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SAN Security Wait Times San Diego Airport

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San Diego Airport Security Wait Times Guide

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SAN Security Wait Times Topics:

When flying through SAN Airport, knowing how to handle TSA security wait times can make your travel experience smoother. This guide covers everything you need about security checkpoints, TSA PreCheck, and how to check estimated wait times. Whether you're a frequent flyer or a first-time traveler, being prepared helps minimize stress and delays.

For more detailed information about SAN Airport, including maps, arrivals, departures, and amenities, visit iFly's comprehensive guide.

Travel Easy through San Diego Airport with 2 Months Free CLEAR Plus

Traveling through San Diego Airport (SAN) is smoother with CLEAR Plus. Enjoy faster security clearance and shorter lines, making your journey quicker and less stressful. CLEAR Plus lanes are available at Terminal 2 East Security Checkpoint.

Sign up for your 2 Months Free trial of CLEAR Plus today here.

iFly Tip: Choose the best check-in option for your needs with help from our guide.

SAN Flight Delays

Prior to your trip to San Diego Airport, we advise you to check for any potential departure delays. Alternatively, you can use our convenient flight tracker to monitor the status of a specific flight.

Security Checkpoints - Location & Hours

Security checkpoints are open from 3:30 AM to 9:20 PM. Please check specific checkpoint hours below.

CLEAR Plus Expedited Security Checkpoint

  • Type: CLEAR Plus Expedited Screening
  • Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM to 7:30 PM

General Security Checkpoints

  • Type: General Screening
  • Hours: 3:30 AM - 9:20 PM

Airline Specific Checkpoints

  • Type: Airline Specific Screening
  • Hours: Vary depending on the airline you are using

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 SAN

TSA PreCheck is a program that permits travelers to enjoy expedited security screening at participating airports, including San Diego Airport (SAN). PreCheck members can benefit from leaving their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and keeping laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in their carry-on bags during security checks.

Where to Use TSA PreCheck at SAN:

  • TSA PreCheck is available at the following checkpoints within SAN: Terminal 1 - Gates 3-10, Terminal 1 - Gates 11-18, Terminal 2 - Terminal 2 East, and Terminal 2 - Terminal 2 West (International).
  • The service is designed 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:

Participating Airlines at SAN:

  • Air Canada
  • Alaska Airlines
  • Allegiant Air
  • American Airlines
  • British Airways
  • Condor Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Edelweiss Air
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • Japan Airlines
  • JetBlue Airways
  • Southwest Airlines
  • Spirit Airlines
  • Sun Country Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Volaris
  • WestJet

iFly Tip: Be prepared by understanding the baggage check-in deadlines for your flight.

CLEAR Plus & TSA PreCheck Enrollment

Using CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck at SAN Airport speeds up your security process with biometric authentication and advanced technology. You can enroll in either program or bundle them for a discount at designated CLEAR enrollment locations. Start your enrollment online and bring your U.S. Passport or another accepted ID to complete it in person. Enroll in TSA PreCheck.

CLEAR Lane Locations:
  • Terminal 2: 4:30am - 7:00pm
Enrollment Locations:
  • CLEAR Plus Enrollment: 4:30am - 7:00pm
  • TSA PreCheck® Enrollment: 6:00am - 5:00pm
  • Located on second floor of Terminal 2 to the left of the entrance

For more details about the CLEAR program, including locations and available airports, visit our CLEAR Airport Security Guide.

How to Check SAN 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 SAN 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 SAN 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 Diego Airport (SAN), 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 +1-619-400-2140. Be prepared to provide a comprehensive description of your item, including color and any unique features, to aid in its identification and recovery.

About SAN Security Wait Times

The security wait times shown for San Diego 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 SAN. However, it's important to realize that 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 SAN. Keep in mind, each airline has its own suggested and mandatory arrival times.

iFly Tip: Learn the best strategies for handling in-flight restlessness in toddlers by visiting our toddler flying tips.

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 SAN

AVAILABLE

Terminal 1

Gates 11-18 Checkpoint
CLOSED
Gates 3-10 Checkpoint
OPEN

Terminal 2

Gates 20-32 Checkpoint
OPEN
Gates 33-51 Checkpoint
OPEN

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 SAN:

San Diego Airport wait times Q&A

General screening runs from 3:30 AM to 9:20 PM. The CLEAR Plus lane operates from 4:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Airline-specific checkpoints have varying hours.
Use the wait times widget on the page. Select your expected arrival time to see an estimated wait based on historical data.
Frequent flyers and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler programs qualify. You save time by keeping shoes and belts on.
PreCheck is available at Terminal 1 (Gates 3-10 and 11-18) and Terminal 2 (East and West for international flights).
CLEAR Plus uses biometric authentication to speed up the process. The lane is at Terminal 2 during specified hours.
You can enroll from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The enrollment office is on the second floor of Terminal 2, to the left of the entrance.
The estimates use historical flight records and TSA staffing data. Actual wait times can change due to crowd size and delays.
Arrive early during peak hours. Consider programs like TSA PreCheck or CLEAR Plus to reduce wait time.
Call the TSA Lost Items Contact at +1-619-400-2140. Provide a detailed description of your item to aid recovery.
Yes. Some airlines operate their own checkpoints with hours that may differ from general screening times.