ATLANTA — Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is ready for the roughly 3.3 million travelers expected to pass through the airport starting Dec. 22 for the holiday season.
Officials working at the airport said they are reopening all the security lanes after completing a $66 million renovation project ahead of schedule. Airport officials said the change will cut down wait times and bring the main checkpoint lanes back to full capacity.
“Finally, you know, this being one of the busiest airports in the world, they need to streamline things. They need to also make certain that they're being very cautious about people still coming through that could cause some problems,” said traveler Jeff McCutcheon.
And that’s exactly what TSA and airport representatives say the $66 million renovation project that was completed early will do -- bringing the main checkpoint back up to 18 lanes after being down to just 13 or 14 during the construction that began in May 2022.
The new lanes are also now equipped with updated screening machines that will allow passengers to keep their electronics and liquids under three ounces in their bags -- changes travelers say are already making a difference.
“It's a lot of people but it’s been pretty smooth so far. Last time I was here, it wasn’t renovated, so it took forever,” added another traveler, Jason Williams.
In addition the project also replaced all security cameras, enhanced the ceiling and lighting levels, modified the electrical and mechanical system as well as additional upgrades to support the new system.
“Atlanta is great. They do think about the people that are traveling to take some of the frustration off. But It’s very important; lines are difficult, and so when you see that people are looking at you and say 'let’s make it better for people,' I think that’s great,” said Dr. Ronda Henry-Tillman, a traveler visiting from out of the state
And when you couple the upgrades with the positive holiday spirit, shown by those greeting as travelers get in the security lines, those we spoke to say they are happy with the results.
“Being streamlined and helping us get through a little bit faster while still maintaining the safety is of utmost importance,” McCutcheon added.
Despite the changes, officials still recommend domestic travelers arrive two and half hours early, and international travelers get there three hours early. They also said their goal is to get people through the main checkpoint security lines in under 30 minutes.