Skip to main content

TSA Wait Times at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Plan ahead and minimize your wait at Los Angeles 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

25 min

Sundays at 9 AM

Best Times to Go

Under 5 minutes

10 time slots with minimal wait

Morning Wait Times (AM)

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

Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at Los Angeles 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 18m 18m 17m 17m 18m 16m 18m
1 PM 19m 15m 18m 16m 16m 12m 20m
2 PM 13m 14m 12m 15m 13m 15m 19m
3 PM 19m 22m 13m 17m 22m 17m 18m
4 PM 16m 16m 19m 15m 15m 16m 17m
5 PM 19m 12m 19m 15m 16m 17m 23m
6 PM 19m 13m 15m 18m 18m 19m 19m
7 PM 16m 11m 19m 18m 14m 14m 21m
8 PM 16m 13m 13m 18m 16m 14m 12m
9 PM 12m 17m 17m 19m 16m 16m 14m
10 PM 23m 22m 15m 22m 17m 19m 18m
11 PM 10m 8m 10m 10m 12m 10m 11m

Wait Time Legend

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

Tips for LAX 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

LAX TSA Wait Times FAQ

How long are TSA wait times at Los Angeles International Airport?

TSA wait times at LAX vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 25 minutes on Sundays around 9 AM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 10 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.

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

The best times to go through TSA security at LAX are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 10 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Sundays around 9 AM when waits are longest.

Should I get TSA PreCheck for LAX?

TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at Los Angeles 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 LAX airport?

For domestic flights at Los Angeles International Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Sundays at 9 AM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 25 minutes.