News Summary
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is expecting over 2.6 million passengers during the Memorial Day weekend. This is part of a broader trend as AAA forecasts record travel numbers for Georgians, with 1.38 million expected to travel. Travelers should arrive early due to increased passenger volume and be aware of traffic patterns. With road travel dominating, gas prices remain relatively low, although they may rise due to demand. The Georgia State Patrol is enhancing safety measures on highways.
Atlanta – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is gearing up for a record-breaking Memorial Day weekend, anticipating over 2.6 million passengers from May 21 to May 28. The influx of travelers coincides with broader national trends, as AAA forecasts that 1.38 million Georgians will travel during this holiday, marking a rise of 45,000 compared to last year. Nationwide, approximately 45.1 million people are expected to partake in Memorial Day travels.
Among these travelers, more than 39 million (or 87%) are expected to travel by road. Specifically in Georgia, about 1.23 million individuals will hit the highways, a significant portion of those set to travel during the 78-hour holiday period enforced by the Georgia State Patrol, starting at 6 p.m. on Friday and lasting until 11:59 p.m. on Monday.
Friday is projected to be the busiest travel day at the airport, with at least 378,000 passengers expected to pass through. An estimated 195,000 passengers are anticipated to depart from Hartsfield-Jackson between Thursday and Friday alone. Given the surge in travelers, airport officials are recommending that passengers arrive a minimum of 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours early for international flights.
Operational Updates and Recommendations
All parking lots at the airport will be fully operational during the holiday, as ongoing construction for the ATL Next initiative will not hinder service. Typical security line wait times run between 20 to 30 minutes, but during this high-traffic period, they may extend significantly. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has anticipated screening at least 710,000 passengers throughout the coming week.
Travel Requirements
For travelers aged 18 and older, it is important to note the requirement of presenting a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another form of federally approved identification to board flights. The TSA emphasizes the need for compliance to ensure smooth transit through security checkpoints.
Gas Prices and Road Travel Insights
On the road, AAA highlights that gas prices are currently lower than last year, with the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Georgia at $2.93, down from $3.35 in 2024. However, the rising demand during the holiday weekend may result in increasing prices, prompting travelers to plan accordingly.
The Georgia State Patrol has also cautioned residents to expect a higher presence of law enforcement officers on the roads over the Memorial Day holiday. Their “Click It or Ticket” campaign will enforce seat belt compliance, aiming to enhance safety for travelers.
Travelers should be particularly aware of anticipated traffic patterns on major routes. For example, Interstate 20 east from Atlanta to Augusta is expected to experience a 43% increase in traffic, especially around 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, with estimated travel times reaching approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes.
Conclusion
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, travelers are encouraged to stay informed, arrive early at airports, adhere to travel requirements, and exercise caution and awareness while driving. Preparing ahead will help facilitate smoother travels as millions take to the roads and skies across Georgia and the nation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Family-Friendly Swimming Lakes Near Atlanta
Significant Traffic Disruptions in Downtown Atlanta Due to Sinkhole
Atlanta Hosts Unique Grief and Healing Event ‘We Go On’
Spring Break Traffic in Georgia Set to Increase
Cessna Crash in Alaska Claims All 10 Lives
Atlanta Honors the Legacy of President Jimmy Carter
Plains, Georgia Honors the Legacy of Jimmy Carter
Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Hartsfield-Jackson Bracing for Record Memorial Day Travel Surge
- Travel and Tour World: Is Memorial Day Weekend Fueling Biggest US Air Travel Boom Yet?
- Atlanta News First: Hartsfield-Jackson Prepares for Busy Memorial Day Travel Period
- Wikipedia: Memorial Day
- 11 Alive: Best and Worst Times to Travel Memorial Day in Georgia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memorial Day
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
