Long TSA Waits: Which US Airports To Avoid This Summer

For frequent travelers in the US, getting stuck in a lengthy Transportation Security Administration (TSA) line while rushing to catch a flight is a common and frustrating experience. Although wait times vary between airports, major hubs typically have the longest lines. To address this issue, the TSA has implemented programs such as TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and Global Entry to expedite the security process.

To help travelers plan ahead, Upgraded Points has compiled an interactive map of the 25 busiest US airports, including the average security wait time and the best and worst times to go through security. By using this data, passengers can book flights that avoid long TSA waits, especially if they have tight connections.

Top 10 Airports With The Longest TSA Waits

According to Upgraded Points’ data, the top 10 airports with the longest TSA waits are:

– Newark Liberty International Airport (23. 1 minutes)
– Houston George Bush Continental Airport (19. 8 minutes)
– Miami International Airport (19. 6 minutes)
– Baltimore-Washington International Airport (18. 2 minutes)
– Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (17. 3 minutes)
– New York LaGuardia Airport (17 minutes)
– Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (16. 9 minutes)
– Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (16. 3 minutes)
– San Francisco International Airport (16 minutes)
– New York John F.

At Newark Liberty International Airport, the longest wait time can be expected on Mondays from 12:00 to 13:00, with an hour-long wait. George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, has an average wait time of 19. 8 minutes, but on Sundays from 17:00 to 18:00, the wait can be as long as 51 minutes. Miami International Airport has an average wait of 19. 6 minutes, with the longest wait being on Thursdays from 04:00 to 05:00 at 37 minutes.

Why Are Some Airports Experiencing Long Waits?

The TSA has acknowledged that there are known and preventable issues causing long waits in security lines. Some airports have outdated terminals that cannot accommodate the high volume of passengers in the 2020s, making it difficult to open enough security lanes to process travelers efficiently. Additionally, the TSA has faced long-term staff shortages, which have been exacerbated by short-term political issues, such as the government shutdown in December 2024.

However, passengers also play a role in reducing wait times. Those who are unfamiliar with the latest protocols, such as removing shoes and electronics, or unaware of prohibited items, can cause delays in the security process. By educating themselves on these rules before traveling, passengers can help expedite the line.

Top 5 Airports With The Shortest TSA Waits

On the other end of the spectrum, Upgraded Points has