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TSA Wait Times at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Plan ahead and minimize your wait at Ronald Reagan Washington National 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

28 min

Tuesdays at 2 PM

Best Times to Go

Under 5 minutes

29 time slots with minimal wait

Morning Wait Times (AM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport for morning hours (12 AM - 11 AM), organized by day of week
Hour Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
12 AM - - - - - - -
1 AM - - - - - - -
2 AM - - - - - - -
3 AM - - - - - - -
4 AM 9m 5m 9m 9m 9m 9m 9m
5 AM 23m 8m 9m 9m 13m 11m 9m
6 AM 8m 9m 8m 19m 18m 18m 9m
7 AM 9m 25m 10m 23m 10m 9m 14m
8 AM 9m 8m 7m 8m 7m 7m 8m
9 AM 9m 7m 9m 15m 25m 8m 9m
10 AM 7m 7m 7m 8m 7m 18m 9m
11 AM 8m 8m 9m 15m 8m 9m 9m

Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport for afternoon and evening hours (12 PM - 11 PM), organized by day of week
Hour Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
12 PM 21m 7m 7m 8m 9m 6m 9m
1 PM 9m 8m 7m 9m 9m 6m 26m
2 PM 13m 28m 9m 9m 9m 6m 16m
3 PM 9m 15m 8m 9m 9m 15m 26m
4 PM 16m 23m 14m 9m 9m 9m 21m
5 PM 6m 8m 9m 9m 9m 9m 22m
6 PM 8m 8m 6m 9m 7m 5m 9m
7 PM 5m 5m 6m 8m 5m 5m 9m
8 PM 4m 2m 3m 7m 3m 1m 9m
9 PM 4m 2m 3m 7m 4m 1m 5m
10 PM 1m 1m 2m 3m 1m 1m 2m
11 PM 1m - 1m 1m - 1m 1m

Wait Time Legend

- No data ≤5 min 6-10 min 11-15 min 16-20 min 21-30 min 30+ min

Tips for DCA 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

DCA TSA Wait Times FAQ

How long are TSA wait times at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport?

TSA wait times at DCA vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 28 minutes on Tuesdays around 2 PM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 29 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.

What is the best time to go through security at DCA?

The best times to go through TSA security at DCA are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 29 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Tuesdays around 2 PM when waits are longest.

Should I get TSA PreCheck for DCA?

TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at Ronald Reagan Washington National 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 DCA airport?

For domestic flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Tuesdays at 2 PM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 28 minutes.