San Diego Airport Security Wait Times 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+ Expedited Security Checkpoint
- Type: CLEAR+ 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+ 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:
- For detailed information on how to enroll in TSA PreCheck, visit iFly TSA PreCheck Guide.
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: Ensure a hassle-free travel experience by following our guide on baggage cutoff times.
CLEAR+ & TSA PreCheck Enrollment
Using CLEAR+ 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
- CLEAR+ 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: Worried about ear pressure for your toddler? Find solutions in our flying with toddlers 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
Terminal 1
Gates 11-18 Checkpoint
Gates 3-10 Checkpoint
Terminal 2
Gates 20-32 Checkpoint
Gates 33-51 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 SAN:
- Once you get through security, pull up the interactive San Diego airport terminals map to navigate to your gate, and see all the SAN restaurant and shopping options along the way.
- Remember that a great low-cost alternative to parking within the SAN 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 Diego area, don't forget to check nearby airports to compare with SAN airports' flight fares.
San Diego Airport wait times Q&A
Find more help here for your journey through the airport