Industry News

ATL Expands Innovation with three CLEAR eGates at South Checkpoint

Apr 21, 2026 | News

New automated screening technology enhances efficiency, security, and traveler flow

ATLANTA — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the first airport in the United States to deploy CLEAR’s biometric eGate technology in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) under the TSA Registered Traveler Program, is expanding its leadership in aviation innovation with the addition of three eGates at the South Checkpoint. Two eGates were installed at ATL’s Lower North Checkpoint last August.

While all security requirements remain under TSA oversight, CLEAR eGates use real-time biometric verification to match a traveler’s facial image with their enrolled CLEAR profile, enabling a faster, more seamless identity check experience. Once verified, passengers proceed directly to physical screening without a manual check at a TSA podium.

“At Hartsfield-Jackson, we are focused every day on moving passengers through the Airport as safely and efficiently as possible,” said Airport General Manager Ricky Smith. “The addition of CLEAR’s eGates at the South Checkpoint is one more way we are using innovation to improve flow and support the traveler experience.”

The program represents a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership to modernize Airport checkpoints, improve security, and enhance the passenger experience. By scaling identity verification capacity at the checkpoint, the addition of ATL’s three eGates will reduce congestion and further increase throughput during peak travel periods.

“We are incredibly grateful for the visionary leadership at Hartsfield-Jackson and our steadfast partners at the TSA, whose collaboration made this triple eGate launch possible,” said CLEAR Executive Vice President of Aviation Kyle McLaughlin. “The recent shutdown was a stark reminder of the need for public-private partnerships to drive innovation and automation at the checkpoint.”

 

 

Preparing for Global Travel Demand

This expansion comes at a critical time for U.S. aviation. With over 1.2 million international visitors expected for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Airports are preparing for increased passenger volumes. As Atlanta serves as a major gateway for domestic and international visitors, the technology streamlines checkpoint operations.

Alongside the eGate rollout, TSA and its partners have expanded access to expedited security processing. Travelers from 40 countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas are eligible to join CLEAR+, providing global travelers with an additional option for faster checkpoint processing at U.S. airports.

This latest expansion underscores ATL’s continued leadership in adopting innovative solutions that enhance both security and passenger flow, positioning the airport to meet growing demand and on the global stage in the years ahead.

For more information about TSA eGates, visit TSA.gov and clearme.com.

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