Q: Why do I have to go through full security when I’m just going back home after an international flight at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport?

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Q: Why do I have to go through full security when I’m just going back home after an international flight at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport? It seems completely unnecessary to screen me when I’m only going home. The Delta video before landing also says (I think) that they only do this in Atlanta and Memphis, so if it’s really necessary, why is it only necessary in two airports? If it has to do with Terminal E being poorly designed, then please tell me that when the new international terminal is built they will be clever enough to figure out a way to fix it. — Kyrce Culbertson, Atlanta

A: Currently all international passengers arriving on International Concourse E at Hartsfield-Jackson exit into the sterile, domestic areas of the airport and, therefore, need to recheck their bags and undergo security screening by the Transportation Security Administration to meet U.S. security requirements, airport spokesman John Kennedy said. This applies to both Atlanta-bound passengers and those connecting to domestic flights. When the new Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal opens in spring 2012, arriving Atlanta-bound international passengers will be able to exit the terminal, eliminating security screening and baggage recheck, Kennedy said. The terminal on the east side of the airport will have its own parking decks and easy access to I-75, he said. Arriving international passengers connecting through Atlanta to a domestic city still will need to be screened by the TSA before entering the sterile domestic concourses and boarding their ongoing flights.

Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@aj.com (include name, phone and city).