TSA wait times are growing: How to get through security lines faster

Airport security lines are stretching longer than usual this spring break season, catching some travelers off guard and forcing others to rethink how early they need to arrive. A partial government shutdown has put added pressure on Transportation Security Administration staffing, and the seasonal surge in travel adds to the chaos.

The experience isn’t the same everywhere. In some smaller airports like Long Island MacArthur in Ronkonkoma, lines are reportedly moving smoothly, while larger airports are dealing with backups that can change by the hour.

For travelers, that uncertainty can be the most frustrating part.

In a travel season defined by unpredictability, preparation is everything. Whether it’s enrolling in TSA PreCheck, using airport-specific shortcuts, or simply arriving earlier than usual, small decisions can make a big difference, travel experts said.

Here’s what to know about navigating security lines, including the fastest ways through check points, to help you avoid missing your flight.

Expedite the security line

For travelers looking to speed things up, programs like TSA PreCheck can significantly cut down wait times, but some, like Global Entry, may require travelers to enroll and be approved in advance. Others, like CLEAR, offer faster paths for those in a same-day pinch. Some experts say even fast-track programs aren't always foolproof during peak travel periods at major airports.

"The whole system is gummed up," said Christopher Elliott, a syndicated travel columnist at elliott.org. 

TSA PreCheck

For many frequent flyers, TSA PreCheck remains the first line of defense. The program, which allows passengers to move through dedicated lanes without removing laptops or light jackets, continues to be one of the most consistent timesavers.

• Cost: About $76 for five years
• Approval time: Typically 3-5 days, though it can take up to 60
• Process: Short online application, quick in-person appointment, background check

Vincent Manghisi, a travel adviser based in Nesconset and owner of Traveling Cup Adventures, said it’s one of the easiest ways to cut down on wait times. 

"There are separate lines for this and they are much shorter and move quicker because you just show your boarding pass," he said.

After approval, travelers receive a Known Traveler Number, which they add when booking flights. That number appears on their boarding pass, granting access to shorter, faster-moving lines at most major airports, including Kennedy, LaGuardia and MacArthur.

For those who have PreCheck, TSA's Touchless ID program is available at dozens of airports, including Kennedy and LaGuardia, and uses facial recognition technology to speed up identity checks. Travelers who opt in on the TSA app through participating airlines can move through dedicated lanes that are often among the fastest in the airport.

How Touchless ID works:

• Must already be a TSA PreCheck member
• Have an active frequent flyer account with a participating airline
• Opt in through your airline account and upload passport and Known Traveler Number
• Check in for your flight and look for the Touchless ID logo on your boarding pass
• Participating airlines: Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, United

Pros: Dedicated lanes often have the shortest wait times; speeds up screening while maintaining security standards

Cons: Requires both PreCheck membership and a participating airline

CLEAR

• Cost: $209 per year
• Approval time: Same day (can enroll at the airport)
• Process: Sign up online or in person, scan fingerprints and/or iris for biometric verification

Private programs like CLEAR, available at LaGuardia Terminal C and Kennedy Terminal 4, go a step further, using biometric scans to escort travelers to the front of the line before they go through standard screening. The service comes with a higher price tag, but for some, the time savings are worth it. Some premium credit cards may also offer reimbursement or discounts for a membership. CLEAR is not available at MacArthur.

Shortcuts at Kennedy and LaGuardia

Even without enrolling in a program, travelers may have faster options than they realize — especially in New York.

At LaGuardia Airport, Terminal B offers a paid service called B-FAST, where passengers can spend $20 for access to a dedicated security lane. Terminal C has CLEAR, while TSA PreCheck is available across all terminals. Travelers with airline status or premium tickets may also have access to priority lanes, and certain credit cards unlock perks like lounge access.

Travelers can check live wait times by terminal on the airport's website before heading out the door or on the MyTSA mobile app. Travelers should note the MyTSA app may not be accurate during the partial shutdown, The Associated Press reported.

At Kennedy, Priority Pass members can take advantage of a lesser-known option in Terminal 1 called VIP One, a lounge where eligible travelers are escorted past standard security lines, sometimes completing the process in just a few minutes. Priority Pass memberships start at $99. Terminal 4 also offers lounge access with dedicated security lanes for some premium cardholders, adding another layer of convenience before boarding.

Timing is everything

Still, even with every advantage, timing and preparation matter.

Manghisi recommends arriving at the airport well before departure — about three hours for international flights — noting many travelers underestimate how early boarding actually ends.

"You need to be at your gate no later than 30 to 40 minutes before your flight," he said. "The boarding process stops and the gate closes anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes before your scheduled departure."

He also suggests flying earlier in the week, when airports tend to be less crowded, and booking flights before the morning rush at security.

"I like to fly out on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday," he said. "And if you can arrive before 7 a.m., the wait times are usually much shorter."

Simple steps — like checking in online, printing a boarding pass ahead of time, and keeping identification easily accessible — can also shave valuable minutes.

And while long lines may look daunting, they don’t always mean disaster.

"From what I am hearing, the NYC airports are all operating within normal wait times," Manghisi said, pointing to recent experiences and traveler reports that suggest lines can still move efficiently, even when they appear long.

What happens if you miss your flight?

The bigger concern comes when things don’t go as planned.

Missing a flight due to a long TSA line can leave travelers with limited options.

"TSA does not have a program that will reimburse travelers for missed flights due to long TSA lines," Manghisi said, adding airlines typically aren’t required to step in either, since security delays are outside their control.

Elliott said airlines may sometimes make exceptions under what’s informally known as the "flat tire rule," rebooking passengers who miss flights due to circumstances beyond their control — but it’s far from guaranteed.

"Short answer: no. Long answer: maybe," he said.

His advice echoes what most experts agree on: give yourself more time than you think you need.

"Get there early," he said. "And let's be honest, this is a crazy time to be flying. If you can wait until spring break/the shutdown/the war in Iran is over, you will eliminate a lot of stress."

The bottom line

When it comes to airport security, the safest plan is also the simplest: give yourself time, and then give yourself a little more.