Hartsfield-Jackson Airport Expecting Pre-Pandemic Passenger Counts

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is preparing to handle nearly 5.2 million passengers over the year-end holidays, with this Friday expected to be the busiest day of the travel period.

According to a report in the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, with the rebound in travel this year, passenger counts are approaching pre-pandemic volumes.

The rise of remote work during the pandemic also means some travelers are able to leave town earlier, lengthening the holiday travel period.

Airport officials are advising passengers to allow extra time to find parking, get through security and find their way through the airport to their gates.

Travelers should plan to get to the terminal at least 2.5 hours before domestic departures and 3 hours before international flights.

Those who have special travel requirements such as wheelchairs should allow an extra 30 minutes on top of that, because of the chance for long waits for wheelchair assistance, elevators, and security screening.

Security waits during peak times can be more than half an hour long, while lines for checking bags can also be longer during busy periods.

The Transportation Security Administration advises passengers to check their bags for prohibited items such as weapons before leaving for the airport, to reduce the chance of delays at the security checkpoint.