Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Security Wait Times, TSA, and Customs
With around 48 million passengers annually, the Newark airport security wait times can be exceedingly long. The typical wait times are between 15 and 30 minutes, which can change depending on the peak hours, day of the week, and the holiday season. EWR has availability of programs like CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Newark Reserve to help expedite through the security lines.
EWR Current Wait Times and Checkpoint Location
On average, the security wait times at Newark Airport are between 15 and 30 minutes. This time can even reach 45-50 minutes during peak hours and reduce to 1-5 minutes during low hours.
| Security Checkpoint | Current Wait Time | TSA PreCheck Line |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal A | 2 min | No wait |
| Terminal B Gates 40-49 | 20 min | 10 min |
| Terminal B Gates 51-57 | 1 min | – |
| Terminal B Gates 60-68 | 1 min | – |
| Terminal C | 8 min | 3 min |
General Overview of Newark Airport Security Wait Times
Being a major airport near New York, Newark Airport has at times a huge influx of passengers, hence, long waiting times. The EWR security wait times change throughout the day, being especially long during peak hours and holiday seasons. The shortest security queues are from 12 am to 3 am and 11 am to 2 pm.
| 12 am to 1 am | 5 min |
| 1 am to 2 am | 8 min |
| 2 am to 3 am | 13 min |
| 3 am to 4 am | 40 min |
| 4 am to 5 am | 35 min |
| 5 am to 6 am | 28 min |
| 6 am to 7 am | 29 min |
| 7 am to 8 am | 24 min |
| 8 am to 9 am | 22 min |
| 9 am to 10 am | 25 min |
| 10 am to 11 am | 20 min |
| 11 am to 12 pm | 11 min |
| 12 pm to 1 pm | 12 min |
| 1 pm to 2 pm | 15 min |
| 2 pm to 3 pm | 21 min |
| 3 pm to 4 pm | 20 min |
| 4 pm to 5 pm | 30 min |
| 5 pm to 6 pm | 27 min |
| 6 pm to 7 pm | 29 min |
| 7 pm to 8 pm | 39 min |
| 8 pm to 9 pm | 39 min |
| 9 pm to 10 pm | 18 min |
| 10 pm to 11 pm | 30 min |
| 11 pm to 12 am | 20 min |
Note: These waiting times are variable and are subject to change.
EWR TSA Wait Times
The Newark TSA wait times are generally between 10 and 25 minutes. It depends on factors like the number of passengers, staff availability, and peak or off-peak hours.
Screening Programs to Expedite through EWR Security
To skip the security queue times, programs like CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, and Newark Reserve are offered at the airport.
- CLEAR- With CLEAR+ membership, travelers can verify their identity with biometrics and go straight to the TSA screening area.
| Location | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Terminal A | Sunday to Friday- 4:30 am to 8:00 pm Saturday- 4:30 am to 7:00 pm |
| Terminal B | Sunday to Friday- 4:30 am to 7:30 pm Saturday- 4:30 am to 6:00 pm |
| Terminal C | 4:00 am to 10:00 pm |
- TSA PreCheck- This program allows members to keep specific items like 3-1-1 liquids, their electronics in the bags, and wear light outerwear, shoes, and their belt during the screening procedure. Dedicated PreCheck lanes are available at all terminals of EWR between 4:30 am and 8:00 pm.
| TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Terminal A, Departures level (near the security checkpoint) | 6:00 am to 8:00 pm |
| Terminal C, Level 3 Door 2 | 6:00 am to 8:00 pm |
- Newark Reserve- To reduce the Newark Terminal B security wait times, the Newark Reserve can be utilised. This reserve is free and allows making a reservation 72 hours before the flight to go through TSA screening.
| Newark Reserve Lane | Reservation Slots Timing |
|---|---|
| Terminal B Gates 40-47 | 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm |
EWR Customs and Immigration Wait Times
The average EWR customs wait time is between 13 and 30 minutes. The checkpoints for Customs and Immigration are in Terminal B and C. Global Entry and Mobile Passport Control can be used to expedite through customs at the airport.
- Global Entry- Global Entry membership allows eligible fliers to skip the immigration line and go through the automated kiosk for customs for expedited clearance.
- Mobile Passport Control- U.S. citizens and other eligible arrivals can utilise the MPC program to submit the customs declaration in advance on the app, and use the designated MPC line on reaching the airport.
Hence, the Newark airport security wait times can be reduced by utilising the expediting programs and checking the real-time updates before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The security lines at Newark airport have an average wait time between 10 and 30 minutes.
Yes, TSA PreCheck is available at all terminals of EWR.
The security lines at EWR airport are the busiest during early mornings(3 am to 8 am) and evenings(4 pm to 9 pm).
It is recommended to arrive at least 3 hours prior to the flight for timely security screening.
The Newark airport website has dynamic signage for wait times, updated in real time.
Terminal A of EWR has the shortest security wait time. Only domestic flights operate through this terminal.