12 Travel Essentials for Flying Through Atlanta Airport

More than 100 million passengers pass through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) every year, officially making it the busiest airport in the world. On any given day, nearly 286,000 people move through its terminals. Since it’s within a two-hour flight of 80 percent of the U.S. population, it’s buzzing with travelers 24 hours a day. It also happens to be less than 10 miles from my house.

ATL has been my home airport for over a decade, so I’ve experienced weather-related delays, cramped Plane Train rides, hour-long security lines, and last-minute gate changes that have me sprinting across concourses. Navigating the world’s busiest airport on the regular has taught me that you need to come with a strategy—or you will regret it.

Beyond patience, I’ve relied on some travel hacks and go-to essentials that make navigating ATL far less chaotic, from check-in to takeoff. From slip-on shoes that help me breeze through security to a crossbody bag that keeps my phone and ID accessible, these are the smart, practical items that can make the biggest difference, whether you’re departing from Atlanta Airport or anywhere in the world.

Travel Essentials for the World’s Busiest Airport

Rule No. 1: Dress for security

During off-peak travel periods, you can expect to get through the main checkpoint in 15 minutes. But during peak congestion or major travel surges, you’re looking at an hour—if you’re lucky. At the world’s busiest airport, being prepared for security is crucial to starting your journey on the right foot.

First and foremost, dress for security. Wear comfortable slip-on shoes and easy-to-remove layers—and skip the metal-heavy jewelry, complicated outerwear, and belt (if you can). This alone can shave valuable minutes off your screening and help you to breeze through the scanner instead of fumbling at the bins.

The Kizik Athens sneaker is the perfect shoe for the job—and one of my personal favorites. The spring-back heel lets you slip in and out hands-free, with laces you only need to tie once for the perfect fit. Plus, they offer support, cushioning, breathability, and versatility in one comfortable, travel-ready package.

Rule No. 2: Wear a crossbody bag instead of stuffing pockets

You’ve heard it a million times: “Remove everything from your pockets.” Yet people still forget, causing congestion at the scanners. At ATL’s main checkpoint, those small delays add up quickly, especially when the line is already wrapped around the stanchions like you’re waiting for a theme park ride. 

Staying hands-free at security checkpoints allows you to move seamlessly through the line and be prepared to show your ID or passport, while preventing lost items in security bins. A lightweight, anti-theft crossbody keeps your most important items within reach while offering RFID protection at the airport and at your destination. Plus, zippered compartments mean nothing spills out into the security bins while you’re carrying shoes and bags.

Rule No. 3: Keep your ID, passport, and boarding pass in one dedicated spot

This is just as important at security as it is at the gate: keep all your travel documents in one dedicated spot inside your crossbody bag. The last thing you want is to dig around for your ID while the line creeps forward or scramble for your boarding pass when your zone is called.

A compact travel wallet keeps everything streamlined and secure, with four card slots, a ticket sleeve, two clear ID windows, and a passport holder, so it’s all housed in one place. RFID technology adds an extra layer of protection, and the snap closure ensures nothing slips out mid-transit.

Rule No. 4: Always carry a portable charger

At the world’s busiest airport, outlets get taken fast, and public charging ports, frankly, aren’t safe to use (please don’t use them). Last year, the TSA warned travelers about “juice jacking,” where hackers install malware on your device to steal personal data, and advised passengers to avoid public USB ports and bring their own portable power bank instead. That way, you can charge your phone while waiting in line and avoid a dead battery at the gate when it’s time to present your boarding pass. The Charmast charger is especially convenient because its built-in cables mean fewer cords to pack and less to untangle in your bag.

Rule No. 5: Use a carry-on designed for quick security and easy access

Whether you opt for a carry-on backpack or a rolling suitcase, choose luggage with easy-access compartments. This allows you to quickly pull out your laptop, tablet, and toiletry bag when it’s your turn at security—especially at ATL, where the bins pile up fast.

