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Airport waiting times can vary depending on several factors, including passenger volume, airport efficiency, and the time of day. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provide data on wait times at airports, which can be used to determine the best and worst times to go through security. Major hubs like Newark Liberty International and George Bush Intercontinental tend to have longer lines, while Salt Lake City International and Washington Dulles International have shorter average security wait times. In 2024, Palm Beach International Airport in Florida had the shortest combined wait time of just over 7 minutes, a significant improvement from the previous year. On the other hand, JFK in New York, Orlando International Airport, and Chicago's O'Hare International Airport had some of the longest wait times, with passengers spending nearly 40 minutes on average to clear security and passport control.
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What You'll Learn
Busiest airports for long security wait times
The typical wait time at an airport security checkpoint varies depending on the airport and the time of day. Mornings, especially between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m., tend to have the longest lines as travellers aim to catch early flights. Mid-afternoon, late evening, and midweek are usually slower, with fewer crowds.
Some of the busiest airports for long security wait times include:
Daniel K. Inouye International, Honolulu
Topping the list for the longest security wait times, travellers at this airport face an average wait of 20.5 minutes.
Chicago O'Hare International
O'Hare is one of the busiest airports globally and is notorious for congestion, especially in its international terminals. Passengers can expect an average security wait time of 19.5 minutes, with the overall average wait time, including passport control, being 37 minutes and 52 seconds.
Chicago Midway International
Coming in third, with an average wait time of 18.4 minutes.
St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Missouri
According to a 2024 report, this airport has the longest TSA wait times in the US, with an average of 16 minutes and 16 seconds.
JFK International, New York
New York's busiest airport has the longest wait times in 2024, with travellers spending an average of 39 minutes and 48 seconds clearing security and passport control.
Orlando International Airport, Florida
With an average combined wait time of 39 minutes and 16 seconds, Orlando ranks high for wait times due to heavy traffic as a gateway to popular tourist destinations.
While some airports have longer wait times, others stand out for their quick processing. Airports like Palm Beach International, Phoenix Sky Harbor International, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall have significantly shorter wait times, with Palm Beach boasting the shortest queues of any US airport in 2024. Salt Lake City International and Washington Dulles International also have the shortest average security wait times.
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Airports with the quickest security clearance
The typical wait time at airport security varies depending on the airport, the time of day, and the day of the week. According to a study that analysed the 25 busiest US airports by total passenger boardings in 2018, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) have the shortest average security wait times.
Salt Lake City International Airport has an average security wait time of 9.1 minutes, with the shortest wait time on Wednesday from 6–7 pm, averaging 2 minutes. The worst time to go through security at this airport is Sunday from 11 pm–12 am, with an average wait time of 26 minutes.
Washington Dulles International Airport is one of the largest airports in the US. Although the average wait time is not specified, it is still listed as one of the airports with the shortest wait times.
Other US airports with relatively short wait times include Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, with a combined wait time of 16 minutes and 56 seconds, and John Wayne Airport in California, with an average wait time of 14 minutes and 38 seconds.
Additionally, programs such as TSA PreCheck can drastically reduce wait times. About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait for less than 10 minutes.
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How to maximise pre-flight efficiency
Airport wait times can vary widely depending on the airport, time of day, and day of the week. For example, in 2024, JFK Airport in New York had the longest wait times, with travellers spending an average of 39 minutes and 48 seconds clearing security and passport control. On the other hand, Palm Beach International Airport in Florida offered the quickest passage through security and passport control, with an average combined wait time of just 7 minutes and 27 seconds.
To maximise pre-flight efficiency and minimise time spent in airport queues, consider the following strategies:
- Check wait times in advance: The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provide information on wait times at airports. By checking this information before you travel, you can estimate how much time to allocate for airport procedures.
- Choose the right airport: If possible, opt for airports with shorter security wait times. For example, Salt Lake City International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport are known for their relatively short wait times.
- Travel during off-peak hours: Airports tend to be less crowded during certain days and times. For instance, at Salt Lake City International Airport, the best time to go through security is on Wednesdays from 6–7 pm, while Sundays from 11 pm to 12 am are the busiest.
- Enrol in expedited security programs: Programs such as TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and Global Entry can drastically reduce your wait times by providing expedited security screening.
