Thanksgiving airport traffic forecast to increase

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.

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