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Tips for TSA wait times at San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

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    Quick insights

    • At San Francisco International Airport (SFO), TSA wait times are typically 20 minutes or longer.
    • During peak travel periods, wait times can extend to 45 minutes or more.
    • To access current TSA wait times at SFO using real-time data, you may want to consider downloading MyTSA or other mobile apps.

    Before experiencing the Golden Gate Bridge or San Francisco’s distinct cable cars, many visitors to “The City by the Bay” pass through SFO. Despite the high volumes of passengers, TSA security checkpoints at SFO are generally efficient, though travelers occasionally encounter lengthy TSA wait times. Getting stuck in a long TSA line can be stressful, especially if you’re on one of SFO’s many international flights to Europe or Asia.

    Fortunately, there are several available resources to help you anticipate your TSA wait time and navigate SFO more efficiently. Read on to learn more about TSA wait times at SFO and get a few tips to help you reach your gate more smoothly.

    TSA wait times at SFO

    At SFO, TSA wait times are often 20 minutes or longer. However, during busy periods, wait times could extend to 45 minutes or more.

    Mornings are typically the busiest time of day, and wait times tend to be longer during major holidays and local events. Annual events such as the San Francisco Pride Parade and Festival, Fleet Week, Chinese New Year Parade and Festival and San Francisco Marathon often lead to increased passenger traffic at SFO.

    Mobile apps like MyTSA provide current TSA wait times at SFO and other airports and may even estimate wait times on a specific travel day based on historical data. Keep in mind that these apps do not guarantee actual wait times, and sudden fluctuations can occur due to passenger surges, TSA staffing levels and other factors.

    When to arrive before a flight at SFO

    The TSA provides general guidance about when to arrive before a flight, recommending that domestic travelers arrive 2 hours before and international travelers arrive 3 hours before. SFO advises travelers to check with their airline for guidance on when to arrive.

    Estimating how long pre-boarding tasks are likely to take can help you plan your airport arrival time. Our guide to SFO could help you navigate the airport more smoothly and decide on the right transportation option for you.

    If you’re parking at the airport, SFO offers a few parking services that may help you reach your gate faster. You can pre-book parking and locate current parking availability—check the official SFO website for current parking information.

    Another way to get to your gate faster is to use your airline’s mobile app. If your airline provides an app, you can typically use it check in, pre-check luggage and access a mobile boarding pass, potentially allowing you to skip a stop at the airline self-service kiosk or counter.

    How to get through SFO airport security faster

    These tips can help you navigate your TSA screening more efficiently:

    Prepare for security screenings

    Familiarizing yourself with TSA rules before you travel can make your security screening go more smoothly. Here are some additional tips to help you prepare:

    • When packing, start with an empty bag to help you avoid accidentally bringing restricted carry-on items.
    • Keep your bag well-organized to streamline the process if a TSA agent needs to physically screen it.
    • Wear easy-to-remove shoes, belts and jackets, as you’ll typically take these off during a screening.
    • Have your identification documents and boarding pass easily accessible while waiting in the TSA line.

    Travel at off-peak times

    If your schedule allows, you may want to consider booking flights that allow you to clear security in the afternoon or evening when lines are usually shorter. Additionally, you may want to avoid travel during major holidays or local events.

    Enroll in programs designed to expedite screenings

    TSA PreCheck® is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) that allows members to use designated security lanes at TSA checkpoints, including at SFO. To get TSA PreCheck membership, you’ll need to apply online, pay an application fee and attend an in-person interview. If approved, you can typically keep your shoes, belt and light jacket on and don’t need to remove your laptop or liquids from your bag during screenings.

    At SFO, TSA PreCheck applicants can complete the in-person interview at the enrollment center located in the International Terminal (pre-security, G-side, near the BART Station). Walk-ins are generally accepted, but scheduled appointments receive priority.

    Another option is CLEAR Plus, a membership program operated by the private security company CLEAR. At security checkpoints, CLEAR Plus members use designated kiosks to confirm their identity via biometrics instead of presenting traditional identification documents. After their identity is confirmed, members then proceed to the security screening lanes as usual. While CLEAR Plus is not a Trusted Traveler Program, it can be combined with other TTPs like TSA PreCheck to potentially further streamline the screening process.

    In summary

    At SFO, TSA wait times are generally 20 minutes or more. However, during busy travel periods—such as mornings, major holidays and events—wait times could extend to 45 minutes or longer.

    Mobile apps like MyTSA provide estimated TSA wait times at SFO and other airports, which may help you with travel planning. SFO also offers resources to help you park more efficiently.

    To reduce the time it takes to reach your gate, you may want to consider preparing for your security screening, enrolling in TSA PreCheck or using your airline’s mobile app to check in.

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