Buffalo Niagara Airport Security Wait Times Guide
BUF Flight Delays
Before you set off for Buffalo Airport, it's recommended to check if there are any departure delays. Alternatively, you can use our user-friendly flight tracker to keep an eye on the status of a particular flight.
Security Checkpoints - Location & Hours
The security checkpoint at Buffalo Niagara International Airport is operated by the TSA and closes at 9:00pm daily. To ensure adequate time for check-in and security screening, we recommend arriving 90 minutes to two hours before your departure, especially during peak travel periods.
Main Terminal Checkpoint
- Type: Standard, TSA PreCheck, CLEAR+
- Hours: Open until 9:00pm daily
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 BUF
TSA PreCheck is a service that offers streamlined security screening at participating airports, including Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF). The benefits of the program include the ability to keep shoes, light outerwear, and belts on during security checks, as well as the convenience of leaving laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in carry-on bags.
Where to Use TSA PreCheck at BUF:
- TSA PreCheck is available at the Main Terminal Checkpoint within BUF.
- The service is designed for frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs.
- PreCheck is available during all operating hours.
Learn More About TSA PreCheck:
- For more information on how to enroll in PreCheck, visit iFly TSA PreCheck Guide.
Participating Airlines at BUF:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- JetBlue Airways
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
iFly Tip: Alleviate your flying fears by understanding what happens during your flight with our pilot's guide.
CLEAR+ & TSA PreCheck Enrollment
CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck speed up your security process at BUF 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, then visit the enrollment location with your U.S. Passport or another acceptable ID to complete in-person steps.
Enroll in TSA PreCheck alone or bundle it with CLEAR+ at a discount.
CLEAR+ Lane Locations:- Main Checkpoint
- Sun - Fri: 4:00am - 7:30pm
- Sat: 4:00am - 7:00pm
- Main Checkpoint
- CLEAR+ Enrollment:
- Sun - Fri: 4:00am - 7:30pm
- Sat: 4:00am - 7:00pm
- TSA PreCheck® Enrollment:
- 6:00am - 7:00pm
- Located on the Departures level in front of the security checkpoint entrance. Look for TSA PreCheck and CLEAR+signage.
- CLEAR+ Enrollment:
For more details about the CLEAR+program, including locations and available airports, visit the CLEAR+Airport Security Guide.
How to Check BUF 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 BUF 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 BUF 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 misplaced an item at a TSA checkpoint or in checked baggage at Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF), your first step should be to get in touch with the airport's Lost and Found. You can report your lost item and get more information by contacting the TSA Lost Items Contact at +1-716-635-1222. When reporting a lost item, remember to provide a detailed description of the item, including its color and any distinctive features, to help in its identification and retrieval.
About BUF Security Wait Times
The security wait times shown for Buffalo Niagara 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 BUF. 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 BUF. Keep in mind, each airline has its own suggested and mandatory arrival times.
iFly Tip: Understand the logistics behind your flight route with insights on airline hubs.
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 BUF
Terminal MAIN
Main 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 BUF:
- Once you get through security, pull up the interactive Buffalo Niagara airport terminals map to navigate to your gate, and see all the BUF restaurant and shopping options along the way.
- Remember that a great low-cost alternative to parking within the BUF 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 Buffalo area, don't forget to check nearby airports to compare with BUF airports' flight fares.
Buffalo Niagara Airport wait times Q&A
Find more help here for your journey through the airport