Friday, January 10, 2003

Hartsfield prepares for new screening measures

For several months officials at Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport have been working diligently with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the airlines to modify facilities for new screening equipment. The modifications were made in preparation of the TSA 100 percent baggage screening deadline.

"We have worked with TSA and the airlines and have taken several measures to make the Airport ready," said Ben DeCosta, aviation general manager. "Our role as the operator of the airport was to address security from an integrated approach to best protect the passengers and employees that use our facilities, and we've done that."

Hartsfield offers the following advice to passengers:

Look for directional signage for airline check-in, as the new mini-van sized screening equipment in the Airport lobby has created visual barriers in the corridors of the main terminal. During peak travel times airline ticket counters may become congested and long lines may develop.

Arrive two hours prior to their flight to ensure ample time for check in and security checkpoint processing.

Register for the airport's new service called, Trak-a-Line at www.atlanta-airport.com and receive free, real-time updates on security checkpoint wait times.

Leave checked luggage unlocked for screening purposes and visit the TSA web site www.tsa.gov for a complete list of prohibited items.

Hartsfield is not publicly disclosing the details of the new screening process and will look for ways to reduce long lines that may form as a result of the new security measures.

"Our goal throughout this process of implementing new screening measures at Hartsfield is to reduce passenger inconveniences," said DeCosta. "Part of that solution is adequate staffing at the check-in counters and the security checkpoints during peak travel periods."

In an effort to protect Hartsfield passengers a new filming policy will be enforced immediately, which prohibits photography of bags coming out of the EDS screening equipment and prohibits the filming of the process taken to resolve bags that create an alarm on the machines.