As one of the world’s busiest airports, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport manages flights for a wide range of airlines, which adds to the overall passenger flow and congestion. Security lines at this airport can feel very different depending on when you arrive. On normal days or during mid-day hours, travelers often move through security in about 15 to 30 minutes. But during busy times, like early mornings, long weekends, or major holidays, the lines can grow quickly and sometimes take over an hour to move.

The airport’s size and high passenger volume also play a big role in how fast the process moves. To avoid long waits, many frequent flyers use services such as TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, which offer shorter lines and quicker screening. Arriving early and choosing the right checkpoint can make a big difference in starting your trip on a relaxed note.
Expected Current Security Wait Times at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport
The Current Security Wait Times at Atlanta International Airport are approximately 15-20 minutes.
| Live Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) security wait times | 17 minutes |
Average ATL Airport Security Wait Times
During non-peak hours, travelers can usually pass through standard security checkpoints in about 15 to 30 minutes, as the lines are shorter and less crowded. However, security areas tend to get much busier in the early mornings and evenings when more flights are scheduled.
| 12 am to 1 am | 11 mins |
| 1 am to 2 am | 8 mins |
| 2 am to 3 am | 7 mins |
| 3 am to 4 am | 8 mins |
| 4 am to 5 am | 7 mins |
| 5 am to 6 am | 0 mins |
| 6 am to 7 am | 17 mins |
| 7 am to 8 am | 19 mins |
| 8 am to 9 am | 15 mins |
| 9 am to 10 am | 3 mins |
| 10 am to 11 am | 1 min |
| 11 am to 12 pm | 3 mins |
| 12 pm to 1 pm | 20 mins |
| 1 pm to 2 pm | 13 mins |
| 2 pm to 3 pm | 19 mins |
| 3 pm to 4 pm | 23 mins |
| 4 pm to 5 pm | 14 mins |
| 5 pm to 6 pm | 8 mins |
| 6 pm to 7 pm | 16 mins |
| 7 pm to 8 pm | 21 mins |
| 8 pm to 9 pm | 10 mins |
| 9 pm to 10 pm | 7 mins |
| 10 pm to 11 pm | 22 mins |
| 11 pm to 12 pm | 3 mins |
Average Atlanta Airport TSA Wait Times
At certain times of the day, TSA wait times can be as short as 10 minutes or even less. But when travel demand is high, especially during peak periods, the main domestic checkpoints often experience the longest lines and slower processing.
| Time Slot | Wait (mins) |
| 12 am – 1 am | 15.5 min |
| 1 am – 2 am | 12.4 min |
| 2 am – 3 am | 9.3 min |
| 3 am – 4 am | 7.1 min |
| 4 am – 5 am | 5 min |
| 5 am – 6 am | 0.0 min |
| 6 am – 7 am | 13.8 min |
| 7 am – 8 am | 20 min |
| 8 am – 9 am | 14.9 min |
| 9 am – 10 am | 2.8 min |
| 10 am – 11 am | 1.2 min |
| 11 am – 12 pm | 3 min |
| 12 pm – 1 pm | 19.3 min |
| 1 pm – 2 pm | 11 min |
| 2 pm – 3 pm | 22.8 min |
| 3 pm – 4 pm | 21.6 min |
| 4 pm – 5 pm | 14 min |
| 5 pm – 6 pm | 9 min |
| 6 pm – 7 pm | 19.8 min |
| 7 pm – 8 pm | 20 min |
| 8 pm – 9 pm | 12.1 min |
| 9 pm – 10 pm | 9.4 min |
| 10 pm – 11 pm | 19.6 min |
| 11 pm – 12 am | 3.2 min |
Atlanta Airport Customs and Immigration Wait Time
At the Atlanta International Airport, most travelers usually spend around 30 to 45 minutes clearing U.S. Customs and Border Protection. However, during busy periods, especially when multiple international flights land at the same time, the process can take an hour or longer. To move through customs faster, passengers have the option to use expedited processing programs.
Travelers enrolled in Global Entry can skip the regular lines and use automated kiosks, which often saves up to 30 minutes. Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is another helpful option for U.S. citizens and eligible visitors that allows them to submit passport and customs details through a mobile app and use a faster, dedicated lane.
In addition, Atlanta Airport has rolled out a new Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) system that uses facial recognition technology to speed up identity checks. Early testing shows this system has helped reduce customs and immigration wait times by about 22% that makes arrivals smoother for international passengers.
How to Expedite the Security Screening Process at ATL?
Travelers can easily enroll in TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or Global Entry to easily cross the security lines.
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck lets approved travelers use special security lanes where they don’t need to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets, and can keep laptops and liquids packed in their bags. Most passengers using this service get through security in less than 10 minutes.
| Checkpoints | Operating Hours |
| Domestic Terminal Main | 24 hours |
| Domestic Terminal North | 4:00 am to 10 pm |
| Domestic Terminal Lower North | 3:30 am to 11:00 pm |
| Domestic Terminal South | 4:00 am to 10:00 pm |
| International Terminal | 7:00 am to 10:00 pm |
CLEAR
This service relies on biometric technology, such as fingerprints or facial scans, so members can bypass the ID check and move directly to the security screening area.
| Location | Operating Hours |
| Domestic Terminal Lower North | 3:30 am to 11:00 pm |
| Domestic Terminal South | 4:00 am to 10:00 pm |
Contact Experts for ATL Security Wait Times Assistance
To receive real-time updates on TSA security wait times at Atlanta Airport, travelers can contact airport staff by phone or check official social media channels for the latest information. These sources provide helpful details to plan your arrival better.
| Airport | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) |
| Address | 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320 |
| Website | https://www.atl.com/ |
| TSA Helpline | (855) 787-2227 |
| Follow @ATLairport for more updates |
Final Words
Overall, being aware of how security wait times work at Atlanta Airport can make a big difference in your travel day. Knowing when lines are busiest and taking advantage of options like TSA PreCheck can help you avoid long waits and move through the airport more comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, passengers spend about 15 to 30 minutes going through security at ATL.
CLEAR is in the domestic terminal near the main security checkpoints.
CLEAR is open from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Security lines are usually longest in the early morning (5 AM–9 AM) and in the late afternoon to evening (4 PM–8 PM).
Yes, all main security checkpoints at ATL offer TSA PreCheck lanes.
Yes, CLEAR is available in the domestic terminal at both the North and South checkpoints.
Passengers usually spend between 30 and 45 minutes at customs, though it can take longer during busy periods.
Solid foods are allowed, but liquids must follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule (containers of 3.4 ounces or less).
For domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours before your flight. For international flights, aim for 3 hours ahead of departure.
