How Early Should You Arrive at the Airport in 2026? TSA, International, and Airline-Specific Timelines

Introduction

Showing up at the airport shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. In 2026, getting there on time means understanding TSA security patterns, airline check-in cutoffs, and how international flights require different planning than domestic trips.

Recent data shows TSA processed over 2.8 million passengers during peak Christmas 2025 travel, with average wait times hitting 22 minutes at major hubs. Airlines continue enforcing strict check-in deadlines, with most domestic carriers cutting off bag check 45 minutes before departure and international flights closing check-in counters 60 to 90 minutes early.

Standard Airport Arrival Times for 2026

Most airlines and travel experts recommend following these baseline timelines for airport arrival in 2026.

Domestic flights require at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure. This gives you time to park, check bags, clear security, and reach your gate without rushing. TSA recommends this window because domestic security lines average 15 to 30 minutes during normal periods, but can stretch to 45 minutes or longer during peak travel times.

International flights demand at least 3 hours before departure. You face additional steps including passport verification, customs documentation review, and sometimes secondary security screening. Many international gates close 45 minutes before departure, earlier than most domestic flights.

Budget airlines often have tighter check-in windows. Understanding airline check-in policies helps avoid last-minute surprises at the ticket counter.

Minimum Check-In Cutoff Times by Flight Type

Flight Type	Minimum Check-In Time	Gate Arrival Time	Bag Check Cutoff
Domestic (no bags)	30 minutes	15 minutes	N/A
Domestic (with bags)	45 minutes	15 minutes	45 minutes
International (most carriers)	60-90 minutes	45 minutes	60 minutes
International (select hubs)	90-120 minutes	45-60 minutes	90 minutes

These are hard deadlines. Arriving after these times typically means you cannot check in or check bags, regardless of circumstances.

The difference between recommended arrival time and minimum check-in time matters. Recommended times build in buffer for unexpected delays. Minimum times are when the airline stops accepting passengers.

Current TSA Wait Times and Security Screening Data

TSA security wait times vary dramatically by airport, time of day, and season. Understanding these patterns helps you plan realistic arrival times.

A January 2026 study analyzing 31 major U.S. airports found Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport had the longest average TSA wait time at 15 minutes 27 seconds. During peak morning hours at 5 AM, waits stretched to 24 minutes 51 seconds. John F. Kennedy International Airport averaged 12 minutes 54 seconds overall.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport saw 22 minutes 26 seconds during its busiest 6 AM hour, but dropped to just 34 seconds at 2 AM. This dramatic variation shows how arrival timing within the day impacts your experience.

Standard security lanes process passengers more slowly than expedited options. TSA PreCheck lanes typically move 5 to 10 times faster than regular screening, with waits under 5 minutes even during busy periods. CLEAR members skip the ID check line entirely, though they still go through physical screening.

Peak TSA Wait Time Windows

1. Morning rush: 5 AM to 8 AM sees heaviest volume as business travelers and early flights depart
2. Midday surge: 11 AM to 2 PM when leisure travelers and afternoon flights peak
3. Evening wave: 4 PM to 7 PM for return business travel and red-eye preparation
4. Overnight quiet: 10 PM to 4 AM offers shortest waits, often under 5 minutes

The MyTSA app provides real-time wait time estimates for specific airports. Historical data shows which days and hours your airport typically runs busiest. Wednesday through Friday generally see heavier traffic than Monday and Tuesday.

Holiday periods multiply normal wait times. Thanksgiving week, Christmas through New Year’s, and spring break see 2 to 3 times longer security lines. Presidents’ Day weekend, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day also spike above typical volumes.

Weather impacts security operations. Winter storms, summer thunderstorms, and other severe weather can slow TSA processing as staff shortages occur and equipment has issues. Always add extra time during weather events.

International Flight Arrival Requirements

International travel adds complexity beyond domestic flights. Multiple verification steps make early arrival essential.

Airlines require you to check in 60 to 90 minutes before international departure, with some carriers and airports demanding 2 hours minimum. Delta states passengers must check in at least 1 hour before international departure, with recommended arrival 3 hours early. American Airlines requires international check-in close 60 minutes prior.

Passport verification takes additional time. Gate agents manually review passport validity, visa requirements, and destination entry rules. This process happens during check-in and again at the gate before boarding.

