SFO TSA Security Wait Times
San Francisco International Airport
Fast
(under 15 min)
Historical
Live data
Fast
Live Data
TSA Checkpoint Operating Hours
Sunday3 / 7 Open
Checkpoint 35
Security Checkpoint T1 B Mezzanine
4:00 AM - 11:00 PM
International Terminal
Boarding Area A Checkpoint
5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Boarding Area G Checkpoint
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
Employee Checkpoint D
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Terminal 3
Boarding Area F1 Checkpoint
12:00 AM - 1:00 AM, 4:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Hours may vary during holidaysUpdated: 12:14:43 AM
See Exact TSA Wait Times
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Current Security Wait TimesLIVE
13
Average Wait
minutes
20
Peak Hours
minutes
8
Off-Peak
minutes
Fastest Terminal Comparison
Fastest Right Now
All Terminals
TSA Security (Expected)
9
minutes
Save 18 min vs slowest
FastestAll TerminalsTSA Security (Expected)
9 min+1h ForecastTSA Security (Expected)
9 min+3h ForecastTSA Security (Expected)
9 min+4h ForecastTSA Security (Expected)
9 min+2h ForecastTSA Security (Expected)
27 minPro Tip: Check which terminal your airline uses before choosing security checkpoints. Wait times can vary significantly between terminals.
Terminal Wait TimesLIVE
All Terminals
TSA Security (Expected)
9
+1h Forecast
TSA Security (Expected)
9
+2h Forecast
TSA Security (Expected)
27
+3h Forecast
TSA Security (Expected)
9
+4h Forecast
TSA Security (Expected)
9
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Related Airport Information
SFO Security FAQs
The average TSA security wait time at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is approximately 13 minutes. During peak hours (typically 5-8 AM and 4-7 PM), wait times can be 20 minutes or longer. Off-peak hours typically see wait times of 8 minutes.
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 7 minutes compared to 13 minutes in regular lanes.
The best times to go through 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.
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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: 5 min vs 13 min regular
Keep shoes on
Laptop stays in bag
No jacket removal
PreCheck Checkpoints9
International G
T-1 Area B
T-1 Area C
T-2 Area D
+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