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TSA Wait Times at Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Plan ahead and minimize your wait at Sacramento 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

36 min

Saturdays at 7 AM

Best Times to Go

Under 5 minutes

24 time slots with minimal wait

Morning Wait Times (AM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at Sacramento International Airport for morning hours (12 AM - 11 AM), organized by day of week
Hour Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
12 AM 3m 3m 3m 4m 2m 3m 2m
1 AM - - - - 1m - -
2 AM - - - - - - -
3 AM 12m 10m 12m 9m 17m 8m 10m
4 AM 9m 10m 10m 16m 16m 22m 12m
5 AM 15m 9m 8m 10m 12m 29m 15m
6 AM 16m 10m 6m 10m 9m 30m 17m
7 AM 14m 10m 6m 10m 7m 36m 14m
8 AM 12m 9m 7m 8m 9m 16m 14m
9 AM 11m 9m 9m 8m 10m 8m 9m
10 AM 12m 14m 9m 10m 10m 9m 10m
11 AM 11m 12m 9m 12m 15m 9m 9m

Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at Sacramento 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 12m 9m 9m 12m 15m 7m 10m
1 PM 8m 9m 7m 12m 10m 7m 9m
2 PM 6m 7m 8m 9m 9m 6m 10m
3 PM 7m 6m 8m 8m 10m 5m 8m
4 PM 12m 7m 7m 8m 8m 6m 6m
5 PM 4m 9m 8m 8m 9m 6m 7m
6 PM 4m 11m 8m 12m 8m 6m 8m
7 PM 6m 9m 6m 10m 8m 7m 15m
8 PM 6m 12m 6m 8m 9m 9m 12m
9 PM 5m 5m 8m 7m 8m 7m 10m
10 PM 3m 5m 6m 8m 5m 6m 5m
11 PM 3m 5m 4m 5m 5m 5m 5m

Wait Time Legend

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

Tips for SMF 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

SMF TSA Wait Times FAQ

How long are TSA wait times at Sacramento International Airport?

TSA wait times at SMF vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 36 minutes on Saturdays around 7 AM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 24 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.

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

The best times to go through TSA security at SMF are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 24 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Saturdays around 7 AM when waits are longest.

Should I get TSA PreCheck for SMF?

TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at Sacramento 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 SMF airport?

For domestic flights at Sacramento International Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Saturdays at 7 AM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 36 minutes.