Traveling Through These 10 U.S. Airports? Better Arrive Extra Early

Airports are places of excitement, anticipation—and sometimes frustration. You’ve likely been advised to “get there two hours early.” But for some airports in the U.S., that recommendation isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a necessity. 

According to TSA data and travel studies, U.S. airports’ average security wait time hovers around 10 minutes. However, at specific airports, these times can stretch well beyond that—leading to heightened stress, missed connections, or a race against the clock. During peak travel times, delays can easily double, with bottlenecks found at document checks, security screenings, and even terminal transfers.

Here are the top 10 U.S. airports with the most extended security wait times, practical travel tips to prepare for the extra hassle, and expert advice to make your travel day seamless. 

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, O’ahu, Hawaii – 20.5 Minutes

The tropical feel of Daniel K. Inouye Airport belies its stressful security lines. Serving millions of tourists each year, it’s not uncommon for peak travel times to result in waits stretching up to 30 minutes. 

Pro Tip: Arrive 2 hours before your flight if traveling during tourist-heavy seasons like summer and winter holidays. 

O’Hare International Airport, Chicago – 19.5 Minutes

One of the busiest airports in the world, Chicago O’Hare sees over 70 million passengers annually. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, events like severe weather and operational hiccups regularly contribute to lengthy delays at security and throughout the airport’s sprawling terminals.

Pro Tip: If you’re a frequent flyer, use CLEAR or TSA PreCheck to shave off precious wait time. 

Midway International Airport, Chicago – 18.4 Minutes

Despite its smaller size than O’Hare, Midway’s congestion levels hold their own. Popular domestic flights and frequent travelers using budget carriers can make security lines incredibly tight during early morning and evening rush hours. 

Pro Tip: Avoid midday flights during peak summer travel to minimize wait times. 

George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston – 17.1 Minutes

Known for its extensive connections to Latin America, this Texas hub sees significant traffic during holiday periods, making long wait times inevitable. 17.1 minutes is the average, but experts warn that international passengers often experience additional security layers, extending timelines further. 

Pro Tip: Arrive at least 3 hours before international departures to handle extra screenings. 

Tampa International Airport, Florida – 17.1 Minutes

Though praised for its efficiency, Tampa’s security lines still average longer-than-usual wait times due to seasonal swells in tourism traffic. Spring break and winter holidays are incredibly challenging. 

Pro Tip: Traveling with carry-on luggage only? Use self-check kiosks to skip the check-in line entirely. 

San Francisco International Airport, California – 16.4 Minutes 

SFO is a gateway to the Pacific, hosting millions of international passengers annually. Coupled with fog-related delays and frequent gate changes at this sprawling airport, 16.4 minutes can quickly spiral into much longer. 

Pro Tip: Download the airport map and allow extra time between terminals. 

Washington Dulles International Airport, D.C. – 16.3 Minutes

Commonly criticized for its labyrinthine layout, this airport regularly has security lines spilling during peak hours. Add in an international flight schedule, and many travelers find it overwhelming. 

Pro Tip: Avoid last-minute dashes using the AeroTrain to reduce walking time between gates. 

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta – 14.5 Minutes

Consistently one of the busiest airports in the world, Atlanta’s 275,000 daily passengers often translate to crowded TSA checkpoints. However, it ranks surprisingly lower on this list thanks to efficient queue management systems. 

Pro Tip: Aim for early or late-night flights to beat the crowds. 

Orlando International Airport, Florida – 14.5 Minutes

A beacon for family travel, MCO sees overcrowded security queues full of strollers, souvenir-laden luggage, and first-time flyers. Expect lines to move slower during weekends and school breaks. 

Pro Tip: Budget extra time if traveling with kids. Family security lanes are available but can often be slower than expected. 

Logan International Airport, Boston – 13.2 Minutes

Logan might have the shortest wait time on this list, but it’s frequently burdened with unpredictable congestion due to flight delays or weather-related woes. Busier international terminals can also extend average wait times during holidays or peak commuting hours. 

Pro Tip: Watch last-minute flight updates (Logan is infamous for sudden gate changes). 

Here are a few actionable strategies to help you survive and thrive during your travel experience: 

Arrive Early

Arrive 2–3 hours early for domestic flights. Aim for 3–4 hours for international flights, particularly during peak travel seasons like summer, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. 

Take Advantage of Technology

Download your airline’s app to monitor real-time security wait times, gate changes, and updates. Apps help map out security line lengths at various U.S. airports. 

Pack Smart

Keep electronics and liquids reachable to avoid delays at checkpoints. Check TSA guidelines beforehand to ensure prohibited items stay out of your luggage. 

Invest in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR

Programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are a game-changer for frequent fliers, allowing expedited screening and shorter lines. 

Use Airport Tools

From priority check-in lines to clubhouse-inspired lounges, many larger airports offer convenience tools—often accessible for a small fee. Here’s how. 

Traveling can be unpredictable, but with proper preparation, even the busiest airports can’t ruin your plans. Following these guidelines and allowing extra time at high-wait airports will reduce the chaos and enjoy a smoother travel day. Don’t just take our word for it; try these tips on your next trip and experience the difference. 

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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