Newark Airport's Current Operations: How Busy Is It?

As one of the busiest airports in the United States, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) often experiences long security wait times. The current average wait time is 15-45 minutes, depending on factors such as peak hours and the day of the week. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus programs are available at the airport, offering expedited security screening for pre-approved passengers. To make the most of these programs, passengers must pre-enrol online and complete the process in person. Real-time security wait times and live updates are available on the airport's official website and social media pages.

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus expedite security

At Newark Liberty Airport, the current average wait time is 15–45 minutes during peak hours and 30 minutes during non-peak hours. However, wait times can vary depending on factors such as the day of the week, special events, or holidays. To skip the long wait times, passengers can take advantage of expedited screening programs like CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck.

TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that allows pre-approved travellers who are deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to go through expedited security screening at airports across the country. With TSA PreCheck, travellers can keep their shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, and light jackets on during screening, making the process more convenient and efficient. The TSA PreCheck membership costs $77.95 for five years.

CLEAR Plus is a paid membership program that offers a quick identity verification process at the airport. Members can verify their identity using their face, eyes, or fingerprints at designated CLEAR Pods, and an ambassador will escort them to the front of the security line for screening. CLEAR Plus is available at select airports and costs $121.05 for the first year when bundled with TSA PreCheck.

Together, CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck provide travellers with the fastest route through airport security. By enrolling in both programs, members can avoid waiting in line and speed up their security screening process. The special pricing for the first year of bundled membership is $199, offering a savings of up to $77.95 on CLEAR Plus.

To enrol in TSA PreCheck, individuals must pre-enrol online, schedule an appointment, visit an enrolment centre, undergo background verification, and receive approval. Military service members and government employees may be eligible for discounted rates on CLEAR Plus membership.

Average wait times are 15-45 minutes

The average wait time at Newark Liberty Airport (EWR) is currently 15 to 45 minutes. However, it's important to note that these wait times are estimates and can vary depending on several factors. For instance, the day of the week and time of day (peak or non-peak hours) can influence how long you may be waiting. During peak hours, you can expect wait times of 15 to 45 minutes, while non-peak hours may see slightly shorter wait times of around 30 minutes.

To streamline your airport experience, it's recommended to take advantage of expedited security screening programs such as CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck. These programs are designed to reduce security wait times significantly. CLEAR Plus uses biometric authentication to speed up security lines, and it has dedicated lanes in Terminals A, B, and C. Similarly, TSA PreCheck offers benefits like keeping your shoes on during screening and allowing laptops to stay in your carry-on bags. It is available at specific time slots in Terminals A, B, and C.

You can enrol in these programs by starting the process online and then completing your registration in person with the required documentation. It is advised to plan ahead and enrol in advance to benefit from shorter wait times during your travel. Additionally, you can stay updated on real-time security wait times by contacting the airport authority or following them on social media.

It's worth noting that general departure and arrival delays can also impact your overall experience at Newark Liberty Airport. These delays, caused by factors like gate holds and taxi traffic, can last 15 minutes or less, which could further extend your overall waiting time at the airport. Therefore, it is always beneficial to stay informed about any delays and plan your arrival at the airport accordingly.

Wait times depend on peak hours

Wait times at Newark Liberty Airport (EWR) depend on several factors, one of which is peak hours. The current average wait time is 15 to 45 minutes, but this can vary depending on the day of the week and whether it is a peak or non-peak hour. During peak hours, you can expect to wait between 15 and 45 minutes, while non-peak hours may see slightly shorter wait times of around 30 minutes.

To streamline your passage through the airport, consider enrolling in expedited security screening programs such as CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck. These programs are available at dedicated enrollment spots, and you can start the process online. CLEAR Plus uses biometric authentication to speed up security lines, and TSA PreCheck allows members to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on while passing through security.

The availability of these programs varies across terminals. At Terminal A, TSA PreCheck is accessible from 4:00 am to 9:00 pm, while at Terminal B, it's available from 4:30 am to 8:00 pm. Terminal C offers TSA PreCheck from 4:00 am to 8:00 pm, conveniently located next to the air train. CLEAR Plus lanes are available in Terminals A, B, and C, offering faster security clearance and shorter wait times.

To make the most of these programs and efficiently navigate Newark Liberty Airport, it is advisable to plan ahead. Check the official airport website for real-time security wait times, and stay updated through their social media channels. Proper planning and knowledge will help you have a smoother and less stressful experience at the airport.

Delays: gate hold, taxi, and airborne

As of the 23rd of March 2025, the Newark Liberty International Airport is experiencing some delays. The current average wait time is 15 to 45 minutes, but this can vary depending on factors such as the day of the week and peak hours. For example, those passing through TSA security during peak hours can expect wait times of up to 45 minutes, whereas non-peak hours typically see shorter wait times of around 30 minutes.

When it comes to specific types of delays, gate hold and taxi delays are both currently lasting 15 minutes or less for departures. Similarly, arrival traffic is experiencing airborne delays of 15 minutes or fewer. These minimal delays are confirmed by the FAA status, which is currently listed as 'normal'.

To avoid lengthy wait times at Newark Airport, passengers can consider enrolling in expedited screening programs such as CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck. These programs are available at multiple terminals and allow pre-approved passengers to skip the longer queues. Passengers can pre-enroll online through the TSA website, schedule an appointment, and then visit an enrollment centre to complete the process.

It is always recommended to keep up-to-date with the latest information regarding security wait times. Real-time updates can often be found by contacting the airport authority directly or by following their social media accounts.

Lost items: contact TSA Lost and Found

If you have lost an item at Newark Liberty International Airport, you can contact TSA Lost & Found. Their office is located at 3 Brewster Rd, Newark, NJ 07114, and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The phone number for TSA Lost & Found is +1 (908) 787-0667, and their website can be found at https://panynj.lostandfoundsite.com/LostItem.aspx?id=99e515ee125d4daa961ca183324dfaf2&sid=b3c1931fe8ed44ebabad6dae12824caf.

TSA Lost & Found handles a wide range of lost personal items, including keys, IDs, passports, wallets, documents, badges, licences, electronics (such as phones, tablets, device chargers, cameras, laptops, and headphones), accessories (such as purses, bags, backpacks, sunglasses, eyeglasses, and jewellery), and clothing (such as gloves, caps, hats, scarves, sweaters, coats, and vests).

It is important to act quickly if you have lost an item, as items are typically kept for only one month before being sent to a government warehouse or a resale centre, depending on their value. If you have found an item, third-party websites like Lostings.com can help you report and return it to its owner. By submitting a detailed description of the item and your contact information, you can increase the chances of the item being matched with its owner and returned to them safely.

In addition to contacting TSA Lost & Found and using third-party websites, you may also try contacting the airport directly or following them on social media for updates on lost and found items. Proper planning and knowledge of the available resources can increase your chances of a smooth and stress-free experience in recovering your lost item.

Frequently asked questions