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TSA Wait Times at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Plan ahead and minimize your wait at Dallas Fort Worth 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

32 min

Thursdays at 4 AM

Best Times to Go

Under 5 minutes

23 time slots with minimal wait

Morning Wait Times (AM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport for morning hours (12 AM - 11 AM), organized by day of week
Hour Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
12 AM - - - - 10m 1m -
1 AM - - - - 1m 1m -
2 AM - - - - 1m 1m -
3 AM 22m 16m 8m 5m 4m 2m 16m
4 AM 19m 25m 13m 32m 17m 10m 15m
5 AM 21m 19m 18m 14m 25m 19m 24m
6 AM 28m 30m 28m 29m 24m 21m 25m
7 AM 32m 32m 16m 18m 28m 29m 28m
8 AM 26m 29m 29m 25m 29m 27m 23m
9 AM 27m 21m 26m 27m 28m 29m 26m
10 AM 29m 29m 28m 28m 15m 18m 26m
11 AM 19m 20m 28m 11m 25m 17m 18m

Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at Dallas Fort Worth International 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 13m 15m 13m 22m 22m 16m
1 PM 13m 16m 11m 10m 9m 8m 10m
2 PM 15m 22m 8m 12m 18m 10m 12m
3 PM 20m 28m 14m 17m 15m 16m 16m
4 PM 23m 29m 16m 16m 18m 18m 12m
5 PM 20m 19m 14m 17m 11m 13m 12m
6 PM 13m 16m 18m 25m 18m 23m 18m
7 PM 8m 13m 13m 18m 10m 20m 16m
8 PM 11m 7m 18m 15m 15m 20m 20m
9 PM 9m 2m 3m 7m 15m 20m 8m
10 PM 2m 2m 2m 1m 7m 2m 2m
11 PM 1m 1m 1m 1m 2m 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 DFW 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

DFW TSA Wait Times FAQ

How long are TSA wait times at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport?

TSA wait times at DFW vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 32 minutes on Thursdays around 4 AM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 23 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.

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

The best times to go through TSA security at DFW are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 23 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Thursdays around 4 AM when waits are longest.

Should I get TSA PreCheck for DFW?

TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at Dallas Fort Worth 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 DFW airport?

For domestic flights at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Thursdays at 4 AM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 32 minutes.