Understanding passport requirements prevents issues when your document doesn’t match your ticket exactly.

European destinations require new digital entry systems in 2026. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) launches in late 2026, requiring pre-travel authorization for U.S. citizens visiting 30 European countries. Processing takes minutes to weeks, so apply well before travel.

United Kingdom entry changed in February 2025. U.S. citizens now need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) costing approximately $21, valid for 6 months. Airport check-in staff verify ETA approval before issuing boarding passes.

Special International Airport Requirements

Some airports have unique timing requirements based on customs procedures, security protocols, or facility layout.

Brussels Airport recommends arriving 3.5 hours before departure due to security checkpoint delays. Construction projects and increased screening measures create longer processing times than other European hubs.

Marrakech Menara Airport requires 4 hours early arrival because digital boarding passes are not accepted. Passengers must obtain printed boarding passes from airline counters, adding significant time.

John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 4 faces ongoing construction impacting passenger flow. Delta advises extra time navigating the terminal during renovation periods.

Lima’s new Nuevo Jorge Chávez terminal opened June 2025. Passengers unfamiliar with the layout should allow additional wayfinding time.

Airline-Specific Check-In and Arrival Policies

Each airline sets its own check-in deadlines and recommended arrival times. These vary by carrier and route.

American Airlines Requirements

American Airlines requires passengers to check in at least 45 minutes before domestic departure when checking bags. International flights close check-in 60 minutes prior. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes 45 minutes before domestic flights, 90 minutes before international.

American recommends arriving 2 hours early for domestic travel, 3 hours for international travel. These recommendations provide a buffer beyond minimum requirements.

Delta Air Lines Requirements

Delta requires domestic passengers check in 30 minutes before departure without bags, 45 minutes when checking luggage. International check-in must occur at least 60 minutes prior, with a 3-hour recommended arrival time.

Certain Delta airports have extended requirements. Brussels Airport needs 3.5 hours, while standard international destinations require 3 hours. Delta will not accept checked bags more than 6 hours before departure.

Passengers must be at the gate ready to board 15 minutes before domestic departure, 45 minutes before international flights.

United Airlines Requirements

United Airlines mandates check-in 30 minutes before domestic departure without bags, 45 minutes with checked luggage. International flights require check-in completion at least 60 minutes prior.

United recommends arriving 2 hours early for domestic travel, 3 hours for international flights. Their policy emphasizes that recommended times account for security delays and airport navigation.

Southwest Airlines Requirements

Southwest Airlines suggests arriving 90 minutes before domestic departure, 120 minutes for international flights. Their unique open seating system makes timely check-in more important, as earlier check-in provides better boarding positions.

Check-in opens 24 hours before departure. Passengers checking in 45 minutes or less before departure are considered late, with no guarantee they’ll make the flight. Southwest requires international travelers to verify passports at the ticket counter 60 minutes before departure.

Comparison of Major U.S. Airlines

Airline	Domestic Arrival	International Arrival	Bag Check Cutoff (Domestic)	Bag Check Cutoff (International)
American	2 hours	3 hours	45 minutes	60 minutes
Delta	2 hours	3 hours	45 minutes	60 minutes
United	2 hours	3 hours	45 minutes	60 minutes
Southwest	90 minutes	120 minutes	45 minutes	60 minutes
Alaska	90 minutes	3 hours	40 minutes	60 minutes
JetBlue	2 hours	3 hours	40 minutes	60 minutes

Budget carriers often enforce stricter policies. Allegiant requires check-in close 45 minutes before departure, with checked bags accepted between 1 to 2 hours prior only.

Peak Travel Times Requiring Extra Buffer

Certain periods demand arriving earlier than standard recommendations. Passenger volumes surge during holidays, creating longer waits at every checkpoint.

Thanksgiving week remains the busiest travel period annually. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving and Sunday after see the highest passenger counts. TSA processed over 2.9 million travelers on the Sunday after Thanksgiving 2025, setting records.

Christmas and New Year’s travel extends from December 20 through January 5. The days immediately before and after Christmas Day, plus New Year’s Eve and Day, see massive volume. Security wait times double or triple normal averages.

Spring break spans mid-February through early April as different school districts stagger vacation weeks. Major airports serving warm destinations like Florida, Mexico, and Caribbean routes face sustained high volume throughout this period.

