WASHINGTON – Nationwide, TSA screened 1.60 million passengers yesterday (Tuesday, Jan. 15). Overall, nearly 100 percent of passengers waited less than 30 minutes and 97.3 percent of passengers, less than 15 minutes. In TSA Pre✓® lanes, passengers on average waited less than 10 minutes. Please refer to the table below for top airport specific wait times.
Yesterday’s complete figures show that TSA experienced a national rate of 6.1 percent of unscheduled absences compared to a 3.7 percent rate one year ago on the same day, Tuesday, January 16, 2018; many employees are reporting that they are not able to report to work due to financial limitations. Due to security concerns, specific airport call-out information is generally not available to the public. Aviation security remains an essential priority, and TSA does not want to create any perception that an adversary could use specific information to determine possible vulnerabilities.
TSA, in coordination with airport authorities and airlines, continue to work to optimize resources, manage consolidation efforts, and ensure screening lanes are properly staffed. To maintain effective security standards, airports may exercise contingency plans due to call-outs and anticipated high-volume. Travelers should allow enough time to get through the airport and board their flight. For questions about terminal closings, travelers should seek current airline and airport information before arriving at the airport.
While national average wait times are within normal TSA times of 30 minutes for standard lanes and 10 minutes for TSA Pre✓®, some airports experienced longer than usual wait times. Below are yesterday’s maximum wait times experienced by passengers in standard and TSA Pre✓® lanes at the top 42 U.S. airports.
Wait times at top airports for Jan. 15
Across the nation, the men and women of TSA remain committed to the mission, reporting for work and ensuring travelers get to their destinations safely. Public support from passengers, industry groups, and community organizations underscores the importance of TSA’s work in securing aviation.