TSA Wait Times at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
SJC airport does not have family-friendly "Families on the Fly" lanes yet.
SJC airport no longer requires taking shoes off at TSA.
Plan ahead and minimize your wait at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose 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
38 min
Saturdays at 4 PM
Best Times to Go
Under 5 minutes
25 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 | - | - | 1m | - | - | - | - |
| 4 AM | 5m | 5m | 8m | 3m | 4m | 3m | 4m |
| 5 AM | 10m | 11m | 13m | 18m | 9m | 7m | 14m |
| 6 AM | 25m | 7m | 10m | 15m | 7m | 11m | 25m |
| 7 AM | 8m | 8m | 5m | 12m | 9m | 7m | 9m |
| 8 AM | 11m | 5m | 8m | 7m | 8m | 5m | 6m |
| 9 AM | 13m | 9m | 9m | 8m | 9m | 7m | 14m |
| 10 AM | 12m | 14m | 18m | 6m | 6m | 5m | 13m |
| 11 AM | 12m | 24m | 11m | 17m | 13m | 12m | 14m |
Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)
| Hour | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 PM | 13m | 13m | 9m | 16m | 11m | 6m | 23m |
| 1 PM | 11m | 15m | 15m | 17m | 13m | 14m | 13m |
| 2 PM | 10m | 25m | 16m | 19m | 18m | 29m | 9m |
| 3 PM | 21m | 15m | 19m | 18m | 19m | 26m | 27m |
| 4 PM | 26m | 10m | 10m | 19m | 24m | 38m | 36m |
| 5 PM | 23m | 12m | 9m | 12m | 9m | 21m | 23m |
| 6 PM | 20m | 8m | 13m | 15m | 29m | 14m | 30m |
| 7 PM | 12m | 5m | 8m | 7m | 19m | 11m | 25m |
| 8 PM | 5m | 4m | 6m | 13m | 7m | 28m | 10m |
| 9 PM | 9m | 2m | 3m | 13m | 6m | 14m | 21m |
| 10 PM | 2m | 2m | 2m | 2m | 3m | 2m | 10m |
| 11 PM | - | 1m | - | - | - | 1m | 1m |
Wait Time Legend
Tips for SJC 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
SJC TSA Wait Times FAQ
How long are TSA wait times at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport?
TSA wait times at SJC vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 38 minutes on Saturdays around 4 PM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 25 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.
What is the best time to go through security at SJC?
The best times to go through TSA security at SJC are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 25 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Saturdays around 4 PM when waits are longest.
Should I get TSA PreCheck for SJC?
TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose 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 SJC airport?
For domestic flights at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Saturdays at 4 PM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 38 minutes.