Thanksgiving 2017: Record Travel Likely, ATL Airport Tips

ATLANTA, GA — Many Georgians are likely to be among the millions of people expected to fly this Thanksgiving season. And almost all of those will be hitting the world's busiest Airport, Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International.

Airport officials say the Thanksgiving travel period is the busiest time of year at the airport. Nationwide, more than 2.4 million passengers per day are expected to fly during that period, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

During that time, Thanksgiving itself will be the lightest travel day if you still need to book a flight. Next Wednesday is expected to be the busiest, and one of the busiest travel days of the year. Airlines are adding flights to accommodate the large number of travelers during the Thanksgiving period.

To help get passengers get in and out of Hartsfield-Jackson, airport officials say they are ceasing ongoing construction projects to make traffic in the airport area smoother. Staffing at the airport has been increased and TSA checkpoints will be opening earlier than usual.

The airport also is reminding domestic travelers to arrive two hours before their flight time.

For more information on flights, parking and other details about the Atlanta airport, you can visit the airport's website or download the iFLYAtl mobile app.

To help make for a faster trip, here are some more tips for airport travelers:

Plan Before You Go

• Pack smart – Know your airline's checked bag policies and fees, remember not to pack laptops and other devices with lithium ion batteries in your checked bags, leave gifts unwrapped and pack liquids you plan to carry-on with you according to the 3-1-1 rule — no more than 3.4 ounces of liquid in a 1-quart plastic bag and no more than one bag for every person..
• Check with your airline – Confirm your flight status and gate location before departing for the airport, and make sure you're aware of airline policies regarding check-in times, boarding processes, fees and rebooking options.
• Leave early – Allow for extra time getting to and through the airport, as holiday travel can cause backups on roadways and longer passenger queues throughout the terminal. Experts recommend arriving at the airport at least two hours before domestic departures and three hours before international departures.

Minimize Your Wait

• Prepare for new screening procedures – The TSA is implementing new screening procedures which require passengers to remove electronic devices larger than a cell phone from carry-on baggage. The TSA also recommends placing food items in bins for easier screening. Pack your carry-ons accordingly by putting items like electronics, toiletries and food in easily accessible places.
• Enroll in a trusted traveler program – Trusted traveler programs like TSA Pre✓® and CLEARprovide passengers an easy alternative to standard screening procedures and speed-up the security screening process. If traveling abroad, consider enrolling in Global Entry or using Mobile Passport to expedite Customs processing upon your return.

General Airport Tips

• Re-confirm the status of your flight with your airline before arriving at the airport.
• Expect full flights and full luggage bins on board.
• Bring government-issued I.D. for all adult travelers and passports for all travelers on international trips.
• Keep valuables out of plain sight and pack them in carry-on luggage only. Remember to lock cars and take the key.
• Leave gifts unwrapped until after the flight. Review

The Transportation Security Administration says these are the peak travel times with the longest waits:

• Saturday, 6 to 8 am and 1 to 2 pm
• Sunday, 6 to 8 am and 4 to 7 pm
• Monday, 5 to 8 am and 3 to 6 pm
• Tuesday, 6 to 8 am and 3 to 5 pm
• Wednesday, 6 to 8 am and 4 to 5 pm
• Thursday, 5 to 8 am and 4 to 7 pm
• Friday, 5 to 8 am and 3 to 5 pm

Travel booking website KAYAK has a feature on its app (for both iOSand Android devices) that lets you check the estimated security line wait times, which is collected through real-time feedback from app users and the TSA website.

Wear shoes that are easy to get on and off as you go through security screening. Empty your pockets before heading through the checkpoint screening equipment. Also, make sure you don't have any prohibited items.

"The most common mistake that passengers make is that they have items that are prohibited at a checkpoint— mainly oversize liquids and various knives that are in their carry-on bags," the TSA says. "Prohibited items detected at a checkpoint will slow a checkpoint line. They require bag-checks, tests for traces of explosives and finally, rescreening through the X-ray equipment and can add a few minutes to the amount of time it takes an individual to complete the screening process."
Travelers are encouraged to follow these tips:

• Prepare for security when packing. Put large liquids, gels, creams and aerosols into checked bags -- think shampoo, conditioner, suntan lotion, shaving cream and anti-perspirant.
• Documents ready: When you enter the checkpoint line have an acceptable ID and boarding pass out of your wallet and ready to hand to the TSA officer. Once you get to the screening tables, remove large electronics including laptops and the 3-1- 1 liquids bag, from carry-on baggage.
• Less accessories: Consider minimizing items that you wear to the airport such as bulky jewelry, scarves, hair accessories, large belts and other bulky items that are likely to require additional screening. Remove all items from your pockets and put them into one of your carry-on bags so you won't lose them.
• @AskTSA: If you have questions on what is allowed through the security checkpoint, contact a TSA employee for live assistance 365 days a year via Twitter. Tweet your questions and comments to @AskTSA from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends/holidays. Call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 1-855- 787-2227 with any questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint 72 hours prior to traveling.
• Tweet or Message AskTSA. Issues receiving TSA Pre✓ on your boarding pass? Unsure if an item is allowed through security? Get live assistance by tweeting your questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also reach the Contact Center at 866-289-9673.

Photo courtesy Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport