Breaking down airport security wait times

Quick insights

• Airport security wait times typically range from 15 to 30 minutes under normal conditions and may extend to 45 minutes or more during peak travel times.
• Factors such as airport size, time of day, travel season and security staffing can impact wait times.
• Many airport websites and third-party apps offer real-time data on wait times.

How long will it take to reach your gate before a flight? The answer often hinges largely on the time it takes to pass through airport security. Wait times can vary, making it challenging to determine how early to arrive and adding stress to the travel experience. Fortunately, resources are available to help you make an informed estimate.

Let’s unpack how you could potentially predict your airport security wait time and discuss a few tips to ease the security screening process.

Airport security wait times explained

Before boarding your flight, you must pass through airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the government agency responsible for screening passengers at security checkpoints before they can access the terminal.

Passengers are directed to either standard or expedited security lanes. Those enrolled in a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) like TSA PreCheck® can use the expedited lanes for a streamlined security screening process.

TSA wait times can vary. Generally, wait times range from 15 to 30 minutes. However, during busy times, you may experience wait times of 45 minutes or longer.

Several factors can influence the duration of this process:

• Airport and terminal size: Large airports that serve as major hubs or terminals handling a large number of international flights tend to have longer wait times compared to smaller regional airports.
• Time of day: Traveling during peak times can lead to longer wait times. Business travel patterns often result in increased passenger traffic on Monday mornings and Friday evenings.
• Travel season: Holidays and weekends typically see higher passenger volumes, leading to longer wait times.
• Security staffing: The number of open security lanes and available TSA agents can affect wait times.
• Passenger preparedness: Unprepared passengers can slow down the process. For example, delays may occur when passengers fail to place items in the correct containers or wear items that trigger alarms.
• Security checks: The screening could take additional time if your carry-on bag needs a physical search after the electronic screening or if you are selected for a random check.

How early to arrive before a flight

Travelers often want to know how long it takes to get through security to determine when to arrive at the airport.

You may have heard that passengers should generally arrive 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. However, some international airports make recommendations regarding arrival times on their website, which may differ from this general advice. These websites may also provide data on airport security wait times.

Additionally, various apps offer real-time data regarding TSA wait times. Using these resources may help you make an informed choice when planning your airport arrival time.

Apps for current security wait times

Several apps can help you predict airport security wait times, which may be useful for travel planning. The apps typically provide estimates for specific security lanes at airports and may include features like airport maps or tips for faster security clearance. For instance, TSA offers the MyTSA app, which provides estimates based on real-time information submitted by passengers.

The estimated wait times in these apps are based on data from one or more of the following sources:

• User-submitted data
• Historical data
• Official data directly from the airport

Some apps have an algorithm to generate estimates by combining data from all these sources.

While these apps can give you an idea of how long you might wait, note that the estimates are not guaranteed to be accurate, and you may experience longer wait times.

Tips to get through airport security faster

If eligible, applying for TSA PreCheck can grant you access to expedited security lanes at many airports. For standard security screening lanes, there are several strategies that could expedite your screening. You may experience a more efficient security screening if you’re familiar with the TSA guidelines. In particular, it can be helpful to review TSA carry-on restrictions.

For example, you may want to understand the 3-1-1 rule, limits liquids to 3.4 ounce containers placed within a single, quart-sized bag. Observing this rule could help you avoid additional screening of your bag and get your toiletries and other liquid items through security.

TSA recommends keeping an organized carry-on bag to ease the security screening process. When you pack your carry-on, keep in mind that it may take a TSA agent more time to screen a cluttered or overstuffed bag.

In summary

Airport security wait times can vary based on several factors, including the airport size, season, time of day and TSA staffing levels. Wait times typically range from 15 to 30 minutes, but they can extend to 45 minutes or more during peak travel times at international airports.

Some airport websites and third-party apps provide data on current security wait times. Additionally, airport websites may offer guidance on how early to arrive before a flight.

Travelers looking to streamline their security screening can apply for TSA PreCheck or familiarize themselves with TSA guidelines, such as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.