The Buzzing Buffalo Airport: How Busy Is It?

Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is a busy airport, especially during peak travel periods such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. The airport recommends arriving 90 minutes to two hours before your departure to ensure adequate time for check-in and security screening. The security checkpoint is operated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and closes at 9:00 p.m. daily. TSA screenings are detailed checks that can cause high wait times, and travelers are advised to give themselves a time buffer. There are also options for off-airport parking, which offer lower costs but are further away from the terminals.

Security wait times

The security checkpoint at Buffalo Niagara International Airport is operated by the Federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and closes at 9:00 p.m. daily. The Buffalo Niagara International Airport works with the TSA to monitor security line length and tries to keep the wait time under 15 minutes. However, to ensure adequate time for check-in and security screening, it is recommended that travellers arrive 90 minutes to two hours before their departure, especially during peak travel periods such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

Several factors can influence the security wait times at Buffalo Airport. Firstly, the time of day can play a significant role, with early morning flights, particularly those around 5:00-6:00 a.m., tending to be the busiest. This is supported by traveller anecdotes, with one passenger stating that the "only time [they've] ever seen long lines" was when flying out on the first flight of the day on a Monday or Friday. Another traveller recommends arriving at the airport two hours in advance for Christmas travel.

Additionally, the day of the week can also impact security wait times. For example, Fridays may experience longer lines as travellers depart for weekend trips or vacations. Similarly, Mondays can be busy with travellers returning from their trips. It is worth noting that weekends tend to be quieter, so travellers may experience shorter security wait times during these days.

Furthermore, peak travel periods, such as holidays and school breaks, can significantly increase security wait times. This is especially true during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, as mentioned earlier. During these periods, it is advisable to allow extra time to account for potential delays.

To streamline the security screening process, travellers can enrol in TSA PreCheck, a service that offers expedited security checks at participating airports, including Buffalo Niagara Airport. Benefits of TSA PreCheck include the ability to keep shoes, light outerwear, and belts on during screening, as well as the convenience of leaving laptops and compliant liquids in carry-on bags. This can help reduce the time spent in security lines and enhance the overall travel experience.

To estimate security wait times before arriving at the airport, travellers can utilise several resources. Buffalo Niagara Airport's official website may provide real-time security wait times for each checkpoint. Additionally, travellers can download the "My TSA" application, which provides information on airport delays, prohibited items, and other useful tips for travellers. By leveraging these tools, travellers can make informed decisions and better plan their arrival time at the airport.

Checked baggage

Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is a busy airport, especially during peak travel periods such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and the summer holidays. The airport sees a high volume of travellers passing through its security checkpoint, which is operated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and closes at 9:00 p.m. daily. To ensure a smooth journey, travellers are advised to arrive at the airport 90 minutes to two hours before their scheduled departure, especially during peak times.

When it comes to checked baggage, there are several important guidelines that travellers should be aware of. Firstly, firearms in checked baggage must be declared and unloaded. Failure to do so can result in a civil penalty of a $10,000 fine. It is important to note that hoverboards are prohibited in both checked luggage and carry-on items due to concerns over the lithium batteries used in these devices. Additionally, passengers are advised to keep their luggage and carry-on baggage within their possession at all times.

To ensure security and safety, all persons entering the checkpoint will go through a magnetometer and luggage screening process. This procedure is in place to ensure that no one carries any weapons or explosive devices. Security Checkpoint Personnel are authorised to confiscate any articles that may pose a threat. If travellers are unsure about what is allowed, they can contact their airline or the Transit Police Department, or use the "What can I bring?" feature on the free myTSA app.

Furthermore, travellers should be mindful of prohibited items such as liquids, gels, and aerosols exceeding 3.4 ounces (100 ml). These items must be in a one-quart-sized, resealable bag and placed in carry-on baggage. However, larger containers of liquids, gels, and aerosols are permitted in checked baggage. To facilitate the security screening process, travellers are advised to remove items from their pockets and place them in their carry-on bags before reaching the checkpoint.

Parking availability

Parking at Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) can be a little hectic, especially during peak travel periods like Christmas. The airport served over 5,000,000 passengers in 2024, making it the third busiest airport in New York State. Therefore, it is advisable to allow ample time for parking when travelling through BUF.

There are several parking options available at and around the airport. The airport's on-site parking facilities include the Preferred Parking Lot and the Daily/Hourly Parking Garage, which are ideal for short-term parking. The Long-Term parking lot is also available for those needing to park for extended periods. This lot provides a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport, operating 24 hours a day. The airport also provides accessible parking spots and charging stations for electric vehicles.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, off-site parking lots are available near the airport, offering lower rates and a free shuttle service. These off-airport parking lots are a great low-cost alternative, but they are a bit further away from the terminals. One such option is The Parking Spot, located on Genesee Street, which offers both short-term and long-term parking with a shuttle service.

To ensure a smooth parking experience, it is recommended to book your parking spot in advance, especially during busy travel periods. Additionally, allowing extra time for parking can help you avoid any last-minute rushes and provide a more relaxed travel experience.

Peak travel periods

Holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter also fall under high travel periods. During these times, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 90 minutes to two hours before departure to ensure adequate time for check-in, security screening, and travel to your gate. One passenger, commenting on Christmas travel, advises arriving two hours early and mentions that there are plenty of places to relax in the airport if you end up with extra time.

To streamline the security process, consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck, a service that offers simplified security screening. Benefits include keeping shoes, light outerwear, and belts on during security checks and not having to remove laptops and compliant liquids from carry-on bags.

Additionally, for those driving to the airport, it is recommended to allow for extra time due to parking lot distances from the terminals. Off-airport parking lots offer lower costs but are further away, so plan accordingly.

TSA PreCheck

Buffalo Niagara International Airport is the third busiest airport in the state of New York and the busiest outside of the New York City metropolitan area. The airport works with the TSA to monitor security line length and aims to keep wait times under 15 minutes. However, it is still recommended that travellers arrive 90 minutes to two hours before departure, especially during peak travel periods such as Christmas and Easter.

One way to streamline your security screening at Buffalo Airport is to enrol in TSA PreCheck. This service is available at the Main Terminal Checkpoint and offers several benefits, including the ability to keep shoes, light outerwear, and belts on during security checks, as well as the convenience of leaving laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in carry-on bags.

To enrol in TSA PreCheck, you will need to provide personal information and undergo a background check. Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN) that you can use when booking travel. This number will indicate to the airline that you are eligible for expedited screening. You can then use the dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at participating airports, including Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

In addition to the time-saving benefits, TSA PreCheck also offers a more convenient screening experience. With PreCheck, you can keep your shoes, light jacket, and belt on, reducing the need to remove and replace these items during security. You can also leave your laptop and compliant liquids in your carry-on bag, streamlining the process of packing and unpacking your belongings at the security checkpoint. These benefits can make the security process faster and more efficient, allowing you to focus on enjoying your travel experience.

Frequently asked questions