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IAD Security Wait Times Washington Dulles Airport

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Washington Dulles Airport Security Wait Times Guide

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Planning your trip through Washington Dulles Airport? It's essential to know the ins and outs of TSA security wait times. This guide provides you with tips on navigating security checkpoints efficiently, including how to use TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus to speed up your process. Stay informed to make your airport experience smoother.

For more detailed information about IAD Airport, including maps, flight tracking, and amenities, visit the iFly page for Washington Dulles Airport.

Travel Made Easy at Dulles – Enjoy 2 Months Free!

Flying through Dulles Airport (IAD) is a breeze with CLEAR+. Use CLEAR+ lanes at 3 Security Checkpoints to get through security faster and reduce your wait times.

Access Local Arenas with CLEAR+

  • Nationals Park: Center Field Gate – CLEAR+Lane available at all Nationals home games.
  • Capital One Arena: 7th & G Street at Gallery Place – CLEAR+Lane available at all Capitals and Wizards home games.

Sign up for a 2 Months Free trial of CLEAR+ today! Get started now.

REAL ID at Washington Dulles Airport (Effective May 7, 2025)

Starting May 7, 2025, all travelers 18 and older must present a REAL ID‑compliant license or another TSA‑accepted ID to clear security at Washington Dulles Airport.

More info on REAL ID requirements »

iFly Tip: Learn how to manage airport navigation with children on our comprehensive guide.

IAD Flight Delays

Before setting off from Dulles Airport, it's advisable to check for any potential departure delays. Moreover, our user-friendly flight tracker is readily available, enabling you to monitor the status of your flight in real-time.

Security Checkpoints - Location & Hours

There are three TSA Security Checkpoints: East, West, and TSA Pre✓™. All are accessed from the Departures - Ticketing/Check-In Level.

East Security Checkpoint

  • Type: All passengers
  • Hours: Daily, 3:45 AM to 10:30 PM
  • CLEAR+ Hours: 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM

West Security Checkpoint

  • Type: All passengers
  • Hours: Daily, 4:45 AM to 9:00 PM
  • CLEAR+ Hours: 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM

TSA Pre✓™ Checkpoint

  • Type: TSA PreCheck only
  • Hours: Daily, 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM
  • CLEAR+ Enrollment Hours: 4:30 AM to 9:30 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 IAD

The TSA PreCheck is an expedited security screening program for travelers at participating airports, including Washington Dulles Airport (IAD). PreCheck members can enjoy benefits such as keeping their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, as well as leaving their laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in their carry-on bags during security checks.

Where to Use TSA PreCheck at IAD:

  • PreCheck is available at the IAD TSA Terminal PreCheck Only Checkpoint.
  • 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:

Participating Airlines at IAD:

  • Air Canada
  • Air France
  • Air India
  • Alaska Airlines
  • All Nippon Airways
  • American Airlines
  • Austrian Airlines
  • Avianca
  • British Airways
  • Brussels Airlines
  • Copa Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Emirates
  • Etihad Airways
  • Icelandair
  • KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
  • Korean Air
  • Lufthansa
  • Porter Airlines
  • Qatar Airways
  • Scandinavian Airlines
  • Southern Airways Express
  • Southwest Airlines
  • Turkish Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • Volaris
  • Volaris El Salvador

iFly Tip: Reduce your time in line by following advice from our airport wait times guide.

CLEAR+ & TSA PreCheck Enrollment

CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck help speed up your security process at IAD Airport using biometric authentication and advanced technology. You can enroll in CLEAR+ and/or TSA PreCheck at designated CLEAR+ enrollment locations. Start your enrollment online and bring your U.S. Passport or another acceptable ID to complete it in person. Enroll in TSA PreCheck now. You can choose TSA PreCheck alone or bundle it with CLEAR+ at a discount.

CLEAR+ Lane Locations:
  • East Mezzanine
    • Standard: 4:30am - 9:30pm
  • Main Terminal
    • TSA PreCheck® Enrollment: 4:30am - 9:30pm
Enrollment Locations:
  • East Mezzanine
    • CLEAR+ Enrollment: 4:30am - 9:30pm
  • Main Terminal
    • CLEAR+ Enrollment: 4:30am - 9:30pm
    • TSA PreCheck® Enrollment: 6:00am - 9:00pm
    • Located on departures level near screening

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

How to Check IAD 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 IAD 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 IAD 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 Washington Dulles Airport (IAD), 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 through their online form at https://www.tsa.gov/form/lost-and-found. Be prepared to provide a comprehensive description of your item, including color and any unique features, to aid in its identification and recovery.

About IAD Security Wait Times

The security wait times shown for Washington Dulles 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 IAD. 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 IAD. Keep in mind, each airline has its own suggested and mandatory arrival times.

iFly Tip: Maximize space in your carry-on with expert advice from our packing guide.

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 IAD

AVAILABLE

Terminal MAIN

Main 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 IAD:

Washington Dulles Airport wait times Q&A

Use the Check Wait Times widget on this page. Select your arrival time from the dropdown menu to view the estimated wait.
Yes, wait times vary between the East, West, and TSA PreCheck checkpoints.
It runs daily from 3:45 AM to 10:30 PM, with CLEAR+ available from 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
The West Checkpoint operates daily from 4:45 AM to 9:00 PM with CLEAR+ lanes open from 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
The TSA PreCheck checkpoint operates daily from 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM, with CLEAR+ enrollment also available during these hours.
Yes, enrollment happens at the East Mezzanine and Main Terminal on the departures level. Enrollment hours vary between locations.
They give you a snapshot of security processing times based on past flight records and staffing. Actual times can vary.
Passenger volume and staffing levels influence the estimates. Mornings and busy travel periods may add to the wait.
CLEAR+ lanes are offered at all three checkpoints with dedicated enrollment available at the Main Terminal and East Mezzanine.
Use the TSA Lost Items online form. Be ready with a detailed description to help locate your item.

Find more help here for your journey through the airport