ATL, TSA, Delta Air Lines Reopen South Terminal Checkpoint

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed joined officials from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Delta Air Lines on May 25, to reopen the South Security Checkpoint at ATL. The checkpoint was closed May 4 for installation of automated screening equipment. The new equipment will include automated bins, equipped with RFID technology, which are designed to free up TSA screeners from having to manually recirculate the bins. Additionally, the new innovation lanes allow multiple passengers to fill bins with their belongings at the same time.

“We are committed to reducing wait times and operating the world’s busiest airport as efficiently as possible,” Mayor Reed said.  “Completion and implementation of this project on time underscores our laser-like focus on providing excellent customer service for our guests.”

“Every day our focus is on running our airport with the highest levels of customer service excellence and efficiency,” Interim Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council Jr. said today. “These new innovation lanes are a good step forward to providing customers with a smooth traveling experience.”

“We partnered with the TSA months ago to get a plan in place to support the increased customer volume,” Delta Air Lines Chief Operating Officer Gil West wrote in a memo to employees today.   “We want our customers to have a seamless experience from check-in to pick-up.”  Delta Air Lines invested more than $1 million in the automated security screening lines at ATL. 

The completion of the project comes just before the Memorial Day Holiday, considered the unofficial start to the summer travel season.  Concern over passenger traffic in the busy months ahead led to the collaboration between ATL, the TSA and Delta Air Lines.  TSA officials believe passenger through-put may increase by 25 to 30 percent with full implementation of the new lanes.  The TSA will study the results of the new equipment installation and may extend the ATL-based pilot program to other airports in the United States.    

With passenger security screening expected to reach more than 85,000 travelers per day over the Memorial Day Holiday, ATL officials recommend passengers arrive at least two hours before scheduled domestic departures. Passengers are also urged to download the iflyATL mobile app or visit www.atlanta-airport.com for the most current information on parking, TSA wait times, and departure gate information.