TSA Wait Times at Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU)
RDU airport does not have family-friendly "Families on the Fly" lanes yet.
RDU airport no longer requires taking shoes off at TSA.
Plan ahead and minimize your wait at Raleigh Durham 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
19 min
Saturdays at 5 AM
Best Times to Go
Under 5 minutes
70 time slots with minimal wait
Morning Wait Times (AM)
| Hour | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 3 AM | 4m | 2m | 3m | 5m | 4m | 5m | 5m |
| 4 AM | 17m | 18m | 5m | 13m | 9m | 6m | 8m |
| 5 AM | 8m | 19m | 16m | 15m | 12m | 19m | 8m |
| 6 AM | 7m | 7m | 6m | 13m | 11m | 19m | 12m |
| 7 AM | 5m | 4m | 4m | 5m | 6m | 8m | 10m |
| 8 AM | 5m | 4m | 4m | 6m | 7m | 3m | 7m |
| 9 AM | 9m | 6m | 5m | 10m | 7m | 5m | 6m |
| 10 AM | 6m | 5m | 5m | 10m | 9m | 4m | 7m |
| 11 AM | 6m | 5m | 5m | 8m | 8m | 5m | 9m |
Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)
| Hour | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 PM | 8m | 5m | 8m | 7m | 6m | 4m | 9m |
| 1 PM | 6m | 5m | 5m | 6m | 5m | 4m | 9m |
| 2 PM | 9m | 5m | 15m | 9m | 7m | 5m | 6m |
| 3 PM | 7m | 4m | 15m | 15m | 7m | 10m | 6m |
| 4 PM | 11m | 5m | 16m | 9m | 7m | 9m | 5m |
| 5 PM | 5m | 7m | 5m | 8m | 5m | 7m | 6m |
| 6 PM | 4m | 3m | 4m | 4m | 3m | 3m | 5m |
| 7 PM | 4m | 2m | 2m | 8m | 6m | 2m | 2m |
| 8 PM | 4m | 2m | 5m | 10m | 7m | 1m | 3m |
| 9 PM | 2m | 1m | 2m | 3m | 3m | 1m | 2m |
| 10 PM | 2m | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m | - | 1m |
| 11 PM | 1m | - | - | - | - | - | 1m |
Wait Time Legend
Tips for RDU 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
RDU TSA Wait Times FAQ
How long are TSA wait times at Raleigh Durham International Airport?
TSA wait times at RDU vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 19 minutes on Saturdays around 5 AM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 70 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.
What is the best time to go through security at RDU?
The best times to go through TSA security at RDU are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 70 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Saturdays around 5 AM when waits are longest.
Should I get TSA PreCheck for RDU?
TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at Raleigh Durham 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 RDU airport?
For domestic flights at Raleigh Durham International Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. Check the wait time data above to plan around busy periods.