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TSA Wait Times at San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Plan ahead and minimize your wait at San Francisco 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

22 min

Sundays at 8 AM

Best Times to Go

Under 5 minutes

17 time slots with minimal wait

Morning Wait Times (AM)

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

Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at San Francisco 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 9m 9m 9m 9m 12m 9m 9m
1 PM 9m 8m 8m 9m 9m 9m 9m
2 PM 9m 9m 9m 9m 9m 9m 9m
3 PM 9m 9m 9m 9m 12m 9m 9m
4 PM 7m 9m 9m 9m 9m 9m 9m
5 PM 9m 8m 9m 9m 11m 9m 10m
6 PM 8m 9m 9m 9m 9m 9m 9m
7 PM 9m 7m 8m 14m 9m 9m 9m
8 PM 8m 7m 8m 9m 9m 9m 9m
9 PM 9m 9m 8m 9m 12m 9m 9m
10 PM 9m 9m 9m 8m 9m 8m 9m
11 PM 9m 8m 8m 9m 7m 9m 9m

Wait Time Legend

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

Tips for SFO 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

SFO TSA Wait Times FAQ

How long are TSA wait times at San Francisco International Airport?

TSA wait times at SFO vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 22 minutes on Sundays around 8 AM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 17 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.

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

The best times to go through TSA security at SFO are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 17 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Sundays around 8 AM when waits are longest.

Should I get TSA PreCheck for SFO?

TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at San Francisco 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 SFO airport?

For domestic flights at San Francisco International Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Sundays at 8 AM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 22 minutes.