- Fly with checked baggage: Flying with checked baggage reduces the emphasis on your hand luggage and eliminates worries about overhead locker space. However, it does involve some additional administrative steps.
- Choose the right day and time of year: Flight arrival patterns vary by time of year, day of the week, and time of day. Historical data can help you estimate potential wait times and plan your travel accordingly.
- Allow for ample connection times: If you have a connecting flight, ensure you allow sufficient time between flights to account for potential delays and lengthy security procedures.
By combining these strategies and staying informed about airport wait times, you can significantly improve your pre-flight efficiency and overall travel experience.
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Factors contributing to long airport wait times
Wait times at airports can vary widely, and several factors contribute to long waits. Here are some key factors that can impact how long passengers may need to wait at airports:
Passenger Volume
The number of passengers passing through an airport can significantly affect wait times. Major international hubs like JFK in New York and O'Hare in Chicago handle millions of passengers annually, leading to inevitable congestion and longer wait times. Airports that serve as popular tourist destinations, such as Orlando International Airport, also experience heavy traffic, resulting in longer security clearance and passport control wait times.
Time of Day, Day of the Week, and Time of Year
The time of day, day of the week, and time of year can all influence airport wait times. For example, at Salt Lake City International Airport, the best time for shorter security wait times is Wednesday from 6 pm to 7 pm, while the worst time is Sunday from 11 pm to midnight. Summer travel and holiday seasons also tend to be busier, impacting wait times.
Airport Efficiency and Staffing
The efficiency of airport operations and staffing levels can vary across airports. Some airports may have longer wait times due to inefficient processes or understaffing. For example, passengers have reported varying numbers of open booths at passport control, potentially impacting wait times.
Type of Terminal
The type of terminal can also affect wait times. For instance, O'Hare International Airport in Chicago is notorious for congestion, especially in its international terminals.
Baggage Handling
Passengers with checked baggage may experience additional wait times due to the extra administrative steps involved. However, checking baggage can also reduce wait times by decreasing the emphasis on hand luggage and concerns about overhead locker space.
Understanding these factors can help travelers make more informed decisions when planning their journeys and navigating the airport environment.
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Average wait times at US airports
Wait times at US airports can vary widely depending on factors such as passenger volume and airport efficiency. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides data on average wait times for each hour of the day and day of the week, which can be useful for travellers aiming to maximise their pre-flight efficiency.
According to a study by Upgraded Points, Salt Lake City International Airport has the shortest average security wait time of 9.1 minutes. The best time to go through security at this airport is on Wednesdays from 6-7 pm, with an average wait time of 2 minutes. In contrast, the worst time is Sundays from 11 pm to 12 am, with a wait time of about 26 minutes.
Palm Beach International Airport in Florida boasts the quickest passage through security and passport control, with a combined average wait time of just over 7 minutes. This is a significant improvement from the previous year, when the average wait time was over 36 minutes. John Wayne Airport in California also stands out for its quick processing times, with an average total wait time of about 14 minutes.
On the other hand, New York's JFK Airport, Orlando International Airport, and Chicago's O'Hare International Airport have some of the longest wait times. Travellers passing through JFK can expect to spend an average of nearly 40 minutes clearing security and passport control. Orlando's average combined wait time is only slightly shorter, at about 39 minutes, with security clearance taking around 15 minutes and passport control adding an additional 23 minutes. O'Hare, one of the busiest airports globally, has an average total wait time of about 38 minutes, with passport control delays extending to nearly 26 minutes.
To make the most of your time and avoid lengthy queues, it's advisable to check the latest wait time information and plan your travels accordingly. Programs like TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and Global Entry can also help reduce wait times significantly.
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Frequently asked questions
Wait times at airports vary depending on the time of day and the day of the week. For example, the average security wait time at Salt Lake City International Airport is 9.1 minutes, but passengers may have to wait up to 26 minutes during peak hours.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides information on wait times at US airports. You can check the TSA website or download the MyTSA app to access security wait times and other helpful tips for preparing for security.
Several factors can influence airport wait times, including the number of passengers, the efficiency of security processes, and the availability of staff and resources. Busier travel seasons, such as summer, tend to have longer wait times.
Enrolling in trusted traveller programs such as TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or Global Entry can help expedite your security screening process and reduce wait times. Additionally, choosing quieter airports with shorter security wait times, such as Salt Lake City International or Washington Dulles International, can also save you time.
