Everyone has an Atlanta airport story, and now media members covering the College Football Playoff National Championship Game will have one to tell as well. We all like to complain about air travel; it’s a pastime as American as eating a hot dog while watching baseball. While travel issues are not unique to the United States, certain airports exemplify sheer incompetence, with Charlotte and Atlanta standing out.
This week, Atlanta — the site of Ohio State’s thrilling victory over Notre Dame to secure its first national title since 2014 — reinforced its status as a traveler’s nightmare. Media members, fans, and everyday travelers found themselves in a perfect storm of post-holiday madness, championship aftermath, and impending winter weather, leading to endless security lines that stranded thousands in frustration. Even TSA PreCheck, typically the golden ticket, failed to provide relief.
To all who are in the Atlanta airport….we’ll always have a story. I guess ?
“Worst security line we’ve ever seen.”
The holiday weekend + OSU/ND fan bases coming in for a little game sneak up on ya, did it?
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) January 21, 2025
Adding to the chaos, Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger reported that the TSA PreCheck line grew so long it spilled outdoors into freezing temperatures, while the regular TSA line was three times as long.
The TSA *precheck* line at the Atlanta airport is so long – hundreds of yards – that it stretches outdoors in frigid temperatures.
The regular TSA line is three times as long, at least. pic.twitter.com/QeD0ygWuor
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 21, 2025
Numerous anecdotes conveyed the sheer chaos of the situation, with many sharing their experiences.
Voice is gone but here to say Atlanta has the worst airport in the world pic.twitter.com/e41eO0pcRr
— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) January 21, 2025
Verified account. ✅ https://t.co/ik05QDcHRD
— Matt Barrie (@MattBarrie) January 21, 2025
I’ve never been to war but I imagine the Atlanta airport this morning is similar to war
— Lucy Rohden (@lucy_rohden) January 21, 2025
Atlanta airport this morning is by far the worst travel experience I’ve ever had. Just an absolute nightmare 😂
— Colton Denning (@Dubsco) January 21, 2025
The Atlanta airport is always a great place to spend two hours in a line the day after a big sporting event! pic.twitter.com/rc2uJ4yKHC
— Eric Kay (@ekaycbs) January 21, 2025
Mass exodus and short staffing at #Atlanta’s airport the day after the National Championship.. yikes. pic.twitter.com/b9Rcy5Lb8B
— Lauren Moss WNDU (@LMossWNDU) January 21, 2025
If you need me, I’ll be in the Atlanta airport security line until next season starts.
— Adam Kramer (@KegsnEggs) January 21, 2025
The Atlanta airport is the worst one in the nation.
— BuckeyeScoop (@BuckeyeScoop) January 21, 2025
Media members, take note: next time you cover a championship game in Atlanta, be sure to pack your patience—and perhaps a sleeping bag for the TSA line. Or even better, leave for the airport immediately after filing your story.
