Friday marks the official start to the year-end holiday travel period at the world’s busiest airport. And it’ll be one of the busiest days of the entire season.
Hartsfield-Jackson International expects to see 3.7 million people through Jan. 5. For those flying over the holidays. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Beware the Fridays
Both Hartsfield-Jackson officials and the Transportation Security Administration are expecting Friday, Dec. 27 to be the busiest travel day at ATL. TSA says Friday, Dec. 20 will be a close second.
The airport continues to urge people to allow 2½ hours for domestic flights during busier periods, including between 6-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m., and three hours for international flights. Security wait times are available online and on new displays throughout the main terminal.
2. Prepare for tight parking
Given ongoing construction of a $200 million south parking deck, airport officials are warning holiday travelers to take transit, rideshare or reserve airport parking spots ahead of time.
3. Pack smart
The TSA has released holiday packing reminders for travelers, including to pack gifts in gift bags — not wrapping paper — in both carry on and checked luggage. Don’t bring a gun through security. Atlanta has for years led the nation in firearms found at security checkpoints.
4. Government shutdown looms
If an agreement cannot be reached to extend funding for the federal government past Friday, the government could shut down. According to Reuters, air traffic control and airport security workers would be required to keep working without pay. However, that could affect absenteeism, which could in turn impact air travel. Employees are guaranteed to receive backpay after a shutdown ends thanks to a 2019 law.
Helpful links for ATL travelers
Navigating Hartsfield-Jackson: What to expect for holiday travel
Parking at the Atlanta airport? Better reserve a spot
How to take MARTA to the airport, including long-term parking details
Airport food: Places to eat at each concourse
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