Atlanta Airport Security Wait Times
Wondering how long you have to wait at the busiest airport, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, to complete the security screening kiosks? The ATL security wait times usually depend on the time of your travel, type of your flight, departure terminal location, peak travel seasons, and airport congestion.
No matter if you have completed your flight kiosks on time, you should arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours in advance to get enough time to complete check-in, process security screening, and reach the boarding gates without any delays.
Expected Wait Times At Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
The Security wait times at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) vary constantly, typically ranging from 15- 25 minutes during off-peak hours to 45 to 60+ minutes during peak travel season and heavy passenger rush.
Because ATL is the busiest airport in the world, the screening lanes can fluctuate rapidly based on passenger volume, time of day, and staffing.
ATL Security Wait Times (General)
Generally, passengers can expect 15 to 30 minutes at standard security checkpoints during non-peak hours when the security lines are shorter. Early mornings and evenings tend to experience higher congestion.
| 12 am to 1 am | 11 mins |
| 1 am to 2 am | 8 mins |
| 2 am to 3 am | 7 mins |
| 3 am to 4 am | 8 mins |
| 4 am to 5 am | 7 mins |
| 5 am to 6 am | 0 mins |
| 6 am to 7 am | 17 mins |
| 7 am to 8 am | 19 mins |
| 8 am to 9 am | 15 mins |
| 9 am to 10 am | 3 mins |
| 10 am to 11 am | 1 min |
| 11 am to 12 pm | 3 mins |
| 12 pm to 1 pm | 20 mins |
| 1 pm to 2 pm | 13 mins |
| 2 pm to 3 pm | 19 mins |
| 3 pm to 4 pm | 23 mins |
| 4 pm to 5 pm | 14 mins |
| 5 pm to 6 pm | 8 mins |
| 6 pm to 7 pm | 16 mins |
| 7 pm to 8 pm | 21 mins |
| 8 pm to 9 pm | 10 mins |
| 9 pm to 10 pm | 7 mins |
| 10 pm to 11 pm | 22 mins |
| 11 pm to 12 pm | 3 mins |
ATL Security Checkpoint Wait Times
ATL has 5 security checkpoints serving the ATL Domestic terminal and International terminal concourses. Wait times may differ between checkpoints, so checking the status of each checkpoint can help passengers understand current conditions.
Current ATL Checkpoint Status (Updated Regularly on ATL’s Official Website)
| Checkpoint | Terminal | ATL Security Wait Times | Status | Operating State |
| Main | Domestic Terminal | 3 min | Low | Operational |
| North | Domestic Terminal | 3 min | Low | Operational |
| Lower North | Domestic Terminal | 1 min | Low | Operational |
| South | Domestic Terminal | 7 min | Low | Operational |
| International Main | International Terminal | 4 min | Low | Operational |
The South checkpoint is PreCheck only, while the other checkpoints may provide standard or other expedited screening options depending on the checkpoint and operating schedule.
Note: You can click here to know the real-time ATL security wait time for these checkpoints.
ATL Security Wait-Time Status
Based on passenger rush and travel times, the wait time categories are based on the statuses listed below.
| Status | Wait Time |
| Low | 0–15 min |
| Moderate | 16–30 min |
| Busy | 31–45 min |
| Very Busy | 46–60 min |
| Extended | 60+ min |
ATL Security Checkpoint Locations and Hours
Different ATL checkpoints offer different screening programs and operating hours. This is particularly important for passengers using TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, as these services may not be available at every checkpoint or throughout the entire day.
| Location | Screening Categories | Hours of Operation |
| Domestic Terminal Main | Standard Screening | 24 hours |
| Domestic Terminal North | Standard Screening; Priority Screening | 4:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. |
| Domestic Terminal Lower North | Standard Screening; CLEAR Standard | 3:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m. |
| Domestic Terminal South | TSA PreCheck; PreCheck Touchless ID; CLEAR with PreCheck | 4:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. |
| International Terminal Departures | Standard Screening; TSA PreCheck | 4:30 a.m.–12:00 a.m. |
ATL Airport TSA Wait Times: Screening Time For TSA PreCheck Members
Passengers with TSA PreCheck membership status can get access to special screening lanes with generally lower wait times. These lanes are exclusively reserved for members and have a fixed operating time. You should check the airport’s official website to know whether the checkpoint is open or not.
TSA PreCheck Checkpoints Locations
With a TSA PreCheck membership, you will experience significantly shorter security wait times at ATL compared to other travelers. You will find locations for these expedited lanes below in the table.
| Location | TSA PreCheck | Hours |
| Domestic Terminal South | Available | 4:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. |
| International Terminal Departures | Available | 7:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. |
How to Expedite the Security Screening Process at ATL?
Passengers can make the security process more efficient and significantly reduce their Atlanta Airport security wait times.
Arrive With Enough Time
Allow time not only for TSA screening but also for parking or transportation, airline check-in, baggage drop-off, and walking to the gate. ATL is a large airport, so reaching the correct concourse can take additional time after security.
Use TSA PreCheck
Flyers can also use TSA PreCheck at participating ATL checkpoints. PreCheck can provide faster screening.
Consider CLEAR
CLEAR is another expedited screening program available at some selected ATL checkpoints. However, the availability and operating hours differ by location, so passengers should check the current checkpoint information before traveling.
Check the Checkpoint Before Entering
ATL has multiple security checkpoints. A checkpoint with a shorter current wait may not necessarily be the most convenient option depending on your terminal, airline, and departure location, so always keep a closer eye on them and pick one based on your departure gate location, parking distance, & concourse area.
Prepare Before Reaching Security
Always keep your ID proof and boarding pass ready, and keep them in your carry-on bag according to the TSA carry-on guidelines.
Atlanta Airport Customs and Immigration Wait Time
At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), customs and immigration wait times generally range from 20 to 40 minutes. However, your actual time can vary dramatically based on the time of day, your citizenship status, and your expedited screening programs.
Apart from this, flyers can also consider enrolling in the Global Entry program, which helps them use the automated kiosks in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to verify their identity, saving up to 30 minutes compared to regular lines.
In the end, the ATL Security Wait Times and screening procedure are not a tedious process if you know all the details well in advance. Whether it is the checkpoint location, average wait times, checking the real-time screening time, or enrolling in the expedited screening programs, the information above covers everything for you.
You May Also Inquire!
How long is the security line at ATL right now?
The average security wait time at ATL is 15-20 minutes during normal travel periods.
How long does it take to go through security in Atlanta?
It might take you a few minutes to an hour to go through security in Atlanta. The exact time depends on the time of day, checkpoint location, flight type, and the travel season.
How early should I arrive at the ATL airport?
For international flights, arriving at least 3-4 hours in advance is advised; however, passengers with domestic flights can arrive 2 hours before their departure time.
Is there a way to check current TSA wait times?
Of course! You can check the current TSA wait times at ATL Airport by accessing the security screening page on its official website, i.e., https://www.atl.com.
Can passengers bring food or drinks through ATL security?
Passengers can bring solid foods in their checked bag, but liquids must follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule, which means the liquids must be in a container of 3.4 ounces in a single quart-size bag, limited to 1 bag per passenger.
Is CLEAR available at Atlanta Airport?
Indeed, CLEAR is available at Atlanta Airport in the domestic terminal at both North and South checkpoints and opens from 3:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m. & 4:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m respectively.