JFK TSA Security Wait Times
John F. Kennedy International Airport
Moderate
(15-30 min)
LIVE
Live data
Moderate
Live Data
TSA Checkpoint Operating Hours
Thursday6 / 7 Open
Checkpoint 96
Terminal 4 Delta 1
4:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 Checkpoint
6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Terminal 4
Terminal 4 FIS Checkpoint
4:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Terminal 4 Main Checkpoint
4:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Terminal 5
Terminal 5 Main Checkpoint
3:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Terminal 7
Terminal 7 Checkpoint
3:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Terminal 8
Terminal 8 Checkpoint
4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Hours may vary during holidaysUpdated: 6:21:38 PM
See Exact TSA Wait Times
Get precise checkpoint data for JFK - plan your arrival perfectly
Current Security Wait TimesLIVE
19
Average Wait
minutes
29
Peak Hours
minutes
11
Off-Peak
minutes
Fastest Terminal Comparison
Fastest Right Now
Terminal 1
Main Checkpoint (TSA PreCheck)
0
minutes
Save 34 min vs slowest
FastestTerminal 1Main Checkpoint (TSA PreCheck)
0 minTerminal 1Main Checkpoint (Regular)
1 minTerminal 4Main Checkpoint (TSA PreCheck)
5 minTerminal 8Main Checkpoint (TSA PreCheck)
6 minTerminal 7Main Checkpoint (Regular)
8 minTerminal 5Main Checkpoint (TSA PreCheck)
9 minTerminal 8Main Checkpoint (Regular)
24 minTerminal 5Main Checkpoint (Regular)
29 minTerminal 4Main Checkpoint (Regular)
34 minPro Tip: Check which terminal your airline uses before choosing security checkpoints. Wait times can vary significantly between terminals.
Terminal Wait TimesLIVE
Terminal 1
Main Checkpoint (Regular)
1
Terminal 1
Main Checkpoint (TSA PreCheck)
0
Terminal 4
Main Checkpoint (TSA PreCheck)
5
Terminal 4
Main Checkpoint (Regular)
34
Terminal 5
Main Checkpoint (TSA PreCheck)
9
Terminal 5
Main Checkpoint (Regular)
29
Terminal 7
Main Checkpoint (Regular)
8
Terminal 8
Main Checkpoint (Regular)
24
Terminal 8
Main Checkpoint (TSA PreCheck)
6
TSA PreCheck Available
Average wait: 7 min
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Related Airport Information
JFK Security FAQs
The average TSA security wait time at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is approximately 19 minutes. During peak hours (typically 5-8 AM and 4-7 PM), wait times can be 29 minutes or longer. Off-peak hours typically see wait times of 11 minutes.
Yes, John F. Kennedy International Airport offers TSA PreCheck lanes at security checkpoints. TSA PreCheck can reduce your wait time by 50% or more, with average waits of 10 minutes compared to 19 minutes in regular lanes.
The best times to go through security at John F. Kennedy International Airport are typically early morning (5:00-6:00 AM) and mid-afternoon (2:00-4:00 PM). Avoid peak hours between 5:00-8:00 AM for morning business flights and 4:00-7:00 PM for evening departures when security lines are longest.
For domestic flights at John F. Kennedy International Airport, arrive at least 90 minutes before departure. For international flights, arrive 150 minutes early to allow time for security, immigration, and boarding. If traveling during holidays or peak seasons, add an extra 30 minutes.
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Recommended Arrival
Domestic Flights
90 min
before departure
International Flights
150 min
before departure
TSA PreCheckRECOMMENDED
Skip the regular line with TSA PreCheck. Average wait time: 8 min vs 19 min regular
Keep shoes on
Laptop stays in bag
No jacket removal
PreCheck Checkpoints9
Terminal 1
Terminal 2
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 FIS
+5 more checkpoints
Learn about TSA PreCheck →Quick Tips
Peak Hours
- • 5:00 AM - 8:00 AM
- • 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- • Sunday evenings
- • Monday mornings
At Security
- • Consider TSA PreCheck
- • Have ID & boarding pass ready
- • Follow 3-1-1 liquids rule
- • Remove large electronics
Security Programs
- TSA PreCheck
- Global Entry
- CLEAR