TSA Wait Times at John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport (SNA)
SNA airport has dedicated family-friendly "Families on the Fly" lanes for travelers with young children.
SNA airport no longer requires taking shoes off at TSA.
Plan ahead and minimize your wait at John Wayne Airport-Orange County 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
15 min
Sundays at 6 AM
Best Times to Go
Under 5 minutes
33 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 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 4 AM | 1m | 1m | 5m | 1m | 1m | 1m | - |
| 5 AM | 12m | 7m | 10m | 12m | 10m | 12m | 1m |
| 6 AM | 12m | 8m | 12m | 10m | 13m | 14m | 15m |
| 7 AM | 8m | 7m | 9m | 10m | 7m | 7m | 10m |
| 8 AM | 10m | 7m | 7m | 10m | 7m | 15m | 15m |
| 9 AM | 13m | 9m | 7m | 15m | 12m | 11m | 10m |
| 10 AM | 8m | 10m | 10m | 15m | 14m | 10m | 15m |
| 11 AM | 12m | 10m | 6m | 10m | 14m | 8m | 14m |
Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)
| Hour | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 PM | 12m | 7m | 10m | 10m | 15m | 10m | 12m |
| 1 PM | 7m | 10m | 10m | 14m | 15m | 15m | 15m |
| 2 PM | 10m | 5m | 10m | 13m | 14m | 10m | 15m |
| 3 PM | 7m | 5m | 5m | 10m | 14m | 10m | 15m |
| 4 PM | 14m | 5m | 5m | 10m | 14m | 5m | 10m |
| 5 PM | 9m | 5m | 15m | 12m | 14m | 5m | 13m |
| 6 PM | 5m | 5m | 5m | 5m | 10m | 5m | 10m |
| 7 PM | 9m | 5m | 5m | 5m | 5m | 5m | 13m |
| 8 PM | 5m | 3m | 4m | 5m | 5m | 4m | 4m |
| 9 PM | - | - | - | 1m | - | - | - |
| 10 PM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 11 PM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Wait Time Legend
Tips for SNA 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
SNA TSA Wait Times FAQ
How long are TSA wait times at John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport?
TSA wait times at SNA vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 15 minutes on Sundays around 6 AM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 33 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.
What is the best time to go through security at SNA?
The best times to go through TSA security at SNA are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 33 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Sundays around 6 AM when waits are longest.
Should I get TSA PreCheck for SNA?
TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at John Wayne Airport-Orange County 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 SNA airport?
For domestic flights at John Wayne Airport-Orange County 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.