The busiest times of day for security checks at 10 major US airports
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a newbie to flying, everyone can agree that the airport security check line is "hit or miss." Some travelers arrive when the security lines are packed with flyers anxiously watching the time pass closer to their departure. Others may arrive early to play it safe but end up tediously waiting at their gate for hours.
Although it is never a bad idea to play it safe, knowing the busiest times of the day to go through security can help improve the overall airport experience. Common mistakes that tend to slow flyers down at airport security can be as simple as flying at peak times, choosing the wrong line, or not utilizing apps that can show wait times in real time. Even staying calm and asking staff for help can save you some time.
Major holidays, such as Memorial Day, can factor into your airport experience, too. More than 39 million Americans are expected to travel during Memorial Day weekend in 2022, according to AAA. Choosing to leave earlier, such as the Thursday or Friday before, is best to beat the crowd.
Stacker ranked the the busiest times of day at 10 major U.S. airports by their maximum average reported wait time in 2022, according to TSA Wait Times, using a combination of government data and traveler-submitted experiences. The busiest airports were identified with FAA data based on total operations from January through April 2022.
