TSA Wait Times: Live Tracker
If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you know that TSA wait times are out of control right now, and I say that as someone who’s spent a lot of time waiting in airport lines.
Lines that used to take 20 minutes are taking over an hour at some of the busiest hubs in the country. When my mom booked her flight to come visit me this week, I realized I had no good way to tell her how early to leave for the airport, so I built this tool!
The airports below are listed alphabetically, and each one pulls in live TSA wait time data so you’re seeing current numbers, not estimates from this morning. Bookmark it before your next trip (or send it to your mom) and if you get there early, enjoy lounge access!
Quick heads up: I’m keeping this free until March 28th, 2026 but the live data feed has a cost attached to it that I’ll need to start covering after that! If you want to use this later or it was helpful and saved you from missing a flight or just gave you some peace of mind, a small tip is hugely appreciated. There’s a link below where you can leave one 🙂
Current TSA Wait Times by Airport
Airports are listed alphabetically by city. Tap your airport to see current security line estimates.
If you want me to add your airport, DM me here (*I can only see messages from followers because people on the internet are sometimes the worst so I lock it down) or email me.
You can view an embed of the TSA tracker app below, or check out the live page here.
The airports covered (for now!) are:
- Baltimore (BWI)
- Charlotte (CLT)
- Cleveland (CLE)
- Dallas Love Field (DAL)
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
- Denver (DEN)
- Houston Bush Intercontinental (IAH)
- Houston Hobby (HOU)
- Jacksonville (JAX)
- Las Vegas (LAS)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Miami (MIA)
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP)
- Newark (EWR)
- New York JFK (JFK)
- New York LaGuardia (LGA)
- Omaha (OMA)
- Philadelphia (PHL)
- Phoenix (PHX)
- Pittsburgh (PIT)
- Portland (PDX)
- Salt Lake City (SLC)
- Seattle–Tacoma (SEA)
- Washington D.C. (DCA)
- Washington Dulles (IAD)
Tips for Getting Through TSA Wait Times Faster
While you’re checking live TSA wait times, here are a few things worth doing before you head to the airport.
Get TSA PreCheck. It’s $78 for five years and it’s one of the best travel investments you can make. Standard security lines have been brutal lately. PreCheck lanes move significantly faster and you don’t have to take off your shoes, pull out your laptop, or remove your liquids. Worth every penny.
Consider Global Entry instead. Global Entry costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck automatically. If you travel internationally even once a year, it pays for itself in time saved at customs alone.
Arrive earlier than you think you need to. Right now, with lines running long at most major airports, I’d add an extra 30-45 minutes to whatever buffer you usually give yourself. Missing a flight because the security line was longer than expected is a really avoidable bad day.
Check your airport’s terminal layout. Some airports have multiple security checkpoints and one is often less crowded than the main entrance. At LAX, for example, the Tom Bradley International Terminal sometimes has shorter lines even for domestic connections. Worth a quick Google before you go.
Use the TSA app. The official MyTSA app shows wait time estimates and lets you check what you can and can’t bring through security. Useful if you’re packing anything borderline.
Frequently Asked Questions About TSA Wait Times
What time of day are TSA lines shortest?
Early morning flights, typically before 7am, tend to have the shortest security lines. Mid-morning (around 10am-noon) and late evening (after 8pm) are also generally lighter. The worst time is usually mid-afternoon, between 2-5pm, when multiple flight banks converge.
How early should I arrive at the airport right now?
For domestic flights, I’d aim for at least 2 hours if you have TSA PreCheck and 2.5 to 3 hours if you don’t. For international flights, give yourself 3 hours minimum. Lines have been running ridiculously long at most major US airports lately.
Does TSA PreCheck always have shorter lines?
Almost always, yes. Even on busy travel days, PreCheck lanes move substantially faster than standard lanes but right now everything is slower.
Which US airports have the worst TSA wait times?
Historically, the airports with the longest and most unpredictable security lines include LAX, JFK, ORD, and ATL. That said, wait times fluctuate based on time of day, day of week, and how many TSA agents are staffed at any given moment. The live tools above will give you the most accurate current picture!
Can I check TSA wait times before leaving for the airport?
Yes, and you should. The MyTSA app and the live widgets on this page give you current estimates. Keep in mind times can change quickly, especially around the top of an hour when a new wave of flights boards.
Is Global Entry worth it if I only fly domestically?
If you fly domestically more than a few times a year, Global Entry is still worth it because it includes TSA PreCheck. You’re paying $22 more than PreCheck alone for a benefit that also covers international arrivals. Many travel credit cards also reimburse the Global Entry fee entirely, so check your card benefits before paying out of pocket.
Safe travels out there! Check your lines, give yourself extra time, and if your airport’s security is looking brutal, use the PreCheck lane but just build in some extra time. Worse comes to worse you get to go to a fancy lounge!
Cheers to your next adventure ✈️
