Phoenix · PHX
PHX TSA Security Wait Times 2026 — By Day & Hour
Typical security wait times at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport with checkpoint locations, heatmap, interactive lookup, and tips for getting through faster.
Estimated wait right now
~2 min
- Average~12 min
- QuietestThursday around 11 PM
- BusiestFriday around 6 AM
PHX TSA Checkpoint Locations
- Terminal 3: Terminal 3 Checkpoint — TSA PreCheck
- Terminal 4 — North: Terminal 4 North Checkpoint — TSA PreCheck and CLEAR
- Terminal 4 — South: Terminal 4 South Checkpoint
Look Up PHX Wait Times for Any Day & Time
PHX 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 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 11 | 10 |
| 5 AM | 17 | 21 | 18 | 14 | 15 | 22 | 14 |
| 6 AM | 20 | 24 | 18 | 18 | 24 | 29 | 24 |
| 7 AM | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 18 | 19 | 14 |
| 8 AM | 15 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 12 |
| 9 AM | 13 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 9 |
| 10 AM | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 |
| 11 AM | 14 | 12 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 9 |
| 12 PM | 11 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 12 |
| 1 PM | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 17 | 12 |
| 2 PM | 12 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 11 |
| 3 PM | 14 | 16 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 12 |
| 4 PM | 16 | 16 | 13 | 15 | 12 | 20 | 16 |
| 5 PM | 20 | 16 | 12 | 15 | 14 | 21 | 14 |
| 6 PM | 14 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 19 | 12 |
| 7 PM | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 13 | 11 | 12 |
| 8 PM | 7 | 10 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| 9 PM | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 7 |
| 10 PM | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4 |
| 11 PM | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
How to Get Through PHX Security Faster
- Travel at off-peak hours. The quietest window at PHX is thursday around 11 pm. Avoid friday around 6 am if possible.
- Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR. PreCheck waits at PHX 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 PHX?
Standard screening at Phoenix Sky Harbor 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 PHX?
The shortest lines are thursday around 11 pm. Early mornings before the first departures and late evenings are generally calmest.
When is PHX security busiest?
The busiest window is friday around 6 am, with waits around 29 minutes. Friday afternoons and Sunday mornings are heavy across most hubs.
Does PHX have TSA PreCheck?
Yes. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has PreCheck lanes. Enrolled travelers keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on and leave laptops and liquids in bags.
Does PHX have CLEAR?
Most major U.S. airports including PHX 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 PHX wait times?
These are modeled estimates based on historical patterns — a planning guide, not live data. Check the MyTSA app for day-of conditions.