Tsa Precheck: Is It Available At Atlanta Airport?

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the world. It offers non-stop service to more than 150 domestic and 70 international destinations. The airport has implemented a robust air service development strategy for its cargo and passenger operations. As part of this strategy, the airport has introduced TSA PreCheck, an expedited screening program that allows travellers to keep their shoes, belts, and jackets on and leave their liquids and laptops in their bags when going through security checkpoints.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center

TSA PreCheck is a program that allows travellers to keep their shoes, belts, and jackets on, and carry laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in their bags when going through security checkpoints. This significantly speeds up the security process and enhances convenience for travellers.

The enrollment centre at ATL offers walk-in appointments on a first-come, first-served basis. To enrol, travellers must first complete an online application and then schedule an appointment for an interview and fingerprinting.

In addition to the enrollment centre, ATL also has TSA PreCheck lanes available for those who have already signed up for the program. These lanes are staffed daily at specific locations within the airport, such as the International Terminal.

For travellers who are interested in even faster clearance, ATL also offers CLEAR Plus, a biometric-based program that allows passengers to enter dedicated security checkpoint lanes.

TSA PreCheck members can use their iPhone as ID at ATL

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has introduced a new technology in partnership with the State of Georgia and Apple. This technology allows TSA PreCheck members to use their iPhones as ID at the airport security screening.

To use this feature, TSA PreCheck members must possess a Georgia-issued driver's license or state ID added to their Apple Wallet. They can then present their digital identification at the T-South security checkpoint at ATL. Passengers can hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near the TSA's Credential Authentication Technology reader at the travel document-checking podium. The device will display the requested information after authorizing with Face ID or Touch ID. A TSA officer will then verify the passenger's identity and flight status, creating a secure, convenient, and touchless identity verification process.

It is important to note that while this technology offers enhanced security and privacy compared to physical cards, passengers must still carry their physical IDs as backup. This is because a physical ID may be required by TSA officers, and law enforcement does not accept digital IDs.

The introduction of mobile driver's licenses is part of TSA's efforts to enhance customer experience and modernize checkpoint screening procedures. Georgia is the fourth state to offer this feature, following Maryland, Arizona, and Colorado.

ATL has a CLEAR Plus program for expedited security

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has a CLEAR Plus program that offers expedited security for passengers. CLEAR Plus is a biometric-based program that allows passengers to enter dedicated security checkpoint lanes, doing away with the need for a physical ID. Instead, passengers can use their biometrics, such as fingerprints, iris image scans, or facial recognition to confirm their identity.

Passengers can enrol in CLEAR Plus online via the CLEAR website or in person at CLEAR enrolment pods located in the Domestic Terminal (North and South) near the Main Security Checkpoint. The CLEAR Plus membership costs $189 annually, with discounted rates available for SkyMiles members.

With CLEAR Plus, members can skip the long security lines and head straight to the dedicated CLEAR Plus lane, where a CLEAR Ambassador will scan their biometrics and boarding pass. They will then be taken to the front of the security screening line and ushered through by a TSA agent, with no need to show their boarding pass or ID again.

It is important to note that CLEAR Plus is different from TSA PreCheck. While CLEAR Plus expedites the initial identification process, TSA PreCheck provides expedited screening, allowing travellers to keep their shoes, belts, and jackets on and leave their liquids and laptops in their bags. These services can be used together for even faster processing through security.

ATL's busiest times are between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest and most efficient airport worldwide. It offers flights to over 150 domestic and 70 international destinations. As such, it is no surprise that the airport experiences peak times, especially between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. This early morning rush is a common feature of many major airports, with travellers often aiming to beat the crowds or catch the first wave of morning departures.

During these hours, travellers can expect longer wait times at the screening checkpoint, with potential delays at other points of their journey through the airport. This includes longer times for parking, rental car drop-off, and airline check-in. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic departures and three hours before international flights. This is especially important during peak times, and passengers should be prepared for potential delays.

The airport provides a helpful service to monitor real-time TSA Security Wait Times, which can be accessed via their website. This tool can assist passengers in planning their arrival at the airport, allowing them to avoid the busiest periods and save time. Additionally, passengers can enrol in TSA PreCheck, an expedited screening program that streamlines the security process. With TSA PreCheck, travellers can keep their shoes, belts, and jackets on, and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids and laptops can remain in their bags. This service is available at the TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center located on Concourse A, between Gates A19 and A21.

While the early morning hours of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. are typically the busiest at ATL, it is worth noting that the days before and after holidays and long weekends can also be exceptionally busy. Planning ahead and allowing for extra time during these periods is essential for a smooth travel experience.

ATL is the world's busiest airport

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has been the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic since 2021. In 2023, the airport served over 104.6 million passengers, the most of any airport in the world.

ATL has been the world's busiest airport every year since 1998, except in 2020 when its passenger traffic decreased due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

The airport is named after former Atlanta mayors William B. Hartsfield and Maynard Jackson. It covers 4,700 acres of land and has five parallel runways. ATL is the primary international airport serving Atlanta and its surrounding metropolitan area, located 10 miles south of Downtown Atlanta.

The airport is the corporate headquarters and primary hub of Delta Air Lines, with just over 1,000 flights daily to 225 domestic and international destinations. It is considered the world's largest airline hub and America's first mega-hub. ATL is also a base for low-cost carriers Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines.

The airport has a direct and indirect economic impact of $3.2 billion on the local and regional economy and an annual regional economic impact of more than $19.8 billion. It employs about 55,300 people and is Georgia's largest employment center.

ATL offers international service within North America and to Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and East Asia. It has two terminals and seven concourses with 192 gates. The Domestic Terminal is on the west side, and the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal is on the east side.

ATL provides ground transportation access via Interstate 85 and Interstate 75. It also has its own train station on the city's rapid transit system, MARTA, served by the Red and Gold lines.

To accommodate the significant increase in air traffic, ATL has undergone multiple construction projects, including the addition of a fifth runway in 2006, which cost $1.28 billion. This runway is one of the only active civil runways in the nation that crosses over an interstate.

ATL's commitment to providing exceptional customer service, investing in state-of-the-art technology, and collaborating with partners has solidified its position as the world's busiest airport.

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