Navigating Will Rogers Airport: Security Wait Times Explained

Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City has a reputation for being a convenient airport with reasonably priced parking, direct flights to major hubs, and modern TSA requirements. However, the airport's security wait times can vary depending on several factors. The average security wait time is around 7 minutes, but during peak hours, it can take up to 18-22 minutes to clear security. The busiest times are typically in the mornings, especially between 5 am and 8 am when multiple morning flights depart. To ensure a smooth and quick security screening process, passengers are advised to familiarize themselves with the security rules and prepare their carry-on bags accordingly. Additionally, enrolling in expedited screening programs like TSA PreCheck or CLEAR Plus can significantly reduce wait times.

Morning security wait times

Will Rogers World Airport has one security checkpoint located near the American Airlines ticket counter on the ticketing level. The checkpoint opens daily at 4:00 a.m. and closes at 9:00 p.m. Morning security wait times can vary depending on several factors. The busiest time is generally in the mornings when all the morning flights depart, with the security wait time ranging from 15 minutes to 30 minutes. However, some travellers recommend arriving at the terminal 1.5 to 2 hours before the departure time to account for potential delays.

The average security wait time at the airport is 7 minutes, but during peak hours in the morning, it can take 18 to 22 minutes to clear security. The peak hours are typically from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. when most morning flights depart.

To expedite the security screening process, travellers can enrol in the TSA PreCheck program, which allows them to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and carry laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags. Additionally, CLEAR Plus is another expedited security program that provides dedicated lanes for faster processing.

It is always advisable to check for any potential departure delays and be aware of the security rules and prohibited items before arriving at the airport. Proper preparation can help ensure a smoother and quicker passage through the security checkpoint.

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus Lanes

Will Rogers World Airport has a TSA Passenger Screening Checkpoint that opens daily at 4:00 a.m. and closes at 9:00 p.m. The average security wait time at the airport is 7 minutes, but it can be 18-22 minutes during peak hours.

To speed up your passage through security, you can enrol in TSA PreCheck or Clear Plus Lanes. These are complementary programmes that work together to fast-track your journey through the airport.

TSA PreCheck is a government programme that identifies travellers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Once approved, travellers can pass through expedited security screening at over 200 domestic airports without removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. The application costs $77.95 for five years or $85 when applying through Telos. Most applicants receive their Known Traveller Number in 3-5 days.

Clear Plus uses biometric technology to verify your identity at the airport. You approach a Clear kiosk, where your ID and boarding pass are verified, and a Clear agent then escorts you to the front of the security line. Clear costs $199 per year, and members can add up to three family members for an additional $60 per person. Children under 18 can use Clear for free if travelling with a Clear member.

You can apply for both programmes at the same time at select locations, and bundling them together costs $199 for the first year.

Average security wait times

The average security wait time at Will Rogers World Airport is 7 minutes. However, during peak hours in the morning, the wait time can be as long as 18 to 22 minutes. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport well ahead of their scheduled departure time, as wait times can vary due to unforeseen circumstances.

To ensure a smooth and quick passage through security, passengers can enrol in the TSA PreCheck program, which is available at Checkpoint 1 within the airport. This program allows travellers to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and they can also keep their laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags during security checks. Additionally, CLEAR Plus is another expedited security program that provides dedicated lanes for faster movement through security.

The TSA Passenger Screening Checkpoint opens daily at 4:00 a.m. and closes at 9:00 p.m. All passengers must have a current government-issued ID and a valid boarding pass to proceed through the screening process. Knowing the security rules and preparing your carry-on bag beforehand can also help speed up the screening process.

Will Rogers World Airport has one passenger screening checkpoint located near the American Airlines ticket counter on the ticketing level. The airport's website and the My TSA app are useful resources for learning about security guidelines, baggage screening, and lists of allowed and prohibited items.

Security screening preparation

To ensure you pass through security at Will Rogers World Airport quickly and efficiently, there are several things you can do to prepare. Firstly, it is advisable to check for security wait times and any potential departure delays before heading to the airport. You can also use a flight tracker to monitor your flight status in real time.

The average security wait time at Will Rogers World Airport is 7 minutes, but this can increase to 18-22 minutes during peak hours, such as early morning flights. To avoid long queues, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well ahead of your flight's scheduled departure time, with a minimum of 1 hour and 10 minutes to check any bags. If you are checking a bag, it is advised to arrive 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours early.

To speed up your trip through security, familiarise yourself with the security rules and guidelines beforehand. Know what items are allowed or prohibited in your carry-on and checked baggage. The Transportation Security Administration's website, the My TSA app, and the iFly TSA PreCheck Guide are useful resources for this.

• Liquids and gels must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less, and all containers must fit into a one-quart-sized, zip-top plastic bag. This is known as the 3-1-1 Rule.
• Remove the zip-top bag from your carry-on and place it in a screening bin.
• Remove all objects from your pockets, including non-metal items like a wallet or gum. Place any valuables or small items inside your carry-on bag.
• Place laptop computers in a screening bin. If you are enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program, you can keep your laptop in your carry-on bag during the security check.
• Remove shoes, jackets, hoodies, sweaters, scarves, and belts and put them in screening bins.
• Follow the instructions of the TSA officers.

Additionally, consider enrolling in expedited security programs such as TSA PreCheck or CLEAR Plus. These programs offer benefits such as dedicated lanes, no removal of shoes and light outerwear, and keeping laptops and liquids in your carry-on during security checks.

Security wait time predictions

Security wait times at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City can vary, but there are certain trends that can help you predict what to expect. The average security wait time at the airport is 7 minutes, but this can increase to 18–22 minutes during peak hours. Peak hours tend to be in the mornings, especially between 5 am and 8 am, when multiple morning flights are departing. If you're travelling during this time, it's recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours early to ensure you have enough time to get through security and to your gate.

The airport has one passenger screening checkpoint, located near the American Airlines ticket counter on the ticketing level. The checkpoint opens daily at 4 am and closes at 9 pm. To pass through security, you will need a current government-issued ID and a valid boarding pass. Knowing the security rules in advance can help speed up your trip through the checkpoint. For example, make sure you know what items are allowed in your carry-on luggage, and prepare for screening by removing your shoes, jacket, and any objects from your pockets.

To further expedite your security screening, you can enrol in the TSA PreCheck program, which allows travellers to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and their laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags during security checks. CLEAR Plus is another expedited security program that allows members to move through dedicated lanes more quickly.

In addition to planning for security wait times, it's important to consider potential delays at the ticket counter and changes to your flight schedule when determining your arrival time at the airport. Checking security wait times in real time through the My TSA application can also help you make more accurate predictions.

Frequently asked questions