Long security lines fill Hartsfield-Jackson terminal

The lines early Monday morning stretched from the main security checkpoint through the atrium, around the corner, winding back and forth between baggage claim carousels, then down the hallway of the domestic terminal.

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

The Transportation Security Administration last week closed the Terminal South security checkpoint at Hartsfield-Jackson for a three-week stretch, as it redesigns two of the lanes to test a system that is aimed at speeding screening.

But in the meantime, the tens of thousands of travelers that fly out of Hartsfield-Jackson every day are being added to the already-congested main checkpoint and the Terminal North checkpoint in the domestic terminal.

Airport officials have raised concerns about long security screening lines, which have stretched into baggage claim during busy periods for the past year.

Monday mornings are one of the busiest periods at the world's busiest airport, with business travelers leaving for weekly trips adding onto the thousands of other passengers.

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

TSA officials have said workers who staffed the closed checkpoint are now helping to staff the main checkpoint, so lines are long but will move more quickly.