Google Earth says the *road* distance from Tyndall AFB to Atlanta is 295 miles; the direct flight distance is 257 miles. The top speed of F-22 is classified (and unknown to me) but guesses on Internet place it between Mach 2.0 and 2.8, which would be between 1,500 and 2,100 mph. Then the airplanes need anywhere between 7 to 10 minutes to arrive to Atlanta area. That might be quick enough if the alternative is to send a car for local pilots, roll an airplane out of the hangar, etc.
I noticed on the news that it was an F-16. I guess the capabilities of an F-22 are really not needed to shoot down an airliner.