Summer travel season runs Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. June and July weekends consistently rank among the busiest travel days. Families traveling with children create additional screening time as TSA rules for traveling with children require special attention.

Presidents’ Day weekend, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends all spike above normal traffic. Each three-day weekend creates Friday afternoon and Monday evening surges.

Recommended Extra Buffer Times

1. Major holidays: Add 60 to 90 minutes to standard recommendations
2. Weekend departures: Add 30 to 45 minutes during peak season
3. Monday mornings: Add 30 minutes for business travel surge
4. Friday afternoons: Add 45 to 60 minutes for weekend departures
5. Weather events: Add 60 minutes when storms are forecast

Early morning flights during holidays often have shorter security lines. The 6 AM departure may require a 4 AM wake-up, but you’ll spend less time in airport lines than afternoon travelers.

Airport-Specific Considerations and Wait Times

Individual airports have unique characteristics affecting arrival timing. Size, layout, passenger volume, and operational efficiency all vary.

Large hub airports process more passengers but often have more security lanes and better infrastructure. Small regional airports may have fewer delays but less redundancy when issues occur.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) leads the nation in delays, averaging 540 delayed flights and 27 cancellations on high-volume days in early January 2026. As the world’s busiest airport, Atlanta requires extra buffer time during peak periods.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York undergoes ongoing terminal renovations affecting passenger flow. Construction zones, temporary signage, and changing layouts add navigation time. Arriving 30 minutes beyond standard recommendations helps account for wayfinding challenges.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) spreads across multiple terminals with no secure-side connections. Travelers must allow extra time for inter-terminal movement, especially when connecting flights use different terminals.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) experienced average ground delays of 143 minutes during recent wind events. Weather significantly impacts Bay Area airports more than many U.S. hubs. Check weather forecasts and add time accordingly.

Nashville International Airport (BNA) ranks in the top 5 airports requiring earliest arrival due to long TSA wait times despite having only 21 gates. The combination of high passenger volume and limited infrastructure creates bottlenecks.

Understanding JFK customs wait times helps international arrivals plan connections appropriately.

Factors Increasing Required Arrival Time

Multiple variables compound to increase how early you should reach the airport beyond baseline recommendations.

Checking bags always adds time. Even with bag drop technology, you must allow for queuing, weight verification, oversized luggage fees, and computer processing. Plan 15 to 20 extra minutes when checking luggage.

Traveling with children requires additional time. Family security lanes move slower as children remove shoes, parents manage multiple bags, and strollers get screened. Allow 20 to 30 extra minutes with young children.

Mobility assistance needs extra coordination. Wheelchair requests, gate assistance, and pre-boarding all require advance notification and airport navigation time. Contact your airline 48 hours ahead and arrive 30 minutes earlier than otherwise recommended.

First-time travelers to an airport should add 20 to 30 minutes for orientation. Learning terminal layout, finding ticketing areas, and locating security checkpoints takes time.

Parking in economy lots requires shuttle time. Some airport economy parking sits miles from terminals with shuttles running every 10 to 20 minutes. Factor 30 to 45 minutes from parking to terminal.

TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR Benefits

Expedited screening programs dramatically reduce airport time requirements. These programs are especially valuable during peak travel periods.

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for 5 years depending on enrollment provider. Members keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on during screening. Laptops and liquids stay in bags. Lines average under 5 minutes even during busy periods. Most applicants receive Known Traveler Numbers (KTN) in 3 to 5 days, though some applications take up to 60 days. Application requires online pre-enrollment and in-person appointment for fingerprints and photo. The in-person visit takes approximately 10 minutes. Children 12 and under can use PreCheck lanes when traveling with a PreCheck parent. Teens may also be eligible when on the same reservation if their boarding pass displays the PreCheck indicator. Global Entry costs $120 for 5 years and includes TSA PreCheck benefits. It expedites customs re-entry when returning to the U.S. from international travel. Most applications are reviewed within 2 weeks, though some take up to 12 months depending on background check complexity.

Global Entry requires an in-person interview after conditional approval. Appointment availability varies significantly by location, with some enrollment centers booking months in advance. Members can also complete interviews when arriving at the airport through Enrollment on Arrival programs. CLEAR costs $199 annually but often sees discounts through credit card partnerships and family plans. CLEAR members use biometric verification to skip the ID check line, going straight to physical screening. This saves 10 to 15 minutes during peak periods.

