Atlanta Airport Adds 3 New CLEAR Security Gates

The new biometric checkpoints aim to reduce long security lines at the South Checkpoint.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:06pm

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the towering, sweeping architecture of an airport terminal, with smooth gradients of blues and grays conveying a sense of efficiency and modernity.The addition of new biometric security gates aims to streamline the passenger experience at one of the world's busiest airports.Atlanta Today

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has installed three new CLEAR security gates at its South Checkpoint, providing an additional biometric screening option for travelers. Airport officials say the new gates will help alleviate the long security lines that have plagued the airport in recent months, particularly during the partial government shutdown when TSA staffing issues caused major delays.

Why it matters

Atlanta's airport is one of the busiest in the world, and efficient security screening is crucial to keeping passenger lines moving. The new CLEAR gates provide a faster alternative to traditional TSA checkpoints, which have struggled with staffing challenges and long wait times, especially during peak travel periods and government shutdowns.

The details

The three new CLEAR security gates are located at the South Checkpoint of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. CLEAR is a biometric identity verification service that uses fingerprints or iris scans to verify passenger identities, allowing them to bypass the regular security line. Airport officials say the new CLEAR gates will help reduce wait times that had previously stretched throughout the baggage claim area and even outside the terminal during the partial government shutdown earlier this year.

  • The new CLEAR security gates opened in April 2026.
  • In early 2026, the partial government shutdown caused major TSA staffing issues and unprecedented security line delays at the Atlanta airport.

The players

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

One of the busiest airports in the world, located in Atlanta, Georgia.

CLEAR

A biometric identity verification service that uses fingerprints or iris scans to expedite passenger screening at airports and other security checkpoints.

Christopher Lawhorne

A passenger who flew from Atlanta to Texas on Friday and noted the dramatic improvement in security wait times compared to earlier in the year.

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What they’re saying

“Last time it was terrible, even getting into the airport. The lines were wrapped all the way around baggage claim. It took almost four hours to get through. It was bad.”

— Christopher Lawhorne, Passenger

What’s next

Airport officials continue to encourage passengers to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights to account for security screening.

The takeaway

The addition of three new CLEAR security gates at Atlanta's airport is a proactive step to improve the passenger experience and reduce the long security lines that have plagued the busy hub, especially during times of staffing shortages or government disruptions.