Atlanta Airport Expects 3.7M Travelers This Holiday Season, Peak Travel Day Predicted for Dec. 27

Over the entire holiday season, from Friday through Jan. 5, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is preparing for a total of 3.7 million travelers, including those making connecting flights. It anticipates its peak travel day of the holiday period will be Friday, Dec. 27, with nearly 328,000 passengers expected to pass through the world’s busiest airport.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has also forecasted Dec. 27 to be the busiest day for security screenings, with more than 103,000 passengers passing through ATL’s security checkpoints. However, the TSA does not expect any single day during the holiday season to surpass the record-setting days seen during Memorial Day weekend earlier this year.

Nationally, TSA expects to screen 6.2% more travelers this holiday season compared to last year.To help manage the anticipated crowds, Atlanta airport officials are advising passengers to use public transit, rideshare services, or reserve parking in advance due to ongoing construction at the airport’s parking decks. Travelers are also encouraged to arrive early: 2½ hours prior to departure for domestic flights during peak times (6-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m.), and 3 hours for international flights.

Security wait times will be available online and on new displays throughout the terminal.