As TSA wait times have gotten worse during the government shutdown, travelers have been looking for ways to avoid the worst of the lines—especially at busy hubs like Atlanta.
For many, the answer wasn’t standing in the regular security queue. Instead, they turned to options like TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and Delta’s Touchless ID to speed through the airport.
Those programs aren’t new, but during periods of long wait times, they became even more valuable. When standard lines stretched longer than usual, having access to a dedicated lane or biometric screening could make a noticeable difference.
But according to multiple reports from travelers, that workaround may no longer be available—at least for now.
Reports From Atlanta Show Longer Lines—And Fewer Shortcuts
Travelers flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport have reported significant delays at security checkpoints, even for those with expedited screening.
In one widely shared post, a traveler described TSA PreCheck lines taking close to an hour, while also noting that both CLEAR and Delta’s Touchless ID were unavailable at the time.
“Atlanta is a mess. If you’re flying out of ATL, TSA pre-check will take about an hour. Clear and Delta Touchless are both closed.”
While this appears to be a temporary situation, it highlights how quickly conditions can change when airport operations are under pressure.
Why This Happens
Programs like TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and Touchless ID are designed to move travelers through security more efficiently. But they all depend on the same underlying system—TSA staffing and checkpoint operations.
When staffing levels drop or passenger volume spikes, airports may shift resources to keep standard screening lines moving. That can mean reducing or temporarily closing expedited lanes, even though many travelers rely on them to save time.
We recently wrote about how TSA wait times have been increasing during the shutdown. What’s happening in Atlanta is the next step—when things get strained enough, it’s not just the lines that get longer. The ways to avoid them can stop working too.
Final Thought
When things start going wrong at the airport checkpoint, it pays to have every tool available. TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, Touchless ID—none of them are perfect, but having options can still make a difference depending on the day.
That said, situations like this are a good reminder that even the best shortcuts aren’t guaranteed. If you’re traveling during periods of disruption, the most reliable strategy is still the simplest: plan for the worst and hope everything runs more smoothly than expected.
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