CLEAR pairs well with TSA PreCheck. CLEAR gets you to the front of the screening line, then PreCheck lets you keep shoes and belts on. The combination provides maximum time savings.

Comparing TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry vs CLEAR helps determine which program fits your travel patterns.

Time Savings Comparison

Program	Average Time Savings	Best For	Annual Cost (5-Year Average)
None	Baseline	Occasional travelers	$0
TSA PreCheck	15-25 minutes	Domestic frequent flyers	$15-17/year
Global Entry	20-40 minutes (international)	International travelers	$24/year
CLEAR	10-20 minutes	Travelers at busy airports	$199/year
PreCheck + CLEAR	25-35 minutes	Frequent domestic travelers	$214-216/year

Government shutdowns can impact application processing times. A late 2025 shutdown delayed TSA PreCheck and Global Entry approvals by weeks or months. When planning to apply, allow 3 to 6 months before critical travel dates.

What Happens If You Arrive Too Late

Missing airline cutoff times has serious consequences. Understanding these outcomes motivates timely arrival.

Airlines will not check bags after their published cutoff times. If you arrive 44 minutes before a domestic flight requiring a 45-minute check-in, you cannot check luggage. You must either carry on all bags (if they meet size requirements) or miss your flight.

Missing check-in cutoffs typically means losing your seat. Airlines may release your reservation to standby passengers. Rebooking depends on ticket type and availability.

Non-refundable tickets often have no value if you miss your flight due to late arrival. Airlines are not required to accommodate passengers who arrive after check-in closes. You may need to purchase a new ticket at current prices.

Refundable or flexible tickets allow rebooking on later flights, though change fees may apply. Basic economy fares typically offer no flexibility.

Travel insurance rarely covers missed flights due to late arrival. Most policies only protect against covered delays like weather, illness, or documented emergencies. Personal time management doesn’t qualify.

Arriving at the gate after boarding closes means you cannot board even with a valid boarding pass. Most domestic flights close boarding 15 minutes before departure. International flights close 30 to 45 minutes prior.

Understanding what happens when you miss your boarding call helps you know your options if delays occur.

Airline Rebooking Policies for Late Arrivals

1. Legacy carriers (American, Delta, United): May offer same-day standby on later flights for elite members or with fees
2. Budget airlines (Spirit, Frontier): Typically require new ticket purchase with no flexibility
3. Southwest: No change fees but must pay any fare difference
4. International airlines: Policies vary by carrier and ticket class

Some airlines show more flexibility for passengers who checked in online but arrived late. If you have a boarding pass but miss boarding, agents may work harder to accommodate you than someone who never checked in.

Elite status with airlines provides more rebooking options. Top-tier members often get automatically rebooked on the next available flight without fees. Basic economy passengers rarely receive such treatment.

Arriving Too Early: Is There Such a Thing?

While late arrival causes problems, arriving excessively early has downsides too. Finding the right balance maximizes comfort and minimizes stress.

Most airlines won’t check bags more than 4 to 6 hours before departure. Delta explicitly states they will not accept checked bags more than 6 hours prior. Arriving more than 6 hours early means waiting in the ticketing area or leaving the airport and returning.

Security screening opens at different times by airport. Some airports staff TSA checkpoints 24 hours, while others close overnight. Arriving before security opens means waiting in unsecured areas.

Airport amenities have limited overnight hours. Restaurants, shops, and lounges often close between 10 PM and 5 AM. Overnight arrivals may face closed facilities with nowhere comfortable to wait.

Arriving 4 to 5 hours early for domestic flights provides no real benefit over 2 to 3 hours. You simply spend more time waiting at the gate. Unless you specifically want airport lounge time, excessive early arrival wastes your day.

International flights justify up to 4 hours early arrival during peak periods. The combination of check-in procedures, security, and potential delays makes this reasonable. More than 4 hours becomes excessive unless you’re using airport lounges.

Finding the best seats on your aircraft takes time when you arrive early and want to change seat assignments.

