How TSA Wait Times Compare At America’s 10 Busiest Airports

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is experiencing significant wait times across the United States, with notable disparities in performance at its busiest airports. New York City area airports consistently demonstrate the longest average security screening times, averaging over 35 minutes as of December 23, 2023. In contrast, San Francisco International Airport stands out for having the shortest average screen time, clocking in at just under 21 minutes. This difference stems from San Francisco’s utilization of private contract security firms to manage passenger flow and expedite screening processes. The data highlights a critical operational challenge within the TSA system regarding efficiency and traveler experience.