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TSA Wait Times at O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Plan ahead and minimize your wait at O'Hare 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

30 min

Sundays at 3 PM

Best Times to Go

Under 5 minutes

28 time slots with minimal wait

Morning Wait Times (AM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at O'Hare International Airport for morning hours (12 AM - 11 AM), organized by day of week
Hour Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
12 AM 10m 19m 3m 5m 4m 18m 15m
1 AM 2m 6m 1m 1m 1m 1m 2m
2 AM 1m 2m 1m 1m 1m 1m 3m
3 AM 11m 15m 15m 12m 10m 19m 10m
4 AM 17m 10m 10m 18m 19m 19m 19m
5 AM 15m 15m 5m 14m 18m 18m 19m
6 AM 15m 12m 12m 18m 18m 19m 20m
7 AM 19m 15m 16m 19m 16m 18m 19m
8 AM 18m 15m 17m 13m 23m 18m 18m
9 AM 16m 18m 20m 15m 24m 16m 14m
10 AM 15m 15m 8m 24m 10m 15m 25m
11 AM 15m 10m 8m 18m 15m 15m 10m

Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at O'Hare 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 15m 11m 17m 17m 19m 16m
1 PM 18m 16m 17m 18m 14m 19m 15m
2 PM 8m 12m 16m 12m 13m 16m 16m
3 PM 10m 15m 18m 10m 23m 16m 30m
4 PM 15m 8m 17m 12m 19m 19m 15m
5 PM 16m 18m 18m 18m 19m 15m 14m
6 PM 15m 10m 12m 19m 17m 15m 21m
7 PM 11m 9m 7m 12m 17m 6m 12m
8 PM 6m 5m 8m 15m 8m 10m 17m
9 PM 7m 3m 10m 12m 6m 5m 5m
10 PM 2m 7m 5m 2m 3m 5m 1m
11 PM 15m 5m 10m 8m 12m 8m 10m

Wait Time Legend

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

Tips for ORD 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

ORD TSA Wait Times FAQ

How long are TSA wait times at O'Hare International Airport?

TSA wait times at ORD vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 30 minutes on Sundays around 3 PM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 28 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.

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

The best times to go through TSA security at ORD are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 28 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Sundays around 3 PM when waits are longest.

Should I get TSA PreCheck for ORD?

TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at O'Hare 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 ORD airport?

For domestic flights at O'Hare International Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Sundays at 3 PM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 30 minutes.