Optimal Arrival Windows by Flight Type

1. Domestic flights: 2 to 2.5 hours provides ideal balance
2. International flights: 3 to 3.5 hours handles most situations
3. Peak holiday travel: Add 1 hour to above recommendations
4. Red-eye flights: Arrive 2 hours early even for overnight departures
5. Weather delays forecast: Add 30 to 60 minutes for potential impacts

Airport lounges make early arrival more pleasant. Credit cards offering lounge access through Priority Pass, American Express Centurion Lounges, or airline-specific clubs provide comfortable spaces to wait. Free food, drinks, WiFi, and quiet seating areas transform early arrival from burden to benefit.

Premium travel credit cards with lounge access often pay for themselves through these perks when traveling frequently.

Technology Tools for Timing Your Airport Arrival

Modern technology helps predict and plan airport timing more accurately than general rules of thumb.

The MyTSA mobile app provides real-time wait time estimates for TSA security checkpoints nationwide. The app sources data from actual passenger reports and historical patterns. You can see how busy your specific airport’s security is right now, not just general averages.

For understanding carry-on rules specific to Southwest and other carriers, dimensional requirements vary by airline.

MyTSA also offers a searchable database of items allowed through security. Instead of guessing whether your specific item is permitted, you can verify before packing. The app integrates with AskTSA social media support for live assistance.

Airline mobile apps send real-time notifications about gate changes, delays, and boarding times. Enable push notifications to receive updates automatically. Many apps also show how full your flight is and whether earlier flights have availability.

Flight tracking apps like FlightRadar24 or FlightAware let you monitor your inbound aircraft. If the plane flying your route is delayed arriving, your departure will likely be delayed too. This helps you adjust airport arrival timing.

Google Maps and Waze offer real-time traffic predictions with “Arrive By” features. Enter your flight time and the app recommends departure time accounting for current traffic conditions. These apps factor in historical traffic patterns for your specific day and time.

Airport websites publish parking garage capacity in real-time. Many major airports show which lots are full, how many spaces remain, and estimated wait times. This prevents arriving to find all parking full.

Helpful Apps and Websites

1. MyTSA: Security wait times and item screening information
2. Airline apps: Gate notifications, mobile boarding passes, flight status
3. FlightAware: Track your specific aircraft and airport delays
4. GateGuru: Airport terminal maps, amenities, and restaurant locations
5. LoungeBuddy: Find and access airport lounges with day passes
6. ParkSleepFly: Compare airport parking options and reserve spots

Real-time data beats static recommendations. General advice says arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights, but if MyTSA shows your airport currently has 5-minute security waits and your flight is delayed 30 minutes, you can adjust accordingly.

The inverse also applies. If MyTSA shows 40-minute waits and your airline app warns of gate changes due to weather, arriving earlier than standard recommendations becomes critical.

Smart Strategies for Stress-Free Airport Arrival

Beyond timing, certain strategies reduce stress and smooth the airport experience.

Complete online check-in exactly 24 hours before departure. This secures your boarding pass and lets you check seat assignments, flight status, and gate information. Even when checking bags, online check-in means using faster bag drop lines instead of full-service counters.

Pack a personal item that meets airline size limits to avoid gate-check fees and delays. Understanding what counts as a personal item prevents bag measurement at boarding. Prepare for security before reaching the checkpoint. Have your boarding pass and ID ready. Remove belts, empty pockets, and pull out liquids bags before reaching the conveyor. This speeds your screening and keeps lines moving.

Wear slip-on shoes during air travel. Removing and replacing lace-up boots wastes time and creates awkward moments balancing at security bins. Comfortable slip-ons speed screening without sacrificing comfort. Know your gate before security. Check airport terminal maps to understand where your gate sits relative to security checkpoints. Some airports have multiple security areas, and using the closest one to your gate saves walking time.

Consider mobility assistance if you have any concerns about walking distances. Major airports span miles between ticketing and remote gates. If you’re unsure about your ability to walk these distances quickly, request wheelchair assistance when booking.

Budget time for food after security. Airport restaurants have varying wait times. Quick-service options take 5 to 10 minutes, while sit-down restaurants may need 30 to 45 minutes from seating to finishing. Plan accordingly if you want a meal before departure.

