{"id":7137,"date":"2017-05-24T13:58:27","date_gmt":"2017-05-24T17:58:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.atl.com\/?p=7137"},"modified":"2017-05-24T14:26:29","modified_gmt":"2017-05-24T18:26:29","slug":"atl-prepared-as-memorial-day-marks-start-of-summer-travel-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/atl-prepared-as-memorial-day-marks-start-of-summer-travel-season\/","title":{"rendered":"ATL prepared as Memorial Day marks start of summer travel season"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Anika Robertson
\nSenior Editor\/Assistant Public Relations Manager<\/em><\/b><\/p>\n

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With millions of people expected to fly this Memorial Day weekend, the world\u2019s busiest and most efficient airport is prepared for the start of the busy summer travel season.<\/p>\n

\u201cMarch 31 of this year saw a record 85,470 passengers screened, and we expect to break that single-day number in the next few days,\u201d Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr. said during a May 23 press conference at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. \u201cWe are able to facilitate such a large number of travelers thanks to the collaborative efforts between Hartsfield-Jackson and our many stakeholders, including TSA and our airline partners.\u201d<\/p>\n

To reduce passenger congestion, ATL recently completed the installation of 20 additional Automated Screening Lanes, or Smart Lanes, at Domestic security checkpoints. Finished April 26, nearly two weeks ahead of schedule, these Smart Lanes have increased passenger processing by up to 30 percent.<\/p>\n

In 2016, Hartsfield-Jackson became the first U.S. airport to test these Smart Lanes as part of a pilot program with TSA and Delta Air Lines.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy automating many of the functions previously conducted manually, travelers are able to move more swiftly and efficiently through the checkpoints, allowing for speedier travel,\u201d said TSA Federal Security Director Mary Leftridge Byrd.<\/p>\n

Byrd added that while more than 95 percent of passengers are screened in less than 20 minutes, it\u2019s best to plan ahead.<\/p>\n

\u201cPreparedness can have a significant impact on efficiency at security checkpoints,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Over the past year, TSA has seen a staffing increase, and security remains a top priority. Local, state and federal law enforcement officials remain hyper-vigilant to any threats posed to the traveling community, and officers maintain a strong, visible presence at Hartsfield-Jackson.<\/p>\n

Still, Council reminded everyone about the federal initiative \u201cSee Something, Say Something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you notice suspicious behavior or activity, don\u2019t hesitate to report it to a law enforcement official,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

During the holiday weekend, passengers should plan to arrive at least two hours before scheduled departure for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. Travelers should also monitor their airlines\u2019 websites and social media feeds for immediate updates.<\/p>\n

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