Additional security lanes and self-select program expedite customers’ travel through security checkpoints

Hartsfield-Jackson is improving and expediting the travel experience for its more than 250,000 customers who fly through the world’s busiest airport each day by adding 10 new and more efficient security lanes Oct. 28.

With the addition of four new lanes in Terminal South and six new lanes in Terminal North, customers now have the choice of a total of 32 lanes at three separate checkpoints.

“Hartsfield-Jackson’s goal is to exceed our customers’ expectations, and these new security checkpoint areas, security lanes and more convenient screening procedures will decrease checkpoint wait times,” said Ben DeCosta, aviation general manager.

“During the traditionally busy ‘100 Days of Summer’ this year, we managed to reduce the number of wait times exceeding 20 minutes by almost 90 percent over last year. This $26 million investment will further enhance the overall efficiency of our airport making for an even more hassle-free experience for our customers,” DeCosta said.

The opening of the new lanes coincides with the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) launch of its Diamond Self-Select program in Atlanta, adding to customers’ choice of where to enter security checkpoints.

“We are pleased to introduce the Diamond Self-Select lane program to Hartsfield-Jackson [Oct. 28] as part of the overall expansion and improvement of the security checkpoint area,” said Gerald Chapman, TSA Central Area director. “Allowing passengers to select lanes based on their needs and experience creates a calmer and more efficient checkpoint, enhancing security as a result.”

Self-Select lanes are designated by easy-to-spot signage that directs passengers based on their personal travel needs and knowledge. Signage for the self-select lanes resembles familiar snow skiing icons that guide travelers to choose the appropriate lane based on their travel skill and experience level. The three self-select categories are:

• Black Diamond for expert, elite or frequent business travelers

• Blue Square for more casual travelers with carry-on baggage and a basic understanding of security requirements

• Green Circle for those flying with young children in strollers or who might have special needs

The premium passenger lanes for airline customers are now located alongside the TSA’s Black Diamond lanes at the North Security Checkpoint and are inclusive as part of the Black Diamond lanes at the South Security Checkpoint.

“The airport and TSA have been excellent partners in working to address issues surrounding security wait times, and the completion of this project represents yet another milestone surrounding these efforts,” said Greg Kennedy, Delta’s vice president of Airport Customer Service. “Delta’s investment in this project falls in line with our goal ofstreamlining the travel experience for our passengers, which has included efforts at reducing security wait times and the introduction of online and kiosk check-in options.”

“Our goal at AirTran Airways is to make the travel experience as convenient as possible for our passengers and reducing wait times at security checkpoints will make travel an easier experience,” said Rick Pelc, general manager of the Atlanta station for AirTran Airways. “This initiative is a major achievement for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the TSA as a part of their ongoing efforts to make passenger security a more efficient process. We applaud their efforts on behalf of our customers.”

Hartsfield-Jackson offers pre-screening convenience for international travelers

U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is also now offering its Global Entry Program at Hartsfield-Jackson for select U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents aged 14 years and older. The program grants participants the convenience of pre-screening and exemption from routine questioning to expedite their entry into the United States.

This new voluntary program, requiring an enrollment fee, expedites clearance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Upon arrival, registered participants will use a self-service kiosk to report their arrival, scan their passport or permanent residency card, submit their fingerprints for biometric verification, and make a CBP declaration at the touch-screen kiosk.

The kiosk then takes a digital photograph of the traveler as part of the transaction record, issues a transaction receipt and directs the traveler to baggage claim and the exit.

However, Global Entry participants may be selected randomly by CBP officers for additional screening at any time in the Customs process.

Hartsfield-Jackson is the world’s busiest airport serving more than 89 million passengers annually housing 34 passenger and 16 cargo airlines. A frequent recipient of awards of excellence for operations, architectural engineering and construction, it is undergoing $6 billion-plus in capital improvements which will include a new energy-efficient car rental facility, a new 12-gate international terminal and aesthetic and functional upgrades to its concourses, people movers and parking services.

###

login to post comments