TSA Wait Times - Live Nationwide
Real-time security checkpoint wait times for 51 major US airports, updated every 10 minutes
(0-15 min)
(15-30 min)
(30+ min)
Loading TSA wait times...
Frequently Asked Questions About TSA Wait Times
How accurate are these TSA wait times?
Our TSA wait times are updated every 10 minutes from live airport data sources. While we strive for accuracy, actual wait times can vary based on sudden changes in passenger volume, staffing, or security incidents. We recommend checking the data within 30 minutes of your departure and planning to arrive earlier than suggested during peak travel periods.
What do the colors mean (green, yellow, red)?
🟢 Green (Short): 0-15 minute wait - minimal delay, good time to fly. 🟡 Yellow (Moderate): 15-30 minute wait - typical wait time, plan accordingly. 🔴 Red (Long): 30+ minute wait - significant delay, arrive extra early or consider TSA PreCheck.
Is TSA PreCheck worth it?
Yes! TSA PreCheck costs $78 for 5 years and can save you 20-30 minutes per flight during peak times. PreCheck lanes typically have wait times of 5-10 minutes even when regular security is 30-45 minutes. If you fly just 2-3 times per year, the time savings pay for the enrollment fee.
When are the best times to go through TSA security?
Generally, the best times are early morning (5-7am) before the first rush and late evening (after 8pm). The worst times are typically 7-9am (business travelers and morning departures) and 3-6pm (afternoon rush). However, this varies by airport - click on your specific airport above to see detailed best times data.
How early should I arrive at the airport?
TSA recommends arriving 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. This accounts for parking, check-in, security wait, and walking to your gate. Use our airport timing calculator for personalized recommendations based on your location, real-time traffic, and current TSA wait times.
✈️ Calculate Your Exact Departure Time
Get a personalized timeline with real-time traffic, TSA wait times, and driving directions
Use Departure Calculator →