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TSA Wait Times at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Plan ahead and minimize your wait at Washington Dulles 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

19 min

Tuesdays at 6 AM

Best Times to Go

Under 5 minutes

119 time slots with minimal wait

Morning Wait Times (AM)

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

Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at Washington Dulles 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 6m 10m 3m 3m 4m 4m 4m
1 PM 4m 5m 5m 10m 5m 4m 5m
2 PM 5m 5m 7m 5m 7m 5m 5m
3 PM 7m 8m 6m 10m 7m 7m 7m
4 PM 8m 8m 6m 7m 9m 10m 7m
5 PM 5m 5m 7m 7m 8m 7m 5m
6 PM 4m 5m 7m 4m 4m 5m 6m
7 PM 4m 4m 4m 4m 5m 4m 4m
8 PM 3m 4m 3m 5m 4m 4m 8m
9 PM 3m 3m 3m 3m 3m 4m 4m
10 PM 5m 5m 4m 3m 3m 3m 5m
11 PM 5m 5m 3m 2m 2m 3m 5m

Wait Time Legend

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

Tips for IAD 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

IAD TSA Wait Times FAQ

How long are TSA wait times at Washington Dulles International Airport?

TSA wait times at IAD vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 19 minutes on Tuesdays around 6 AM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 119 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.

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

The best times to go through TSA security at IAD are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 119 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Tuesdays around 6 AM when waits are longest.

Should I get TSA PreCheck for IAD?

TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at Washington Dulles 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 IAD airport?

For domestic flights at Washington Dulles International Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. Check the wait time data above to plan around busy periods.