Dulles International Airport (IAD) Security Wait Times & TSA Details
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) operates multiple TSA security checkpoints located in the Main Terminal. The airport features East and West Security Checkpoints, along with a dedicated TSA PreCheck screening area. The average security wait time at Dulles Airport typically ranges between 10 and 20 minutes. The busiest hours generally occur between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., as well as late afternoon and early evening, when both domestic and international departures increase.
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Average Dulles Airport Security Wait Times
Generally, it takes around 10-20 minutes to clear security at IAD under normal conditions. During peak morning hours, wait times may exceed 30 minutes, especially at the East Security Checkpoint.
| AM Timings | Average Wait Time | PM Timings | Average Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 to 1 | 15 minutes | 12 to 1 | 18 to 20 minutes |
| 1 to 2 | 0 minutes | 1 to 2 | 14 minutes |
| 2 to 3 | 2 to 3 minutes | 2 to 3 | 7 to 10 minutes |
| 3 to 4 | 4 minutes | 3 to 4 | 9 minutes |
| 4 to 5 | 10 to 20 minutes | 4 to 5 | 20 to 23 minutes |
| 5 to 6 | 20 to 25 minutes | 5 to 6 | 9 minutes |
| 6 to 7 | 22 minutes | 6 to 7 | 10 minutes |
| 7 to 8 | 10 to 15 minutes | 7 to 8 | 2 to 5 minutes |
| 8 to 9 | 12 minutes | 8 to 9 | 6 minutes |
| 9 to 10 | 15 minutes | 9 to 10 | 5 to 7 minutes |
| 10 to 11 | 17 minutes | 10 to 11 | 15 minutes |
| 11 to 12 | 14 minutes | 11 to 12 | 0 minutes |
TSA Working Hours at IAD Airport
The TSA security checkpoints are located in the Main Terminal and operate daily, with different timings based on checkpoint location and flight schedules.
| Checkpoint | Facility | Operational Timings |
|---|---|---|
| East Security Checkpoint | TSA Screening | 3.45 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. |
| West Security Checkpoint | TSA Screening | 4.45 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| TSA PreCheck Checkpoint | Only TSA PreCheck | 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
NOTE: Flyers proceed to these checkpoints after completing their check-in and dropping bags in the IAD Main terminal.
TSA Wait Times at Dulles International Airport
The current TSA security wait time at IAD usually ranges between 5 and 20 minutes, though it may increase during high-traffic hours. This airport does not offer general walk-in TSA PreCheck enrollment, and it must be done online.
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Expedited Customs and Immigration
Internationally arriving passengers can use Global Entry kiosks for faster customs clearance. The Global Entry Enrollment Center at Dulles Airport is present in the Main Terminal Arrivals area. The application fee for Global Entry is $100, and pre-approval is required before completing the in-person interview.
The office is open from Monday to Friday and doesn’t have any specific working hours, but operates during international arrivals.
Washington Dulles International Airport features centralized security checkpoints within its Main Terminal. While most people clear security within 20 minutes, wait times can extend up to 40 minutes during peak morning and evening periods. All major checkpoints offer TSA PreCheck access during operating hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The average security wait time at Dulles Airport is around 10 to 20 minutes and can increase to 30-45 minutes during peak hours.
Yes, TSA PreCheck is available at designated security checkpoints in the Main Terminal.
TSA checkpoints generally open between 3:45 a.m. and 4:45 a.m., with closing times ranging from 9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., depending on the checkpoint.
Yes, Dulles Airport has a Global Entry Enrollment Center located in the Main Terminal Arrivals area.
The peak security wait time hours at IAD Airport are between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m.