Los Angeles · LAX
LAX TSA Security Wait Times 2026 — By Day & Hour
Typical security wait times at Los Angeles International Airport with checkpoint locations, heatmap, interactive lookup, and tips for getting through faster.
Estimated wait right now
~2 min
- Average~12 min
- QuietestWednesday around 11 PM
- BusiestSunday around 6 AM
LAX TSA Checkpoint Locations
- Terminal 1: Terminal 1 Security Checkpoint — TSA PreCheck available
- Terminal 2: Terminal 2 Security Checkpoint
- Terminal 3: Terminal 3 Security Checkpoint
- Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT): TBIT Security Checkpoint — enhanced international screening
- Terminal 4: Terminal 4 Security Checkpoint — connected to TBIT airside
- Terminal 5: Terminal 5 Security Checkpoint
- Terminal 6: Terminal 6 Security Checkpoint — TSA PreCheck available
- Terminal 7: Terminal 7/8 shared Security Checkpoint
- Terminal 8: Terminal 7/8 shared Security Checkpoint
Look Up LAX Wait Times for Any Day & Time
LAX 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 | 12 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 12 | 10 |
| 5 AM | 21 | 18 | 16 | 13 | 19 | 23 | 19 |
| 6 AM | 29 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 25 | 21 | 19 |
| 7 AM | 22 | 18 | 14 | 17 | 15 | 17 | 18 |
| 8 AM | 16 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 16 | 10 |
| 9 AM | 11 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 9 |
| 10 AM | 10 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
| 11 AM | 12 | 11 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 10 |
| 12 PM | 12 | 13 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 10 |
| 1 PM | 16 | 13 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 17 | 12 |
| 2 PM | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 14 | 13 | 13 |
| 3 PM | 16 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 17 | 15 |
| 4 PM | 20 | 19 | 16 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 17 |
| 5 PM | 19 | 14 | 16 | 13 | 19 | 21 | 16 |
| 6 PM | 14 | 16 | 11 | 11 | 16 | 20 | 13 |
| 7 PM | 15 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| 8 PM | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 7 |
| 9 PM | 8 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| 10 PM | 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 4 |
| 11 PM | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
How to Get Through LAX Security Faster
- Travel at off-peak hours. The quietest window at LAX is wednesday around 11 pm. Avoid sunday around 6 am if possible.
- Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR. PreCheck waits at LAX 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 LAX?
Standard screening at Los Angeles International Airport averages ~12 minutes, ranging from a few minutes to 29+ at peak. PreCheck is usually much faster.
Best time to go through security at LAX?
The shortest lines are wednesday around 11 pm. Early mornings before the first departures and late evenings are generally calmest.
When is LAX security busiest?
The busiest window is sunday around 6 am, with waits around 29 minutes. Friday afternoons and Sunday mornings are heavy across most hubs.
Does LAX have TSA PreCheck?
Yes. Los Angeles International Airport has PreCheck lanes. Enrolled travelers keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on and leave laptops and liquids in bags.
Does LAX have CLEAR?
Most major U.S. airports including LAX 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 LAX wait times?
These are modeled estimates based on historical patterns — a planning guide, not live data. Check the MyTSA app for day-of conditions.