Why Are TSA Wait Times So Long at ATL?

Hartsfield-Jackson isn’t just another airport—it’s an international powerhouse with an enormous daily footprint. With more than 275,000 passengers passing through its gates on peak days, TSA agents are constantly working to manage a flood of travelers. This congestion is particularly intense during early mornings, weekends, and holidays. Here’s why wait times balloon at ATL: High passenger volume: ATL processes more travelers than any other airport on the planet. Multiple terminals: Many fliers get confused about which checkpoint to use, contributing to delays. Unpredictable staffing: Peak-hour travel can exceed the number of available TSA staff. Surge travel periods: Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays typically see the most congestion. Security Checkpoints at ATL: What You Need to Know Understanding the layout of ATL’s security infrastructure can dramatically affect your wait time. The airport has several checkpoints, and choosing the right one based on your location and airline can shave significant minutes off your wait. 1. Main Checkpoint Located in the Domestic Terminal, this is the default choice for most travelers. It’s also the most crowded. Avoid during rush hour if possible. 2. North Checkpoint Serves passengers flying from the North Terminal, including American and United. Often less crowded than the Main Checkpoint during mid-morning hours. 3. South Checkpoint Primarily used by Delta, which dominates ATL. During Delta-heavy periods, this checkpoint can experience long delays.