TSA Wait Times at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
MSY airport does not have family-friendly "Families on the Fly" lanes yet.
MSY airport no longer requires taking shoes off at TSA.
Plan ahead and minimize your wait at Louis Armstrong New Orleans 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
51 time slots with minimal wait
Morning Wait Times (AM)
| Hour | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 AM | 1m | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 3 AM | 5m | 4m | 5m | 3m | 14m | 5m | 8m |
| 4 AM | 5m | 5m | 5m | 6m | 12m | 6m | - |
| 5 AM | - | 4m | 5m | 6m | 16m | 7m | - |
| 6 AM | 9m | 3m | 3m | 7m | 8m | 6m | 8m |
| 7 AM | 7m | 3m | 5m | 5m | 6m | 3m | 6m |
| 8 AM | 8m | 8m | 7m | 8m | 6m | 3m | 8m |
| 9 AM | 8m | 14m | 16m | 11m | 6m | 10m | 10m |
| 10 AM | 4m | 8m | 10m | 9m | 8m | 7m | 21m |
| 11 AM | 4m | 17m | 12m | 10m | 8m | 10m | 11m |
Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)
| Hour | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 PM | 9m | 8m | 18m | 11m | 15m | 12m | 17m |
| 1 PM | 13m | 4m | 11m | 10m | 15m | 16m | 22m |
| 2 PM | 18m | 8m | 8m | 10m | 13m | 18m | 23m |
| 3 PM | 6m | 7m | 17m | 11m | 13m | 6m | 24m |
| 4 PM | 7m | 2m | 8m | 12m | 19m | 12m | 33m |
| 5 PM | 12m | 2m | 8m | 23m | 10m | 8m | 33m |
| 6 PM | 3m | 2m | 3m | 11m | 6m | 7m | 32m |
| 7 PM | 6m | 2m | 2m | 8m | 4m | 8m | 7m |
| 8 PM | 9m | 1m | 1m | 4m | 3m | 9m | 6m |
| 9 PM | 2m | 1m | 1m | 2m | 1m | 3m | 4m |
| 10 PM | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m |
| 11 PM | 1m | 1m | - | - | - | 1m | 1m |
Wait Time Legend
Tips for MSY 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
MSY TSA Wait Times FAQ
How long are TSA wait times at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport?
TSA wait times at MSY vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 33 minutes on Sundays around 4 PM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 51 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.
What is the best time to go through security at MSY?
The best times to go through TSA security at MSY are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 51 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Sundays around 4 PM when waits are longest.
Should I get TSA PreCheck for MSY?
TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at Louis Armstrong New Orleans 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 MSY airport?
For domestic flights at Louis Armstrong New Orleans 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.