The Best and Worst Security Wait Times at Major U.S. Airports.
Upgraded Points, a website to help travelers maximize perks, released in August its latest study ranking average TSA security wait times across the nation from longest to shortest. Drawing directly on data compiled from the TSA, Upgraded Points explored and ranked 10 of the 25 busiest U.S. airports for wait times during specific times and days of the week. The results were then compiled, analyzed and placed in an interactive digital map. Both the shortest and longest wait times were found to be non-localized, and are spread out over multiple major airports across the country.
Analysis Methodology
The study looked at the 25 busiest airports in the U.S., based on 2018 passenger boarding information. The results are compiled from data representing security wait times for specific hours at all airports, from which the day and overall averages were calculated.
To rate the best and worst times for TSA security at each airport, Upgraded Points searched through every day of the week to find the maximum and minimum average wait times. The overall study considered all hours traveled, but only offered times within a single time period — from 4 p.m. through 11 p.m. — in its recommendations for best times to travel. This window was deemed the most realistic time period to suit the largest number of travelers, and also represents the time period used for the majority of flight departures.
Airport Security Wait Times: Longest and Shortest
- Longest — Newark Liberty International (EWR): Located in New Jersey, EWR ranked number one on the list of longest security wait times. With an average security delay of 23.1 minutes, EWR is definitely an airport that requires a bit of patience. With some strategic planning however, it is possible to travel through EWR with a reduced risk of inconvenience. The best time to travel EWR is on a Friday, between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., with an average wait time of around 15 minutes. The absolute worst time to travel through EWR is on a Monday, between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.Those unfortunate enough to hit the security line at that time could be waiting up to an hour.
- Shortest — Salt Lake City International (SLC): Utah’s capital can boast the quickest security-line wait times in the nation, with an average of 9.1 minutes. For those interested in visiting some of the nation’s state parks, booking a trip through SLC should be relatively quick and convenient. And although it already offers incredibly short wait times on average, the best time to join the security line at SLC is on a Wednesday, between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., with an average wait time of two minutes. The worst time is on a Sunday, from 11 p.m. to 12 a.m., with an average wait time at around 26 minutes.
The 5 Airports with the Best Average TSA Security Wait Times
- Salt Lake City
- Washington Dulles International
- Boston Logan International
- Minneapolis-St. Paul International
- Charlotte Douglas International/Detroil Metropolitan
The 5 Airports with the Worst Average TSA Security Wait Times
- Newark Liberty International
- George Bush Intercontinental, Houston
- Miami International
- Baltimore-Washington International
- McCarran International, Las Vegas