TSA Wait Times at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
CMH airport has dedicated family-friendly "Families on the Fly" lanes for travelers with young children.
CMH airport no longer requires taking shoes off at TSA.
Plan ahead and minimize your wait at John Glenn Columbus International Airport security checkpoints. The data below shows historical maximum wait times by day and hour to help you choose the best time to arrive.
Peak Wait Time
29 min
Saturdays at 5 AM
Best Times to Go
Under 5 minutes
47 time slots with minimal wait
Morning Wait Times (AM)
| Hour | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 3 AM | 18m | 10m | 13m | 21m | 20m | 22m | 14m |
| 4 AM | 20m | 25m | 13m | 23m | 21m | 26m | 10m |
| 5 AM | 16m | 18m | 12m | 12m | 12m | 29m | 11m |
| 6 AM | 6m | 15m | 8m | 6m | 6m | 8m | 8m |
| 7 AM | 4m | 7m | 8m | 6m | 8m | 10m | 6m |
| 8 AM | 18m | 8m | 11m | 12m | 12m | 10m | 6m |
| 9 AM | 13m | 14m | 14m | 10m | 9m | 12m | 10m |
| 10 AM | 14m | 10m | 15m | 10m | 12m | 10m | 16m |
| 11 AM | 12m | 7m | 7m | 5m | 8m | 10m | 11m |
Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)
| Hour | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 PM | 8m | 8m | 22m | 4m | 8m | 6m | 11m |
| 1 PM | 8m | 8m | 6m | 18m | 5m | 6m | 5m |
| 2 PM | 5m | 4m | 5m | 8m | 4m | 5m | 5m |
| 3 PM | 8m | 4m | 8m | 15m | 7m | 6m | 15m |
| 4 PM | 15m | 8m | 15m | 22m | 9m | 7m | 8m |
| 5 PM | 2m | 2m | 4m | 8m | 4m | 8m | 5m |
| 6 PM | 2m | 2m | 2m | 3m | 7m | 4m | 10m |
| 7 PM | 2m | 2m | 2m | 6m | 7m | 3m | 3m |
| 8 PM | 2m | 1m | 1m | 1m | 3m | 2m | 3m |
| 9 PM | 2m | - | 1m | 1m | 2m | 1m | 3m |
| 10 PM | 1m | - | - | 1m | 1m | - | 2m |
| 11 PM | - | - | - | - | 2m | 1m | 1m |
Wait Time Legend
Tips for CMH Security
- Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights
- Consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR for expedited screening
- Check peak times above and plan to arrive during lower-traffic periods when possible
- Have your ID and boarding pass ready before reaching the checkpoint
- Remove laptops and liquids from bags if you don't have TSA PreCheck
CMH TSA Wait Times FAQ
How long are TSA wait times at John Glenn Columbus International Airport?
TSA wait times at CMH vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 29 minutes on Saturdays around 5 AM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 47 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.
What is the best time to go through security at CMH?
The best times to go through TSA security at CMH are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 47 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Saturdays around 5 AM when waits are longest.
Should I get TSA PreCheck for CMH?
TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. PreCheck members enjoy expedited screening with shorter lines, and don't need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. If you fly more than twice a year, the $78 fee (valid for 5 years) is usually worth it.
How early should I arrive at CMH airport?
For domestic flights at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Saturdays at 5 AM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 29 minutes.