Skip to main content

TSA Wait Times at La Guardia Airport (LGA)

Plan ahead and minimize your wait at La Guardia 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

49 min

Sundays at 2 PM

Best Times to Go

Under 5 minutes

42 time slots with minimal wait

Morning Wait Times (AM)

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

Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at La Guardia 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 27m 15m 12m 12m 20m 10m 20m
1 PM 21m 15m 15m 12m 12m 10m 24m
2 PM 15m 21m 16m 12m 15m 13m 49m
3 PM 12m 25m 24m 10m 27m 12m 43m
4 PM 20m 10m 11m 10m 12m 12m 15m
5 PM 11m 10m 10m 10m 8m 10m 15m
6 PM 11m 8m 10m 9m 13m 6m 34m
7 PM 9m 10m 14m 12m 18m 6m 26m
8 PM 10m 8m 8m 15m 12m 4m 11m
9 PM 7m 6m 10m 10m 10m 4m 8m
10 PM 5m 4m 5m 8m 5m 2m 5m
11 PM 2m 1m 1m 2m 1m 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 LGA 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

LGA TSA Wait Times FAQ

How long are TSA wait times at La Guardia Airport?

TSA wait times at LGA vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 49 minutes on Sundays around 2 PM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 42 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.

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

The best times to go through TSA security at LGA are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 42 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Sundays around 2 PM when waits are longest.

Should I get TSA PreCheck for LGA?

TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at La Guardia 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 LGA airport?

For domestic flights at La Guardia Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Sundays at 2 PM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 49 minutes.