Pre-Flight Preparation Checklist

1. Check in online 24 hours before departure
2. Verify passport validity (6 months minimum for most countries)
3. Confirm you have required visas and entry authorizations
4. Print or download boarding passes and travel documents
5. Pack 3-1-1 liquids in clear quart bag
6. Empty water bottles before security
7. Charge electronic devices fully
8. Have ID and boarding pass easily accessible
9. Wear slip-on shoes and minimal jewelry
10. Know your gate location and terminal layout

These preparations don’t reduce required arrival time, but they make the time you spend at the airport more efficient and less stressful.

Conclusion

Airport arrival timing in 2026 requires balancing airline requirements, TSA processing speeds, and individual circumstances. The standard 2-hour domestic and 3-hour international recommendations provide solid baselines for most travelers. TSA wait times average 15 to 22 minutes at major airports but spike during peak periods and at busy hubs. Fort Lauderdale, JFK, and Austin airports consistently rank among the slowest processing times. Using MyTSA app data and expedited screening programs like TSA PreCheck dramatically reduces security time.

Airlines enforce strict check-in cutoffs, typically 45 minutes for domestic flights and 60 to 90 minutes for international travel. Missing these deadlines means you cannot check bags or potentially board your flight. Airline policies vary, so verify your specific carrier’s requirements. Peak travel periods including holidays and summer weekends demand arriving 30 to 90 minutes beyond standard recommendations. Weather events, construction projects, and airport-specific challenges add additional buffer time needs.

The consequences of arriving too late far outweigh the minor inconvenience of waiting at the gate. Non-refundable tickets lost due to late check-in can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Travel insurance rarely covers missed flights caused by poor time management.

For more tips on navigating modern air travel, visit our comprehensive travel guides and resources covering everything from baggage rules to flight delay rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Check In for My Flight the Night Before if It’s Early Morning?

Most airlines open online check-in exactly 24 hours before departure. For a 6 AM flight, you can check in at 6 AM the previous day. Some international carriers offer 48-hour advance check-in windows. Airport counter check-in typically opens 2 to 3 hours before the first flight of the day, which may be later than your flight time for very early departures. Complete online check-in the night before and use bag drop services in the morning.

What Happens If TSA Lines Are Longer Than Expected and I Miss My Flight?

Airlines typically do not hold flights for passengers stuck in security lines. TSA delays are not considered airline responsibility. You may be rebooked on later flights depending on ticket type and availability, but airlines are not required to accommodate you without fees. Elite status members often receive better rebooking treatment. This scenario illustrates why arriving early matters, as you absorb the risk of security delays, not the airline.

Do TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Really Save That Much Time?

Yes, expedited screening programs provide significant time savings during busy periods. TSA PreCheck lanes average under 5 minutes even when standard security exceeds 30 minutes. Global Entry members typically clear U.S. customs in under 5 minutes compared to 30 to 60 minutes in standard lines. The savings prove most dramatic during peak travel times like holidays when standard lines stretch longest. The programs pay for themselves after just a few trips for most travelers.

How Early Should I Arrive for a Connecting Flight?

Airlines set minimum connection times (MCT) by airport, typically 45 to 90 minutes for domestic connections and 90 to 180 minutes for international connections. These represent the shortest legal connection time. However, MCTs assume everything goes perfectly. Add 30 to 60 minutes buffer beyond MCT for peace of mind, especially when checking bags that must make the connection. If booking separate tickets (not protected connections), allow at least 3 hours between flights to account for delays.

Are There Any Airports Where I Should Arrive Extra Early?

Yes, several U.S. airports consistently experience longer processing times requiring additional arrival buffers. Brussels Airport in Europe recommends 3.5 hours due to security delays. Marrakech requires 4 hours for printed boarding pass requirements. JFK Terminal 4 faces construction delays. Atlanta, Austin, and Nashville airports frequently see elevated TSA wait times. Check your specific airport’s current advisories before travel, as construction projects and security changes create temporary delays.

What If I Have TSA PreCheck But It Doesn’t Show on My Boarding Pass?

Verify your Known Traveler Number (KTN) appears in your airline reservation and frequent flyer profile. Even minor name mismatches between your PreCheck enrollment and airline booking prevent the indicator from appearing. Contact your airline to add or correct your KTN before check-in. If traveling on separate tickets with different airlines, each booking needs your KTN entered. Unfortunately, if the indicator doesn’t appear, you must use standard security lanes for that flight. Some airports allow agents to manually verify PreCheck eligibility, but this isn’t guaranteed.