Business

Hartsfield-Jackson warns of crowds, long lines this weekend

Spring-breakers, get to the airport early this weekend.
Spring-breakers, get to the airport early this weekend.
April 1, 2016

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport expects big crowds this weekend as spring break travelers embark on trips, and is advising travelers to allow extra time to get through security.

The Atlanta airport said it expects more than 80,000 travelers per day going through security screening throughout the weekend. “Due to the high passenger numbers, security wait times will likely be affected,” the airport said.

In recent months, wait times have been nearly an hour long during busy periods, with lines stretching through the domestic terminal atrium.

The airport advises travelers to arrive two hours early for domestic travel and two and a half hours early for international flights.

Hartsfield-Jackson officials have wrestled with long security lines since last year and have pressured the Transportation Security Administration to address the issue, at one point threatening to look at privatizing screening. TSA officials say they plan to boost staffing and canine teams in Atlanta and try new techniques and technology to shorten waits.

About the Author

As business team lead, Kelly Yamanouchi edits and writes business stories. She graduated from Harvard and has a master's degree from Northwestern.

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