remember everyone’s trying to reach their destination."

Real-Time Updates for Travelers

To assist passengers, the airport has installed monitors and totems displaying real-time wait times at security checkpoints. As of this morning, wait times were reported at 14 minutes, indicated by a green status on the monitors. Travelers are also encouraged to check the airport’s website, ATL.com, for parking updates, as ongoing construction has impacted available spaces.

As the holiday season ramps up, travelers are reminded to stay informed, plan ahead, and practice patience to navigate the busiest travel days successfully.

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