The Kroser 20-inch Softside Expandable Carry-on moves seamlessly through checkpoints and fits easily into overhead bins. It features three exterior front pockets, including a 16-inch laptop compartment, an 11-inch tablet sleeve, and dedicated slots for your phone, passport, charger cords, and more, keeping everything organized and within reach. 

Rule No. 6: Invest in a luggage tracker

A larger volume of passengers means a higher chance of lost luggage. And with tens of thousands of checked bags moving through ATL’s baggage system on any given day, investing in an Apple AirTag feels non-negotiable. Drop one in every checked bag—and tuck one into your carry-on, too, in case you’re forced to gate-check at the last minute. Once you land, you’ll be able to track your suitcase from the plane to baggage claim without sweating its location.

Rule No. 7: Use packing cubes to avoid chaos at security and additional screenings

Did you know that messy, disorganized packing can actually trigger extra security screenings? When items are crammed together, they can appear dense or unclear on an X-ray scanner, sometimes requiring an additional inspection. To avoid delays, pack in a way that makes everything easily identifiable, especially when the Domestic Terminal is packed.

Compression packing cubes are helpful for a number of reasons, but moving swiftly through security is one of the best. Keep clothes separate from tech, toiletries, and food so each is clearly visible on the scanner, and pack items individually whenever possible—snacks in pouches, tech in easy-access sleeves, and liquids together.

Rule No. 8: Wear a lightweight, easy-to-remove layer

Terminal temperatures fluctuate wildly, with areas of ongoing construction feeling warmer and more humid than other parts of the airport. Even the windows at a crowded gate can heat up the entire area.

Avoid complicated outerwear and opt for something that can be easily packed into your bag, like a packable down jacket, travel wrap, or oversized cardigan. This lightweight, breathable sweater from Amazon Essentials features an open-front design so you can quickly take it on and off, whether you’re moving through security, squeezed into a steamy Plane Train car, or boarding a warm aircraft before the AC kicks in.

Rule No. 9: Weigh your luggage before you get to the airport

During peak travel periods, check-in lines can be just as long as security checkpoints. I’ve even missed an international flight because of congested check-in and bag drop areas—lesson learned. 

Come to the airport prepared to check in at the kiosk and swiftly drop your luggage with an agent, without being blindsided by the weight of your bag at the counter. A portable luggage scale helps you avoid surprises, whether that means removing a few items to dip below the 50-pound limit or being ready to pay an overweight baggage fee without holding up the line.

Rule No. 10: Pack a TSA-approved toiletry bag at the top of your carry-on

A secondary screening slows down everything. Keep all liquids in a removable pouch and place it at the top of your carry-on for easy access. This will allow you to grab the bag quickly when you reach the bins without digging around. Keep things simple with a clear, TSA-approved bag that’s easy to spot and easy to remove. This one from Bagsmart is 3-1-1-compliant and spacious enough to hold toiletries, medication, and makeup—all instantly visible. It’s even waterproof with reinforced seams, just in case something spills in transit.

Rule No. 11: Keep a small comfort kit in your personal item

Surprisingly, ATL has a relatively low delay rate compared to other major hubs and even some smaller airports in the U.S. But delays still happen, whether because of weather or staffing shortages. Whether you check a bag or not, be prepared to spend some unexpected time at the airport by packing a small comfort kit in your personal item. Include an eye mask, earplugs, sanitizing wipes, medication, a toothbrush, lip balm, and tissues to start. That way, you can get comfortable while you wait out a delay. This set of six mesh zippered pouches lets you group similar items together, and the transparent exterior makes it easy to see exactly what’s inside.

Rule No. 12: Bring an empty water bottle

We all know what it’s like to chug a forgotten bottle of water in the security line just to avoid tossing it. Instead, pack an empty reusable water bottle in your carry-on. ATL has more than 50 bottle-filling stations through its terminals—including one just outside security checkpoints—so you can refill as soon as you’re through. Plus, it saves you from spending $5 (or more) on a single bottle at Hudson News.

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