Skip to main content

TSA Wait Times at George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (IAH)

Plan ahead and minimize your wait at George Bush Intercontinental Houston 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

60 min

Sundays at 6 AM

Best Times to Go

Under 5 minutes

12 time slots with minimal wait

Morning Wait Times (AM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at George Bush Intercontinental Houston 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 10m 8m 8m 12m 10m 13m 12m
4 AM 19m 13m 12m 14m 19m 16m 45m
5 AM 32m 17m 14m 18m 30m 18m 55m
6 AM 29m 19m 13m 18m 19m 18m 60m
7 AM 30m 14m 12m 12m 15m 13m 34m
8 AM 31m 15m 18m 17m 14m 18m 23m
9 AM 22m 11m 8m 16m 10m 13m 18m
10 AM 17m 15m 13m 18m 15m 15m 20m
11 AM 18m 15m 15m 19m 11m 13m 14m

Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at George Bush Intercontinental Houston 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 15m 14m 15m 15m 12m 11m 14m
1 PM 20m 14m 16m 24m 12m 14m 17m
2 PM 15m 15m 15m 20m 10m 15m 18m
3 PM 18m 20m 18m 24m 18m 16m 16m
4 PM 16m 20m 18m 14m 18m 14m 18m
5 PM 13m 10m 22m 14m 18m 20m 19m
6 PM 15m 11m 26m 22m 14m 18m 19m
7 PM 9m 10m 12m 10m 12m 19m 23m
8 PM 11m 10m 9m 12m 10m 14m 27m
9 PM 5m 8m 6m 8m 6m 12m 26m
10 PM 3m 5m 2m 3m 4m 9m 14m
11 PM 1m 1m 1m 2m 2m 4m 14m

Wait Time Legend

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

Tips for IAH 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

IAH TSA Wait Times FAQ

How long are TSA wait times at George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport?

TSA wait times at IAH vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 60 minutes on Sundays around 6 AM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 12 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.

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

The best times to go through TSA security at IAH are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 12 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Sundays around 6 AM when waits are longest.

Should I get TSA PreCheck for IAH?

TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at George Bush Intercontinental Houston 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 IAH airport?

For domestic flights at George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Sundays at 6 AM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 60 minutes.