Atlanta airport holiday period will see 3.7 million travelers

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport predicts the peak day of the upcoming holiday period will be Friday, Dec. 27, when it expects to handle nearly 328,000 passengers.

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The world’s busiest airport is preparing to host 3.7 million travelers — including those making connections — from Friday, Dec. 20 through Sunday, Jan. 5.

The Transportation Security Administration also predicts Dec. 27 will be the busiest day of security screenings at ATL with more than 103,000 passengers, closely followed by Dec. 20. But the agency doesn’t expect any one holiday travel day to surpass the busiest days already logged this year: during Memorial Day weekend.

Nationally, TSA expects to screen 6.2% more people during this holiday season than last.

Atlanta airport officials are warning travelers to take transit, rideshare or reserve parking spots because of the ongoing parking deck construction. It continues to urge people to allow 2½ hours for domestic flights during busier periods, including between 6-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m., and three hours for international flights. Security wait times are available online and on new displays throughout the main terminal.

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Despite the high airport volume expected, AAA estimated earlier this month that 90% of all travelers will avoid planes and drive to their holiday destinations, including a record number of Georgians.

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