TSA lines are having a moment, and it’s not in a good way. Just this morning, I hopped on social media and was immediately bombarded with posts showing crazy TSA lines. Travelers across the country are sharing horror stories of hours-long waits, missed flights, and security lines stretching so far you’ll need to pack a lunch.

If you’re flying soon, just showing up early won’t cut it. You need to know how to check wait times and what tools can actually help you move through the chaos.

 

How To Check TSA Wait Times

If you want a better idea of what you’re walking into, these tools can help. No single tool is perfect, but using a combination can give you a much clearer picture.

• Airport websites. Many airports publish estimated wait times by checkpoint. This can help you compare different terminals or security entrances before you even leave.
• The MyTSA app. Uses historical data and real-time user reports. You can check waits by day and time, which is especially helpful if you’re planning ahead.
• Google Maps “Popular times.” Not TSA-specific, but useful for spotting when your airport is generally busiest so you can avoid peak crowds.
• Social media. A quick search can surface real-time conditions at your exact airport, including photos and videos of current lines.

Learning your airport’s layout and checking multiple sources can also help you spot which checkpoints are moving faster — and which ones to avoid.

 

Ways To Move Through Security Faster

Having access to expedited screening programs is one of the best ways to reduce wait time.

There’s CLEAR+, for example, which lets you skip the ID check and move to the front of the line. It can be a big help when things are backed up. But once in the security line, you’re in the same boat as everyone else.

You also have TSA PreCheck®. But even those lines are dizzyingly long (and despite recent rumors, the program isn’t shut down). 

There’s another option, however, that can really make things faster: TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID.

Available to TSA PreCheck® members with a valid passport, Touchless ID lets you verify your identity with a quick facial scan instead of showing your ID. To use it, you’ll need to add your Known Traveler Number and passport to your airline profile, opt in with a participating airline, and look for the Touchless ID indicator on your boarding pass.

At the airport, follow signs for the Touchless ID lane, pause for a quick photo, and move on — no digging for your ID involved.

It’s already available at a growing number of airports, including, but not limited to, Atlanta (ATL), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), and New York (JFK, LGA). The following map shows everywhere Touchless ID is available. 

 

 

The Bottom Line

TSA wait time tools can give you a rough idea, but they’re not something to rely on entirely.

Right now, the safest move is to build in extra time and have a backup plan. Because when it comes to airport security, it’s better to be early than to be the next horror story making the rounds online.

Note from administrator: For real stories, check out this post on our Facebook Group.