Nearly a million people to pass through Atlanta’s airport this weekend

Airport General Manager John Selden says his team is ready.

“We here at Hartsfield Jackson-Atlanta International Airport are excited to see an increase in passenger traffic during the holiday weekend,” Selden said. “As we welcome more travelers through ATL, we want them to know we are fully prepared with increased cleaning protocols, hand-sanitizing stations, free mask distribution and social distancing measures.”

TRENDING STORIES:

• Convoy of Care: Help victims of Coweta County tornado
• 4-year-old dies after stolen SUV crashed into father’s car
• Braves to ramp up stadium capacity to 50% before end of April

Channel 2′s Tom Jones was at the airport Friday, where people catching flights said they aren’t concerned about catching COVID-19. Many have been vaccinated and others said they are taking the necessary precautions -- and it’s a good time to hop on a plane and go somewhere.

Jones talked to travelers who were headed to California, Phoenix, New York City and more.

Many people said they feel more comfortable traveling now.

“We’re both vaccinated so... wear a mask!” one traveler said.

Christine Jarvis and her family and friends are headed to Phoenix. They said they all feel very safe flying.

“We’ve been taking precautions and staying as safe as you can, but life goes on,” Jarvis said.

Lailaini Reed and her friend Monique Gaunichaux just got to Atlanta to celebrate Gaunichaux’s birthday. They said the time was right to get on a plane and go somewhere.

“Last year, they canceled our flight because of the coronavirus, so we had to do something this year,” Reed said.

Airport officials are reminding passengers they still need to adhere to CDC guidelines and City of Atlanta mandated safety protocols such as social distancing and the required use of face masks. The airport says they have over 3 million free face masks available for travelers if needed.

The airport has also continued the following health and safety protocols that began last year for everyone in the building:

• Social distancing floor markings and signage; public announcements throughout the terminals and on the Plane Train; and digital signage on the SkyTrain.

• Installation of more than 500 hand sanitizer stations. The stations are self-monitoring and inform Airport staff when refills are necessary

• Consistent and repetitive janitorial cleaning protocols across touchpoints – such as seats and handrails – multiple times per day

• Increased frequency of cleaning efforts at gate seating areas (at least five times per day and as needed)

• Extended queues at security checkpoints to maintain social distancing

• Installation of Plexiglass partitions at security checkpoints

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

If you are heading to the airport to catch a flight, airport officials strongly recommend you get there at least two hours early. They also suggest checking the airport website frequently for updates on parking, concessionaire status and security lines.