Omaha Airport Tsa Precheck: What You Need To Know

Omaha Eppley Airfield does have TSA PreCheck, which makes it faster and easier to get in and out of the airport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) opens each checkpoint at 4:00 AM, and these remain open until the last departure in the concourse. The airport recommends that passengers arrive no later than 2 hours before their departure time to account for parking, walking, airline check-in, and the TSA security checkpoint process.

TSA PreCheck availability at Omaha Airport

Omaha's Eppley Airfield does offer TSA PreCheck, allowing travellers to speed through security. While the airport does not offer Clear, the TSA PreCheck service helps to streamline the security process, with typically short lines and an efficient service.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) opens each checkpoint at 4:00 AM, with these checkpoints remaining open until the last departure from the concourse. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport no later than two hours before their departure time, to allow for parking, walking, check-in, and the TSA security process. Peak departure times, such as between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM, are extremely busy, so travellers should bear this in mind and arrive in good time.

The airport provides a designated lane for commercial vehicles and travellers with disabilities on the front drive. For additional assistance, travellers can contact the Airport Communications Center on 402-661-8100. All vehicles entering the airport are subject to search, and remote parking is available with shuttle buses to and from the terminal.

Only ticketed passengers are allowed through the security screening checkpoints to the gate areas, and a photo ID must be carried at all times.

Short TSA lines at Omaha Airport

Omaha Airport does have TSA PreCheck, which means that security lines are often short and quick to get through. The airport is relatively small and doesn't experience high levels of traffic, so even the regular security lines are usually short.

One passenger commented that with TSA PreCheck, they can get from the curb, drop their bags, and reach their gate in 15-20 minutes, even with a few lines along the way. They also mentioned that arriving at the airport 45 minutes before boarding is usually more than enough time to get through security.

Another passenger agreed that TSA PreCheck lines at Omaha Airport typically only have a couple of people waiting, and they are surprised that more people don't take advantage of the service. They noted that the process has changed, and now TSA PreCheck passengers are called up to receive a placard indicating they can keep their shoes on, rather than having a separate ID checker and conveyor belt. Despite this change, the lines remain short.

Overall, if you're travelling through Omaha Airport and are interested in expediting your security screening process, enrolling in TSA PreCheck can help ensure a smooth and efficient experience with minimal waiting times.

No Clear at Omaha Airport

While Omaha’s airport does have TSA PreCheck, it does not have Clear. This means that travellers used to using Clear will have to use the standard security process or TSA PreCheck if they are enrolled in the program.

TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program that makes risk assessments about passengers before they arrive at an airport checkpoint. It is a component of the TSA's intelligence-driven, risk-based security approach, aiming to enhance security and provide a better travel experience. The program has expanded to approximately 200 airports across the country, with over 100 airlines participating.

The program ensures a smoother and quicker screening process for passengers, with no need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. To enrol in the program, US citizens and lawful permanent residents must complete a background check, be fingerprinted, and pay a $78 fee. After this, travellers receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN).

TSA PreCheck does not issue an ID card, and travellers are notified of their enrolment by an indicator on their boarding pass. It is important to note that PreCheck is not guaranteed for every flight, as passengers are subject to random exclusions.

TSA checkpoint opening times

Omaha's Eppley Airfield does have TSA PreCheck. The airport is noted for its ease of entry and exit, with relatively short TSA lines. However, it is important to plan your arrival at the airport with ample time to account for parking, walking, airline check-in, and the TSA security checkpoint process.

Typically, the TSA opens each checkpoint at 4:00 AM, and these checkpoints remain operational until the last departure from the concourse. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport no later than two hours before their scheduled departure time. This buffer is crucial to navigate the various procedures efficiently, especially during peak hours. Peak departure times, such as between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM, witness heavier traffic volumes, so arriving well in advance is highly advisable.

For travellers with disabilities, Omaha's Eppley Airfield offers a designated pick-up and drop-off area on Level 1 of the South Garage. Alternatively, they can use the lane designated for commercial vehicles on the front drive. The Airport Communications Center can be contacted for additional assistance.

To streamline your airport experience, consider making airline reservations online or via the airline's reservation hotline. Real-time flight status updates are available on the arrivals and departures page of the airline's website or through flight information monitors located throughout the terminal.

Peak departure times at Omaha Airport

Peak departure times at Omaha Eppley Airfield Airport (OMA) vary, but typically, the peak hours are between 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day. During these times, passengers can expect longer wait times at security checkpoints, with estimated wait times of approximately 5 minutes, although these can vary. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least 90 minutes to 2 hours before their scheduled departure time to account for security checks and airline check-in procedures.

The airport has an average of 100 departing flights per day, serving over 3 million passengers annually. With three departure terminals, Concourse A, Concourse B, and the Main Terminal, and flights to over 30 destinations, OMA is a popular choice for travellers in the Midwest region.

To ensure a smooth departure process, passengers should review the TSA's guidelines for prohibited items before arriving at the airport. Security checkpoints are located in each terminal, and TSA PreCheck is available at both security checkpoints for eligible passengers. The operating hours for TSA PreCheck vary by day and checkpoint, with hours for Concourse A ranging from 4:00 a.m. to as late as 11:00 p.m.

It is always advisable to check with your airline for their recommended check-in times and to stay informed about any general departure delays or other relevant updates.

Frequently asked questions