Hartsfield-Jackson, TSA ready for a busy summer
By Staff Writers

Hartsfield-Jackson ushered in the busy “100 days of summer” travel season, which is expected to bring more travelers through the Airport than in 2009, with a news conference on May 26 in the Atrium.

Robert Kennedy, assistant general manager for Operations, Maintenance and Security, and Mary Leftridge Byrd, Transportation Security Administration federal security director for Hartsfield-Jackson, assured travelers that the Airport and the TSA are well-prepared for the increased volume of passengers.

Kennedy reminded travelers to take advantage of the Airport’s ample parking and to explore the many new concessions. Byrd advised travelers to be ready for the security screening process, which will include expanded use of explosives-trace detection technology at the checkpoints and at the boarding areas as well as the advanced imaging technology machines (or full-body scanners).

Hartsfield-Jackson offers several tips to help travelers have convenient, pleasurable trips during the busiest travel period of the year.

1. Arrive at the Airport early.
• Plan to arrive 90 minutes before domestic flights and two hours before international flights, and then speed through security.
• Expect an average wait time of less than 10 minutes during off-peak times and no more than 20 minutes during peak times.
• Take advantage of lanes that are based on travel skills and experience.
• Sign up for Trak-a-Flight, the Airport’s free service that delivers updated flight information to e-mail accounts, PDAs or mobile devices. Check security wait times online at www.atlanta-airport.com.

2. Save time by parking at the Airport.
• Hartsfield-Jackson offers ample, convenient parking, with more than 30,000 on-site parking spaces in the hourly, economy, daily, and Gold and Park-Ride Reserve lots. The lots are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• More than 8,000 on-site Park-Ride spaces offer additional convenience and accessibility. They also are a bargain at just $9 per day.
• There are more than 40 express-pay stations inside the terminal and throughout the on-site parking decks that allow travelers to pay for parking in cash or by credit card before returning to their vehicles.
• Call 1-877-ATL-PARK or go online at www.atlanta-airport.com for updates on parking availability in all lots.

3. The new rental car center is open.
• The state-of-the-art rental car center and ATL SkyTrain are now open!
• All rental car companies have moved to the rental car center, which houses all customer transaction counters and all vehicles.
• Follow the Ground Transportation signs and enjoy a scenic, five-minute ride to the center.

4. Be prepared.
• Avoid wearing anything metal that will set off security sensors.May 24 Trey Wright
• The Transportation Security Administration asks travelers to follow the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on baggage: 3-ounce bottles or less (by volume); one quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; and one bag per passenger placed in the screening bin.
• Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
• Be careful on the escalators if children are wearing Crocs or flip-flops.

5. Shop, dine and explore.
• Hartsfield-Jackson successfully completed the opening of 80 new shops, which offer many options for last-minute purchases.
• Find summertime needs - including sunscreen and books for the beach - at stores such as LATHER, the Beauty Lounge, Mori Luggage & Gifts, Sean John, BlackBerry from Wireless Giant, The New York Times Books & News, Atlanta Daily World newsstand, Buckhead Books and Drugs & More.
• Grab a bite to eat! Dining choices include One Flew South on Concourse E; Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint and Phillips Seafood, both on Concourse D; and Sojourner’s Café on concourses D and E.
• Explore what Atlanta and Georgia have to offer by visiting Georgia-themed stores, including Piedmont Park TravelMart, Zoo Atlanta’s Panda Veranda, Savannah’s Candy Kitchen and the Georgia Aquarium’s Beyond the Reef.

6. Relax.
• If there is time for a little pampering before or after a flight, head to XpresSpa, a full-service spa on concourses A and C.
• Minute Suites on Concourse B offers passengers private rooms to nap, relax or work.
• Hartsfield-Jackson’s compelling art program features nearly 250 eclectic, internationally focused pieces on display throughout the facility.
• Enjoy the Airport’s newest exhibit of vintage, hand-painted movie posters in the Atrium that depict Hollywood’s most beloved stars, including Clark Gable, Joan Crawford and Marlene Dietrich.
• Relax with a good book and a cup of coffee at Simply Books and Starbucks in the Atrium or at the new Café Intermezzo and Buckhead Books on Concourse B.