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TSA Wait Times at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Plan ahead and minimize your wait at John F. Kennedy 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

33 min

Sundays at 4 PM

Best Times to Go

Under 5 minutes

Early morning or late evening recommended

Morning Wait Times (AM)

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

Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at John F. Kennedy 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 19m 18m 19m 19m 19m 19m 23m
1 PM 19m 19m 23m 19m 30m 23m 25m
2 PM 20m 31m 24m 23m 24m 23m 28m
3 PM 19m 24m 19m 24m 19m 24m 29m
4 PM 22m 23m 19m 24m 24m 24m 33m
5 PM 18m 22m 19m 19m 28m 21m 26m
6 PM 19m 19m 19m 19m 24m 19m 22m
7 PM 17m 19m 19m 19m 19m 18m 25m
8 PM 18m 18m 19m 23m 19m 18m 19m
9 PM 18m 18m 19m 23m 24m 19m 24m
10 PM 16m 18m 18m 19m 18m 19m 17m
11 PM 19m 18m 19m 18m 19m 22m 19m

Wait Time Legend

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

Tips for JFK 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

JFK TSA Wait Times FAQ

How long are TSA wait times at John F. Kennedy International Airport?

TSA wait times at JFK vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 33 minutes on Sundays around 4 PM. Early morning and late evening typically have shorter lines.

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

The best times to go through TSA security at JFK are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening when fewer passengers are traveling. Midday and late afternoon tend to be busier.

Should I get TSA PreCheck for JFK?

TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at John F. Kennedy 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 JFK airport?

For domestic flights at John F. Kennedy International Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Sundays at 4 PM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 33 minutes.