TSA Wait Times at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
TYS airport does not have family-friendly "Families on the Fly" lanes yet.
TYS airport no longer requires taking shoes off at TSA.
Plan ahead and minimize your wait at McGhee Tyson 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
45 min
Mondays at 5 AM
Best Times to Go
Under 5 minutes
68 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 | 3m | 2m | 4m | 2m | 4m | 1m |
| 4 AM | 8m | 5m | 5m | 7m | 6m | 20m | 10m |
| 5 AM | 45m | 25m | 15m | 8m | 20m | 32m | 22m |
| 6 AM | 28m | 18m | 11m | 9m | 7m | 17m | 20m |
| 7 AM | 28m | 3m | 4m | 5m | 4m | 6m | 3m |
| 8 AM | 15m | 4m | 3m | 8m | 5m | 5m | 4m |
| 9 AM | 10m | 3m | 5m | 6m | 6m | 5m | 5m |
| 10 AM | 11m | 10m | 8m | 10m | 15m | 6m | 21m |
| 11 AM | 8m | 9m | 4m | 6m | 4m | 2m | 6m |
Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)
| Hour | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 PM | 5m | 4m | 3m | 4m | 7m | 7m | 7m |
| 1 PM | 19m | 3m | 3m | 7m | 5m | 5m | 8m |
| 2 PM | 27m | 8m | 3m | 9m | 5m | 6m | 8m |
| 3 PM | 17m | 12m | 5m | 4m | 7m | 5m | 8m |
| 4 PM | 21m | 14m | 6m | 3m | 10m | 8m | 18m |
| 5 PM | 7m | 7m | 4m | 2m | 5m | 6m | 4m |
| 6 PM | 5m | 4m | 3m | 1m | 2m | 5m | 2m |
| 7 PM | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m |
| 8 PM | 2m | - | 1m | - | 1m | 1m | 2m |
| 9 PM | 1m | - | 1m | - | 1m | 1m | 1m |
| 10 PM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 11 PM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Wait Time Legend
Tips for TYS 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
TYS TSA Wait Times FAQ
How long are TSA wait times at McGhee Tyson Airport?
TSA wait times at TYS vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 45 minutes on Mondays around 5 AM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 68 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.
What is the best time to go through security at TYS?
The best times to go through TSA security at TYS are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 68 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Mondays around 5 AM when waits are longest.
Should I get TSA PreCheck for TYS?
TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at McGhee Tyson 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 TYS airport?
For domestic flights at McGhee Tyson Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Mondays at 5 AM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 45 minutes.