Live TSA & Security Wait Times at Houston IAH Airport – Terminals A & C
On average, the security wait times at George Bush Intercontinental Airport range from 20 to 28 minutes. However, IAH security wait times fluctuate throughout the day, depending on the time of day, flight schedule, passenger traffic, and staff availability. For example, during early morning or evening, and the holiday season, the passenger volume is high, therefore it can take more than 35 minutes to clear the security lines. But to speed up this procedure, flyers can enroll in expedited security screening programs like TSA Pre-Check and CLEAR.
Current Average IAH Airport Security Wait Times
The typical standard security wait time at the IAH airport is around 28 minutes. However, during the peak hours, especially in the mornings, evenings, or holiday seasons, the wait times may extend up to 90 minutes.
What are the General Security Wait Times at IAH Airport?
Travellers can expect general wait times ranging from 15 to 30 minutes during slower periods, such as midday and late night, but extends from typically 6 am to 9 am and 3 pm to 5 pm.
| 12 am to 1 am | 0 min |
| 1 am to 2 am | 1 min |
| 2 am to 3 am | 2 mins |
| 3 am to 4 am | 2 mins |
| 4 am to 5 am | 3 mins |
| 5 am to 6 am | 25 mins |
| 6 am to 7 am | 26 mins |
| 7 am to 8 am | 26 mins |
| 8 am to 9 am | 20 mins |
| 9 am to 10 am | 17 mins |
| 10 am to 11 am | 22 mins |
| 11 am to 12 pm | 7 mins |
| 12 pm to 1 pm | 19 mins |
| 1 pm to 2 pm | 3 mins |
| 2 pm to 3 pm | 14 mins |
| 3 pm to 4 pm | 25 mins |
| 4 pm to 5 pm | 5 mins |
| 5 pm to 6 pm | 9 mins |
| 6 pm to 7 pm | 0 min |
| 7 pm to 8 pm | 19 mins |
| 8 pm to 9 pm | 12 mins |
| 9 pm to 10 pm | 10 mins |
| 10 pm to 11 pm | 7 mins |
Current TSA Wait Times at IAH Airport
Currently, passengers can expect IAH TSA wait times of less than one minute. However, during the peak hours, the TSA security screening process may take longer.
Faster Security Screening Programs at IAH Airport
To reduce Houston airport security wait times, the airport offers several programs, such as TSA PreCheck and CLEAR.
TSA PreCheck: This program allows enrolled passengers a faster screening experience, without removing shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops from bags, or 3-1-1 compliant liquids. For more information, flyers can:
Call at: +1-866-289-9673
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm, Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.
The TSA PreCheck enrollment centers are located at various security checkpoints.
| Enrollment Center Location | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Terminal A (North Checkpoints) | 3:30 am to 6:00 pm |
| Terminal B | Closed |
| Terminal C (North Checkpoints) | 4:00 am to 10:00 pm |
| Terminal D | 5:00 am to 7:00 pm |
| Terminal E | 4:00 am to 8:00 pm |
CLEAR: It is a biometric identity verification service that lets members skip the standard ID check line and go directly to screening, reducing security wait times at IAH and other participant airports. CLEAR lanes are available at various terminals and are often combined with the TSA PreCheck process for the fastest experience.
| CLEAR Location | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Terminal A (North Checkpoint) | 4:00 am to 6:00 pm, daily |
| Terminal C | 4:00 am to 7:00 pm, daily |
| Terminal E | 4:00 am to 6:00 pm, daily |
Customs Wait Time at Houston Airport
Generally, for international passengers, it takes from 30 minutes to 2 hours to go through customs and immigration. However, during the peak travel times, such as early mornings and late afternoons, Houston Airport customs wait time may extend more than 90 minutes. Enrolling in the expedited security screening programs, such as Global Entry and Mobile Passport Control, can help international travellers complete the immigration procedure faster.
Global Entry: This program allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers to expedite their entry into the United States. Members can use automated kiosks to complete their customs declaration and biometric verification, often reducing wait times to under 5 minutes. The enrollment centers at IAH are located at:
- Terminal E- Arrival level
- Terminal E- Near Ruby’s Dinner
- Houston Public Area
Mobile Passport Control (MCP): It enables US citizens to submit their passport information and customs declaration form via smartphone or tablet, allowing them to reduce their IAH waiting times.
The IAH airport security wait times range between 20 and 90 minutes, depending on several factors, including flight volume, terminal traffic, and holiday seasons. But arriving early or enrolling in expedited programs helps travellers to clear the security lanes faster.
Houston Airport Security Wait Times FAQs
The average IAH security wait time is 28 minutes, but it can be shorter or much longer depending on the time of day and how busy the airport is.
Yes, it provides an expedited lane where eligible passengers usually move through screening faster.
The TSA PreCheck lanes are available in most terminals, including Terminals A, C, D, and E.
Yes. Programs like CLEAR services help eligible passengers move through security more quickly.
CLEAR lanes and enrollment are typically available at specific checkpoints in Terminals A, C, and E.
Yes. Each terminal has different passenger volumes and staffing, which can affect wait times.
Yes, Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is an option at IAH for eligible international arrivals, which helps expedite the Customs and Border Protection process.