Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia Byung J. “B.J.” Pak hosted federal and local officials at the world’s busiest and most efficient airport today to prepare passengers for a likely record-setting travel season. Mayor Bottoms and ATL leaders discussed Airport efforts to ease congestion and facilitate passenger travel during the Thanksgiving holiday.

“For the next three months – through the holidays and Super Bowl 53 on Feb. 3 – we will be welcoming record numbers of people at Hartsfield-Jackson,” Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said. “Our goal is to keep everyone safe and on time, so they can enjoy the holidays with their families and friends.”

More than 3 million passengers are expected to travel through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport during the Thanksgiving period between Friday, Nov. 16 and Monday, Nov. 26.  Additionally, airline forecasts predict ATL’s one-day screening record of more than 93,000 passengers set this past Memorial Day holiday will be surpassed Sunday, Nov. 25.

“Hartsfield-Jackson officials will work with our partners at the Transportation Security Administration, airlines, and Airport concessionaires to ensure passengers have a safe, efficient and enjoyable experience while traveling through Hartsfield-Jackson,” said ATL Deputy General Manager Greg Richardson.

“Staffing levels among our stakeholders have increased and TSA checkpoints will open earlier than usual.”

ATL officials offered a number of tips to facilitate travel:

Arrive in the Airport two hours prior to domestic departure flight times, three hours for international flights

Utilize mass transit like MARTA, rideshare options like Lyft and Uber, and taxis

Follow Airport and airline social media accounts for timely updates

Check the Airport’s website (www.atl.com) for the most up-to-date parking information and security wait times

“As of Nov.12, 2018, 293 weapons have been recovered at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, of which 248 were found in the TSA passenger security lines, while 45 firearms were discovered in checked baggage,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak.
 
“Most passengers simply forget they have a gun in their possession until they reach the Airport checkpoint. Unfortunately, the oversight is still a violation of the law.”