TSA expects record volumes at airports for Thanksgiving travel

Long lines snaked through the terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on the Friday before Memorial Day. Security lines for the main checkpoint stretched through the domestic terminal atrium and began extending into baggage claim by 7:30 a.m. Waits were as long as 30-45 minutes at the South security checkpoint that Friday morning.

The Transportation Security Administration expects a record number of travelers at airports during the Thanksgiving travel period, which starts next week.

TSA expects more than 26.8 million passengers going through airport security checkpoints from Nov. 22 through Dec. 2.

The busiest days are expected to be Wednesday before Thanksgiving and Sunday after Thanksgiving.

TSA advises that travelers get to the airport early and allow enough time to park and get through traffic, check any bags and get through security. That means getting to the terminal at least two hours before domestic flights and at least three hours before international flights.

For more tips on traveling through Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport over the holidays, check out the AJC's 2019 holiday airport guide.