Standing in long security lines at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) can be a real struggle and a major source of stress when traveling. This guide provides accurate information on estimated SFO security wait times, helping you decide whether to proceed despite long queues.
Wait times on weekends and holidays may be longer than on weekdays. Effective security wait-time management helps ensure a smooth start to the trip.
In this guide, travelers will find complete information on security screening stations, including their locations and hours of operation. Also, read about the advantages of programs like CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck that will cut down on your security wait time.
Average San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Security Wait Times
The following table reveals the precise security wait time derived from the analysis at SFO Airport.
| Passengers can expect an average SFO security wait time of | 15-30 minutes |
Approximate Security Wait Times at SFO
The following is a thorough analysis of the SFO security wait times. It also splits the times into AM and PM:
| AM Times | Approximate wait times (in minutes) | PM Times | Approximate wait times (in minutes) |
| 4:00-5:00 | 15-20 | 12:00-1:00 | 15-20 |
| 5:00-6:00 | 20-30 | 1:00-2:00 | 15-20 |
| 6:00-7:00 | 25-35 | 2:00-3:00 | 15-25 |
| 7:00-8:00 | 30-40 | 3:00-4:00 | 20-30 |
| 8:00-9:00 | 25-35 | 4:00-5:00 | 25-35 |
| 9:00-10:00 | 20-30 | 5:00-6:00 | 30-40 |
| 10:00-11:00 | 15-25 | 6:00-7:00 | 30-40 |
| 11:00-12:00 | 15-20 | 7:00-8:00 | 25-35 |
| 8:00-9:00 | 20-30 | ||
| 9:00-10:00 | 15-25 | ||
| 10:00-11:00 | 15-20 | ||
| 11:00-12:00 | 15-20 |
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Checkpoint Schedule & Wait Times at San Francisco Airport
Both PreCheck and CLEAR are security screening programs that help expedite travel through SFO. Primarily, PreCheck and CLEAR are programs that provide expedited screening for travelers who are pre-approved and enrolled. The table below includes PreCheck and CLEAR availability at every SFO terminal, along with the average wait time for TSA screening.
| Terminal | Checkpoints | Open/Close | Average Wait Times |
| T 1 (Harvey Milk T 1) | B (PreCheck available)Checkpoint C (CLEAR available) | Open 24/7Open: 4:00 am-12:00 am | 10-15 mins5-10 mins |
| T 2 | D (PreCheck available)Checkpoint D (CLEAR available) | Open: 4:30 am-12:30 amOpen: 4:30 am-12:30 am | 5-10 mins5-10 mins |
| T 3 | F (PreCheck available)Checkpoint F (CLEAR available) | Open 24/7Open 4:00 am-1:00 am | 10-15 mins5-10 mins |
| International Terminal | A (PreCheck available)Checkpoint G (CLEAR available) | Open 24/7Open: 5:00 am-1:00 am | 10-20 mins10-15 mins |
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Privileges:
- Rapid Screening of the pre-enrolled travelers
- Enrolled passengers are allowed to skip the regular lines
- Such passengers are permitted to undergo security checks while wearing the jackets on
- Significantly reduced security wait times
Reach out to SFO Airport for a Hassle-free Security Process
To stay constantly updated on your flight status, use San Airport’s contact information. Here are the Contact details:
| SFO Website | flysfo.com |
| TSA Helpline | 866-289-9673 |
| Social Media | Instagram: @flysfo X: @flysfo Facebook: San Francisco International Airport |
Knowing the timing will keep you prepared and help you navigate San Francisco Airport security and TSA wait times, making your experience more enjoyable and less stressful. In addition, services such as PreCheck and CLEAR allow passengers to bypass long queues. However, it is always advisable to register beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Immigration wait times at SFO depend on factors such as flight volume and citizenship. The time can range from 30 minutes to one hour.
Security checkpoints at SFO are usually open 24 hours a day, but hours may vary by terminal.
You need to pre-enroll online, book an appointment, visit an enrollment center, undergo background verification, and finally be approved and activated.
There is no set closing time for TSA checkpoints at San Francisco International Airport.
At present, the average wait time ranges from 15 to 45 minutes. However, factors such as day of the week, peak hours, and other variables affect it.
San Francisco International Airport offers TSA PreCheck at multiple terminals for pre-registered passengers.
You need to pre-enroll online, book an appointment, visit an enrollment center, undergo background verification, and finally be approved and activated.
15-45 mins during peak hours and 30 mins during non-peak hours.
TSA checkpoints at San Francisco International Airport are often open all day.
For general questions, call the TSA contact line at 866-289-9673.
