Reagan National Airport Security Wait Times Guide
DCA Flight Delays
Before embarking on your journey from Reagan Airport, it's always wise to check for any possible departure delays. In addition, you can make use of our handy flight tracker, which enables you to keep an eye on the status of a particular flight.
Security Checkpoints - Location & Hours
DCA has three security checkpoints serving different airlines with specific operating hours.
Terminal 1 Checkpoint
- Location: Gates A1 - A9
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck (Air Canada, Frontier, Southwest)
- Hours: Opens daily 4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Terminal 2 North Checkpoint
- Location: Gates D35 - D45 and E46 - E59
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck (American Airlines)
- Hours: Opens daily 4:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Terminal 2 South Checkpoint
- Location: Gates B10 - B22 and C23 - C34
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck (Alaska, Delta, JetBlue, United; also American Airlines)
- Hours: Opens daily 4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
See information below for CLEAR+ 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 DCA
The TSA PreCheck program offers an expedited security screening process at participating airports, including Reagan National Airport (DCA). This program allows members to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, as well as keep their laptops and 3-1-1 liquids in their carry-on bags during security checks.
Where to Use TSA PreCheck at DCA:
- TSA PreCheck is available at Terminal A, Terminal B South, and Terminal C North Checkpoints within DCA.
- This 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:
- For detailed information on how to enroll in TSA PreCheck, visit iFly TSA PreCheck Guide.
Participating Airlines at DCA:
- Air Canada
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Frontier Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Southwest Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
- United Airlines
iFly Tip: Navigate airline policies with ease using our overweight passenger tips.
CLEAR+ & TSA PreCheck Enrollment
CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck help speed up your security process at DCA Airport using biometric authentication and advanced technology. You can enroll in either program: CLEAR+ 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 in-person steps. Enroll in TSA PreCheck now. You can choose TSA PreCheck alone or bundle it with CLEAR+ at a discount.
CLEAR+ Lane Locations:- Terminal 1
- Sun - Fri: 4:00am - 8:00pm
- Sat: 4:00am - 7:00pm
- Near Gates 1-9
- Terminal 2, North
- Sun - Fri: 4:00am - 9:00pm
- Sat: 4:00am - 8:00pm
- Near Gates D35-D45 and E46-E59
- Terminal 2, South
- Sun - Fri: 4:00am - 8:00pm
- Sat: 4:00am - 7:00pm
- Near Gates B10-B22 and C23-C34
- Terminal 1
- CLEAR+ Enrollment:
- Sun - Fri: 4:00am - 8:00pm
- Sat: 4:00am - 7:00pm
- Terminal 2, North
- CLEAR+ Enrollment:
- Sun - Fri: 4:00am - 9:00pm
- Sat: 4:00am - 8:00pm
- TSA PreCheck® Enrollment:
- Sun - Fri: 6:00am - 9:00pm
- Sat: 6:00am - 8:00pm
- Located near security checkpoint next to American Airlines counter
- Terminal 2, South
- CLEAR+ Enrollment:
- Sun - Fri: 4:00am - 8:00pm
- Sat: 4:00am - 7:00pm
For more information about the CLEAR+program, including locations and airports where the service is available, visit our CLEAR+Airport Security Guide.
How to Check DCA 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 DCA 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 DCA 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 Reagan National Airport (DCA), 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 TSA Lost and Found Form. Be prepared to provide a comprehensive description of your item, including color and any unique features, to aid in its identification and recovery.
About DCA Security Wait Times
The security wait times shown for Reagan National 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 DCA. 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 DCA. Keep in mind, each airline has its own suggested and mandatory arrival times.
iFly Tip: Learn how TSA PreCheck can help you skip the long lines and security hassles.
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 DCA
Terminal A
Gates 1-9 Checkpoint
Terminal B
Gates 10-22 Checkpoint
Terminal B/C
Gates 23-34 Checkpoint
Terminal C
Gates 35-45 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 DCA:
- Once you get through security, pull up the interactive Reagan National airport terminals map to navigate to your gate, and see all the DCA restaurant and shopping options along the way.
- Remember that a great low-cost alternative to parking within the DCA 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 Arlington area, don't forget to check nearby airports to compare with DCA airports' flight fares.
Reagan National Airport wait times Q&A
Find more help here for your journey through the airport