SFO
TSA Security · Live
TSA wait times, demystified.
San Francisco International Airport · San Francisco, US
Wait · now
Source
Live
Confidence
High
Checkpoints
6
Reports · 24h
0
Major disruption — Ground stop in effectACTIVE
Ground delay program active. FAA reports 30 min delays
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TSA Checkpoint Operating Hours
Friday5 / 6 Open
Checkpoint 35
Security Checkpoint T1 B Mezzanine
4:00 AM - 11:00 PM
International Terminal
Boarding Area A Checkpoint
12:00 AM - 2:00 AM, 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Boarding Area G Checkpoint
12:00 AM - 1:00 AM, 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Terminal 1
Boarding Area B Checkpoint
12:00 AM - 1:00 AM, 11:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Terminal 2
Boarding Area D Checkpoint
12:00 AM - 1:00 AM, 4:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Terminal 3
Boarding Area F1 Checkpoint
12:00 AM - 1:00 AM, 4:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Hours may vary during holidaysUpdated:
Checkpoint A
2min
Checkpoint A Security
Checkpoint A
2min
Checkpoint A TSA PreCheck
Checkpoint B
9min
Checkpoint B Security
Checkpoint B
5min
Checkpoint B TSA PreCheck
Checkpoint B - Mezzanine Level
5min
Checkpoint B - Mezzanine Level TSA PreCheck
Checkpoint D
2min
Checkpoint D Security
Checkpoint D
3min
Checkpoint D TSA PreCheck
Checkpoint F
4min
Checkpoint F Security
Checkpoint F
2min
Checkpoint F TSA PreCheck
Checkpoint G
2min
Checkpoint G Security
Checkpoint G
2min
Checkpoint G TSA PreCheck
Community reports
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TSA PreCheckRECOMMENDED
Skip the regular line with TSA PreCheck. Average wait time: 9 min vs 22 min regular
Keep shoes on
Laptop stays in bag
No jacket removal
SFO Security FAQs
The average TSA security wait time at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is approximately 22 minutes. During peak hours (typically 5-8 AM and 4-7 PM), wait times can be 33 minutes or longer. Off-peak hours typically see wait times of 13 minutes.
TSA security lines at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) currently average about 22 minutes. TSA PreCheck lanes are typically under 11 minutes. Wait times are updated every 5 minutes based on real-time data.
Yes, San Francisco International Airport offers TSA PreCheck lanes at security checkpoints. TSA PreCheck can reduce your wait time by 50% or more, with average waits of 11 minutes compared to 22 minutes in regular lanes.
The best times to go through TSA security at San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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.
Related Airport Information
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SFO
SFO TSA PreCheck Wait Times
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Passport Control
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7min wait
SFO Customs & Immigration
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Airport Parking
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Prediction factorsConfidence 80%
- Recent third-party observation indicates ~9 min at security (steady)
- Live sensor data (0 min ago)
At the checkpoint
- — TSA PreCheck is typically 50–70% faster.
- — Have ID and boarding pass ready at the divider.
- — Liquids under 100 ml / 3.4 oz in a clear zip bag.
- — Laptops and large electronics in a bin alone.
- — CLEAR+ enrollment available at this airport.
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