San Jose Mineta Airport Security Wait Times Guide
SJC Flight Delays
Before setting off from San Jose Airport, we highly advise you to check for any potential departure delays. Additionally, you can utilize our user-friendly flight tracker to monitor your flight status in real-time, ensuring you're always up-to-date with the latest information.
Security Checkpoints - Location & Hours
Only ticketed passengers are allowed past security checkpoints. Once through, you'll have access to all concessions and retail options in both Terminal A and Terminal B. Passengers with a boarding pass and only carry-on luggage may enter the terminals through either checkpoint.
TSA Terminal A Checkpoint
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
- Hours: Opens Daily, 4:00 AM
- TSA PreCheck Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- CLEAR Hours: Sunday through Friday, 4:30 AM to 8:00 PM; Saturday, 4:30 AM to 6:00 PM
TSA Terminal B Checkpoint
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
- Hours: Opens Daily, 4:15 AM
- TSA PreCheck Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- CLEAR Hours: Sunday through Friday, 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM; Saturday, 4:30 AM to 6:00 PM
See information below for CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck (via CLEAR) enrollment hours and locations.
All data is subject to change by the Airport, TSA, CLEAR, or other authorities.
TSA PreCheck at SJC
The TSA PreCheck is a program designed to expedite security screenings for travelers at participating airports, including San Jose Mineta Airport (SJC). Members of PreCheck can enjoy the luxury of leaving on their shoes, light outerwear, and belts, and keeping laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in their carry-on bags during security checks.
Where to Use TSA PreCheck at SJC:
- PreCheck is available at both Terminal A and Terminal B within SJC.
- The service is intended for select frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs.
Learn More About TSA PreCheck:
- For detailed information on how to enroll in TSA PreCheck, visit iFly TSA PreCheck Guide.
Participating Airlines at SJC:
- Alaska Airlines
- All Nippon Airways
- American Airlines
- British Airways
- Delta Air Lines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Lufthansa
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
- Volaris
- ZIPAIR
iFly Tip: Save time at the airport by understanding common security errors.
CLEAR Plus & TSA PreCheck Enrollment
CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck help speed up your security process at SJC Airport using biometric authentication and advanced technology. You can enroll in CLEAR Plus and/or TSA PreCheck at designated CLEAR enrollment locations. Start your enrollment online, then visit the enrollment location with your U.S. Passport or another acceptable ID to complete the final steps in person. Enroll in TSA PreCheck. You can choose TSA PreCheck alone or bundle it with CLEAR Plus at a discount.
CLEAR Lane Locations:- Terminal A
- Sun - Fri: 4:30am - 8:00pm
- Sat: 4:30am - 6:00pm
- Terminal B
- Sun - Fri: 4:30am - 9:00pm
- Sat: 4:30am - 6:00pm
- Terminal A
- CLEAR Plus Enrollment:
- Sunday through Friday: 4:30am - 8:00pm
- Saturday: 4:30am - 6:00pm
- CLEAR Plus Enrollment:
- Terminal B
- CLEAR Plus Enrollment:
- Sun - Fri: 4:30am - 9:00pm
- Sat: 4:30am - 6:00pm
- TSA PreCheck® Enrollment:
- Sunday - Friday: 6:00am - 8:00pm
- Saturday: 6:00am - 6:00pm
- Located on departures level to the left side of standard security
- CLEAR Plus Enrollment:
For more details about the CLEAR program, including locations and available airports, visit the CLEAR Airport Security Guide.
How to Check SJC Airport Security Wait Times
Follow these three simple steps to check security wait times on this page:
Step 1: Find the Checkpoint Times section. Scroll to the bottom of the page or click the “Check Wait Times” button in the SJC Average Checkpoint Times widget.
Step 2: Choose your arrival time. Use the dropdown menu to select when you plan to reach security.
Step 3: View estimated wait times. The site will display the average wait time for your selected period.
Tips for Using Wait Times
- Wait times are estimates: Actual conditions may vary due to crowd levels and security delays.
- Arrive early during peak hours: Security lines are often longer in the mornings and around holidays.
- Check the official airport site: Some airports provide real-time security wait times for each checkpoint. Visit SJC Airport’s official website and search for "security wait times" to see if this feature is available.
Lost Items at TSA Checkpoints
If you've lost an item at a TSA checkpoint or in checked baggage at San Jose Mineta Airport (SJC), you should promptly contact the airport's Lost and Found. For detailed information and to report your lost item, you can reach the TSA Lost Items Contact at +1-408-392-3559. Be prepared to provide a comprehensive description of your item, including color and any unique features, to aid in its identification and recovery.
About SJC Security Wait Times
The security wait times shown for San Jose Mineta Airport are computed using a comprehensive examination of historical flight records and TSA staffing timetables. Utilizing sophisticated data evaluation techniques, various 3rd party services, and publicly available data sets to offer fairly precise estimates of wait times at SJC. However, these estimates may vary due to unforeseen incidents. The TSA advises passengers to get to the airport well before their planned flight departure time.
We strive to assist you in your travel preparations by delivering reliable estimates of security checkpoint wait times. We also recommend contacting your airline for information on ticket counter wait times and any potential changes to your flight schedule. These factors should be taken into account when deciding when to arrive at SJC. Keep in mind, each airline has its own suggested and mandatory arrival times.
iFly Tip: Explore the major airline hubs that make global travel possible.
About this Page: Please note that while we strive to keep the content on this page current and accurate, we cannot guarantee it due to the ever-changing nature of airports and airlines; for more details about our data and practices, refer to our Trust & Transparency statement. To report any data issues, use our feedback form.
TSA Pre Check at SJC
Terminal A
Terminal A Checkpoint
Terminal B
Terminal B Checkpoint
Tips, Help & Resources
iFly.com can help you get to, through, and between airports around the world. Here are some things you may need to know that can assist you during your journey specific to SJC:
- Once you get through security, pull up the interactive San Jose Mineta airport terminals map to navigate to your gate, and see all the SJC restaurant and shopping options along the way.
- Remember that a great low-cost alternative to parking within the SJC airport facility is to use an off-airport parking lot. They offer lower costs, a bit further away from the terminals.
- If you have some time before your flight's departure, be sure to grab a bite, peruse the shops, or jump on the free wifi.
- The next time you need to fly from the San Jose area, don't forget to check nearby airports to compare with SJC airports' flight fares.
San Jose Mineta Airport wait times Q&A
Find more help here for your journey through the airport