Sacramento Airport Security Wait Times Guide
SMF Flight Delays
Before embarking on your journey from Sacramento Airport, we recommend checking for any possible departure delays. Alternatively, you can utilize our handy flight tracker to keep an eye on the status of a specific flight.
Security Checkpoints - Location & Hours
The security checkpoints at Terminal A and Terminal B provide Priority Security Lanes for preferred customers based on each airline's criteria. TSA security checkpoints operate daily from 4:00 AM to 12:30 AM, depending on flight schedules.
SMF Terminal A Checkpoint
- Type: All passengers, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR+ Members
- TSA PreCheck Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM to 12:30 AM
- CLEAR+ Hours: Sun - Fri: 4:00 AM - 10:00 PM; Sat: 4:00 AM - 8:00 PM
SMF Terminal B Checkpoint
- Type: All passengers, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR+ Members
- TSA PreCheck Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM to 12:30 AM
- CLEAR+ Hours: Sun - Fri: 4:00 AM - 9:00 PM; Sat: 4:00 AM - 8:00 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 SMF
TSA PreCheck is a program that allows travelers to experience expedited security screening at participating airports, including Sacramento Airport (SMF). Members of the program can enjoy benefits such as 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 SMF:
- TSA PreCheck is available at both Terminal A and Terminal B within SMF.
- Terminal A PreCheck hours: Daily, from 3:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Terminal B PreCheck hours: Daily, from 4:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- 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 SMF:
- AeroMexico
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
- Volaris
iFly Tip: Make your security screening hassle-free by learning about common errors.
CLEAR+ & TSA PreCheck Enrollment
Enjoy faster security lines at SMF Airport with CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck. This section provides enrollment information for these services via CLEAR. Designed to expedite the security process using biometric authentication and advanced technology, you can join CLEAR+ and/or TSA PreCheck at designated CLEAR+ enrollment locations. Start your enrollment online and arrive at the enrollment location with your U.S. Passport or another acceptable ID to complete the final steps in person. Enroll in TSA PreCheck now. You can enroll in TSA PreCheck alone or bundle it with CLEAR+ at a discount.
CLEAR+ Lane Locations:- Terminal A
- Sun - Fri: 4:00am - 10:00pm
- Sat: 4:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Terminal B
- Sun - Fri: 4:00am - 9:00pm
- Sat: 4:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Terminal A
- CLEAR+ Enrollment:
- Sun - Fri: 4:00am - 10:00pm
- Sat: 4:00 am - 8:00 pm
- TSA PreCheck® Enrollment:
- Sun - Fri: 6:00am - 8:00pm
- Sat: 6:00am - 6:00pm
- Located in front of security checkpoint entrance on Level 2
- CLEAR+ Enrollment:
- Terminal B
- CLEAR+ Enrollment:
- Sun - Fri: 4:00am - 9:00pm
- Sat: 4:00 am - 8:00 pm
- TSA PreCheck® Enrollment:
- Sun - Fri: 6:00am - 8:00pm
- Sat: 6:00am - 6:00pm
- Located on the right side of AirTrain entrance
- CLEAR+ Enrollment:
For more details about the CLEAR+program, including locations and airports where the service is available, visit the CLEAR+Airport Security Guide.
How to Check SMF 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 SMF 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 SMF 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 Sacramento Airport (SMF), 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 +1-916-830-0227. Be prepared to provide a comprehensive description of your item, including color and any unique features, to aid in its identification and recovery.
About SMF Security Wait Times
The security wait times shown for Sacramento 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 SMF. 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 SMF. Keep in mind, each airline has its own suggested and mandatory arrival times.
iFly Tip: Check out how airline hubs improve operational efficiency in aviation.
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 SMF
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 SMF:
- Once you get through security, pull up the interactive Sacramento airport terminals map to navigate to your gate, and see all the SMF restaurant and shopping options along the way.
- Remember that a great low-cost alternative to parking within the SMF 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 Sacramento area, don't forget to check nearby airports to compare with SMF airports' flight fares.
Sacramento Airport wait times Q&A
Find more help here for your journey through the airport