3.6 million people will travel through Atlanta's airport during the Thanksgiving season

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Millions of passengers will travel through Atlanta's airport during the Thanksgiving season.

Friday kicks off one of the busiest seasons of an already busy year at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

3.6 million travelers will pass through the Atlanta airport during the Thanksgiving season, which lasts until Nov. 28, airport officials say.

Robert Spinden, the Federal Security Director at the airport, said on Friday that Transportation Security Administration staff has already screened 2.8 million more passengers in 2023 than this time last year.

“Eight out of the top 10 busiest days ever for TSA in Atlanta have been in 2023,” he said. 

Increased passengers also means that TSA agents have to be on high alert for firearms in carry-on bags. TSA has confiscated 381 guns in carry-on bags this year.

"About 1 in 55,000 passengers at this airport is found to have a firearm in their carry-on bag," Spinden said.

Airport officials recommend that passengers arrive 2.5 to three hours early for their flights during Thanksgiving week to account for long security lines. Additional security lines will be open on busy days.

Travel safety tips from the experts:

• Check your carry-on bag for prohibited items, like oversized liquids.
• Have a travel plan.
• Arrive at the airport 2.5 to 3 hours early.
• If you are driving, minimize distractions and wear your seatbelts.
• Consider traveling at low-traffic times