Dallas/Fort Worth · DFW
DFW TSA Security Wait Times 2026 — By Day & Hour
Typical security wait times at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport with checkpoint locations, heatmap, interactive lookup, and tips for getting through faster.
Estimated wait right now
~3 min
- Average~13 min
- QuietestSunday around 11 PM
- BusiestFriday around 6 AM
DFW TSA Checkpoint Locations
- Terminal A: Terminal A Checkpoints at A10 and A28 entries — TSA PreCheck at both
- Terminal B: Terminal B Checkpoint at B30 entry
- Terminal C: Terminal C Checkpoints at C2 and C30 entries
- Terminal D (International): Terminal D Security Checkpoint — international arrivals processed through Federal Inspection
- Terminal E: Terminal E Checkpoint at E16 entry — TSA PreCheck available
Look Up DFW Wait Times for Any Day & Time
DFW TSA Wait Time Heatmap — Minutes by Day & Hour
Standard-lane estimates in minutes. <5 5–11 12–21 22+
| Hour | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 AM | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 10 |
| 5 AM | 21 | 21 | 14 | 14 | 23 | 22 | 20 |
| 6 AM | 23 | 29 | 23 | 21 | 27 | 31 | 23 |
| 7 AM | 16 | 16 | 14 | 16 | 21 | 17 | 20 |
| 8 AM | 16 | 15 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 18 | 13 |
| 9 AM | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 13 | 15 | 12 |
| 10 AM | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 9 |
| 11 AM | 10 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 13 | 9 |
| 12 PM | 12 | 14 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 15 | 12 |
| 1 PM | 16 | 15 | 11 | 10 | 15 | 17 | 16 |
| 2 PM | 16 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 13 | 13 |
| 3 PM | 18 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 17 |
| 4 PM | 21 | 20 | 17 | 13 | 19 | 20 | 15 |
| 5 PM | 18 | 20 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 23 | 19 |
| 6 PM | 16 | 14 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 15 | 17 |
| 7 PM | 17 | 14 | 9 | 9 | 14 | 14 | 10 |
| 8 PM | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 |
| 9 PM | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
| 10 PM | 7 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 5 |
| 11 PM | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
How to Get Through DFW Security Faster
- Travel at off-peak hours. The quietest window at DFW is sunday around 11 pm. Avoid friday around 6 am if possible.
- Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR. PreCheck waits at DFW are typically a fraction of standard. CLEAR skips the ID-check line entirely.
- Pack smart. Check our TSA Packing Guide to avoid delays from prohibited items. Have laptops and liquids easily accessible.
- Use mobile boarding passes and have your ID ready before reaching the checkpoint. This alone can save 2–5 minutes.
- Check live conditions on the MyTSA app ↗ and FAA delay map ↗.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical TSA wait times at DFW?
Standard screening at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport averages ~13 minutes, ranging from a few minutes to 31+ at peak. PreCheck is usually much faster.
Best time to go through security at DFW?
The shortest lines are sunday around 11 pm. Early mornings before the first departures and late evenings are generally calmest.
When is DFW security busiest?
The busiest window is friday around 6 am, with waits around 31 minutes. Friday afternoons and Sunday mornings are heavy across most hubs.
Does DFW have TSA PreCheck?
Yes. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport has PreCheck lanes. Enrolled travelers keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on and leave laptops and liquids in bags.
Does DFW have CLEAR?
Most major U.S. airports including DFW offer CLEAR expedited identity verification. CLEAR members skip to the front of the document-check line, then proceed through standard or PreCheck physical screening.
How accurate are these DFW wait times?
These are modeled estimates based on historical patterns — a planning guide, not live data. Check the MyTSA app for day-of conditions.