Here's How To Check On Your Airport's Current TSA Wait Times
Standing in a long security line isn't how most of us envision spending our vacation time. And, in some cases, a lengthy wait at the airport security checkpoint can cause you to miss your flight, bringing your plans to a halt. Thankfully, these snags can largely be avoided by checking TSA wait times in advance.
Security wait times can be influenced by the time of day, the season, and other factors, which is why you may breeze through the line some days and stand for an hour or longer on others. With this in mind, getting through airport security faster can often boil down to good timing. To find out how long you'll need to wait in the TSA line, you can search for updated time estimates on your airport's official website. Many major hubs post current TSA wait times so fliers can judge how early they'll need to arrive at the airport — and whether they're able to beat the crowds.
Some airports also post separate wait times for the standard security lane and the TSA PreCheck lane, which can be helpful to know if you've signed up for expedited screenings. However, keep in mind that the wait times listed online aren't always accurate. Check to see if the estimated time has been recently updated, and even if it's posted in real time, make sure to give yourself a buffer to get to your gate.
Apps that'll help you stay on top of airport wait times
If your airport doesn't provide up-to-date TSA wait times on its website, or if you don't want to search online every time you fly, a few taps on a mobile app can give you the latest information. The MyTSA app is the official app of the Transportation Security Administration and provides current wait times reported by other travelers. It also offers information on future airport wait times based on historical data, as well as any delays you should be aware of on departure day.
A handful of other smartphone apps claim to offer current TSA wait times to travelers valuing efficiency. MiFlight is one tool that posts security checkpoint times using crowdsourced data. App in the Air has a similar feature. However, the estimates given on these apps are only as good as the users who contribute to them. If the wait times listed turn out to be inaccurate, you could be in trouble. Remember to always be prepared for unexpected interruptions and get to the airport early to avoid a travel day disaster.