Local News

Thanksgiving airport traffic to increase

Prohibited items found in carry-on bags
Prohibited items found in carry-on bags
Nov 14, 2014

Some 7.5 million passengers are expected to come through Atlanta’s airport this month, up 2 percent from last year.

That means the world’s busiest airport is expected to be even more crowded than last year. During the Thanksgiving travel period from Nov. 21-Dec. 2, an estimated 750,000 passengers will pass through Hartsfield-Jackson checkpoints.

The Transportation Security Administration said it has seen a 25 percent increase in firearms caught at checkpoints this year nationally. Although the new Georgia gun law this year changes who gets arrested when caught with a gun at security, guns are still not permitted through airport security checkpoints and those caught could still face a civil penalty of up to $11,000.

TSA also reminds passengers that before they go to the airport they should check their carry-on items for prohibited items, including mace, pepper spray, credit card knives, replicas of weapons, even clutch handbags with replica brass knuckle handles.

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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