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By Alice Gibbs
Senior Reporter
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A social media update from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has sparked online discussion after travelers interpreted it as a tip for avoiding long TSA lines during the ongoing government shutdown.
The airport’s official account posted an update on March 17 advising domestic travelers to use domestic security checkpoints rather than the international terminal, citing heavier congestion caused by passengers attempting to bypass lines.
The message quickly circulated online, with some users describing it as a long‑known "hack" to move through security faster at the world’s busiest airport.
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Why It Matters
Airport security wait times have become a growing concern for travelers during a partial U.S. government shutdown that has left many Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees working without pay.
Staffing shortages and increased passenger volume during the spring-break travel period have contributed to congestion at major airports nationwide. Even routine operational guidance can take on added significance for flyers trying to avoid delays and missed flights. Last week, Denver International Airport captured attention when employees asked passengers for gift card donations to help TSA staff who are working without pay amid the shutdown.
What the Airport Said
In a post shared by Atlanta Airport’s official X account, it said it was seeing increased congestion at the International Terminal checkpoint "caused by domestic travelers attempting to bypass lines in the Domestic Terminal."
"If you are flying domestically, please use the Domestic Security Checkpoints," the airport wrote, adding that wait times at the international checkpoint were longer than those at domestic screening areas at the time of the update.
A spokesperson for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) told Newsweek: "That was due to a specific incident on Tuesday where we saw many Domestic travelers using the International Checkpoint as a means to avoid wait times at the Domestic Checkpoints. It caused an influx of passengers in the International Terminal.
"We advise passengers to use the appropriate airport terminal according to their travel destination."
What To Know
The post gained traction online after being reshared by travel content creators, including one user who described the guidance as "one of the biggest hidden TSA secrets" at Hartsfield‑Jackson.
Some commenters suggested the message confirmed a long‑standing belief among frequent flyers that international checkpoints can sometimes move faster, while others warned that attempting to game the system could worsen congestion overall.
Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport regularly publishes TSA wait‑time estimates and breaks them down by checkpoint on its official website.
Airport officials have long advised passengers to arrive early, particularly during peak travel periods, noting that wait times can fluctuate quickly.
Even outside of shutdown conditions, the TSA recommends arriving at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international departures.
What Happens Next
With the Department of Homeland Security still unfunded, TSA officers classified as essential workers are expected to remain on the job while pay disruptions continue.
Airports, including Atlanta, have warned that congestion could persist as staffing challenges intersect with high seasonal travel demand.
Update, 03/19/26 9:03 a.m. ET: This story was updated with comment from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
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