Passenger Security

Security Overview

Passengers should plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to scheduled domestic departures and three hours prior to international departures. Wait times at the screening checkpoint vary throughout the day. The busiest times usually occur between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., as well as days before and after holidays and long weekends. During peak times, please allow additional time for parking, rental car drop-off, airline check-in, and security screening.

To check real-time TSA Security wait times, click here.

Only ticketed passengers are allowed through TSA security checkpoints. Airlines may issue gate passes that allow one adult to accompany a disabled passenger or minor traveling alone. Gate passes are issued at the discretion of each airline. Certain items are not allowed beyond security checkpoints or on an aircraft. For information on restricted items please visit the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov or call TSA toll-free at (866) 289-9673.

For more information on TSA Security Screening, click here.

TSA REAL ID Updates — ConfirmID Effective Feb. 1, 2026

Beginning on February 1, 2026, travelers who do not present an acceptable form of ID will have the option to pay a $45 fee to attempt to verify their identity through TSA’s modernized alternative identity verification process, TSA ConfirmID.

• Identity confirmation is a critical step in TSA’s multilayered security approach.
• Acceptable forms of ID, such as REAL IDs or passports, deter bad actors and illegal aliens from traveling, which is a critical component of our mission to keep air travel secure.
• Mobile Drivers Licenses and Digital Passports, like the Digital IDs offered by Google and Apple, are also considered acceptable forms of identification.
• More than 94 percent of passengers already use an acceptable form of ID.
• TSA is urging travelers who do not have a REAL ID to schedule an appointment with their Department of Motor Vehicles and update their identification.
• Payments will be made through Pay.Gov.
• The fee is based on operation, technology, and administrative expenses.

Travelers without REAL ID

• If you don’t have an acceptable form of ID, such as a REAL ID or passport at TSA checkpoints, you’ll have an option to pay a $45 fee to utilize TSA ConfirmID to try and confirm identity.
  Utilizing TSA ConfirmID is voluntary, and travelers may decline to participate. However, a traveler who chooses not to use the service may be denied access to the sterile area and may not be able to continue with his or her flight.
• The TSA ConfirmID process should take an average of 10-15 minutes; however, it could take 30 minutes or more depending on the information used to verify the traveler’s identity, security checkpoint wait times, and additional screening measures.
• Travelers who do not have an acceptable form of ID and enter the security line will be escorted to a different location to use the TSA ConfirmID process before returning to the security checkpoint.
  For travelers who will be traveling before they can obtain acceptable form of ID, such as a REAL ID or passport at TSA checkpoints, TSA urges travelers to pay the fee required to use TSA ConfirmID as early as possible before travel to prevent any delays or cancellations.
• TSA is ensuring we keep our skies and other modes of transportation safe and free of illegal aliens and terrorists.
• The Passport Look tool within TSA’s ConfirmID uses CBP’s passport lookup service. If a passport is found the passport lookup service will return positive confirmation along with the passport image to the modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA ConfirmID for manual validation by the officer.

For more information about TSA ConfirmID, click here.

Key Information for Travelers

TSA has provided the following guidance to ensure travelers are prepared:

• Non-REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or state-issued IDs will no longer be accepted at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights after May 7.
• Travelers must bring an alternate acceptable form of ID—such as a passport, DHS trusted traveler card (e.g., Global Entry), or a military ID—if they do not have a REAL ID.
• TSA PreCheck® members are not exempt from this requirement; all passengers must comply regardless of PreCheck status.
• Non-citizens voluntarily self-deporting on international flights will not be denied boarding under this provision.
• According to TSA, approximately 81% of U.S. air travelers already present acceptable forms of identification, and this number is expected to rise as the deadline approaches.

Nationwide Coordination and Readiness Federal authorities have been working closely with state departments of motor vehicles (DMVs) to facilitate public education campaigns and streamline application processes.

Visit tsa.gov/real-id for the most current information and a list of acceptable alternative forms of ID.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) implemented regulations in compliance with legislation passed by the Atlanta City Council in 2024. Access to the Airport is restricted 24/7 to ticketed passengers, personnel, individuals meeting or greeting passengers, those performing facility maintenance, and others who have legitimate business to conduct at the Airport.

The legislation covers the Domestic and International terminals, ATL SkyTrain, Rental Car Center, and parking decks. Hartsfield-Jackson is publicly owned and operated by the City of Atlanta. This legislation enhances ATL’s ongoing work to maintain a secure and safe environment for passengers, workers, and vendors at Hartsfield-Jackson. Refer to City of Atlanta Code of Ordinances Chapter 22 – Aviation, Article III, Division 3, Subdivision I, Section 22-115. Click here to view frequently asked questions regarding this policy.

Hours of Operation

Passengers can access all concourses and gates from any checkpoint.

Location	Screening Categories	Hours of Operation
Domestic Terminal Main	Standard Screening	24 Hours
Domestic Terminal North	Standard Screening Priority Screening	4:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Domestic Terminal Lower North	Standard Screening CLEAR Standard	3:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Domestic Terminal South	TSA PreCheck PreCheck Touchless ID CLEAR w/ PreCheck	4:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
International Terminal Departures	Standard Screening TSA PreCheck	4:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.        2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

TSA screening hours are subject to change.

All checkpoints are ADA accessible. For additional assistance please contact TSA Cares 72 hours prior to your flight, click here.

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program that allows travelers to keep their shoes, belts and jackets on and leave their 3-1-1 compliant liquids and laptops in their bags when going through security checkpoints.

For additional information and to enroll, click here and complete an online application. Then schedule an appointment for an interview and fingerprinting at a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center.

CLEAR Plus

CLEAR Plus is a biometric-based program that allows passengers to enter dedicated security checkpoint lanes.

Passengers may enroll on the CLEAR website (click here) or in person at CLEAR enrollment pods located in the Domestic Terminal (North and South) near the Main Security Checkpoint.