Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport expects 1.3 million passengers will pass through it over the Thanksgiving travel period, with the busiest days coming on the weekend after the holiday.
The biggest crowds are anticipated on Dec. 1, the Sunday after the holiday, when 93,300 passengers are expected to pass through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints at the world's busiest airport.
Nov. 30, a Saturday, will also be busy, with 90,070 passengers expected to go through Atlanta airport security screening. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of connecting passengers will pass through Hartsfield-Jackson concourses.
John Selden, general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson, said the airport will be “exceptionally busy.”
While nationally, the volume of passengers flying over the Thanksgiving travel period is expected to set records, the record for crowds at Hartsfield-Jackson was set earlier this year after the Super Bowl in Atlanta, exceeding the forecast for holiday traffic.
Officials advise travelers to be in the airport terminal at least two hours before domestic flights and at least three hours before international flights.
The airport is putting public-facing construction projects on hold during the holiday travel period, and will use in-lane loading and unloading for vehicles on the airport roadways at the terminal. Those picking up or dropping off children or disabled passengers can do so at crosswalks, according to Atlanta Police Department airport precinct commander Timothy Peek.
Those dropping off and picking up passengers can also use the lower level roadways at Terminal North and Terminal South.
Authorities advise passengers to remove any guns and other weapons from their baggage before heading to the airport. So far this year, 274 guns have been caught at Atlanta airport security checkpoints and baggage screening.
TSA spokesman Mark Howell also reminds passengers that liquids, gels and pastes over 3.4 ounces are not allowed through security checkpoints.
“If you can pump it, pour it, spread it or spray it and it’s more than 3.4 ounces, you need to put it in your checked bag,” Howell said.
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