The latest reports on IAH TSA wait times show steady improvements across all five terminals at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Thanks to new technology, better staffing, and passenger awareness tools, travelers this fall are experiencing shorter security lines compared to previous years.
As one of the busiest airports in the United States — handling more than 40 million passengers annually — IAH has made major strides in reducing screening delays and enhancing the passenger experience. For those traveling through Houston in 2025, knowing when and where to expect security congestion can make all the difference.
Overview of TSA Operations at IAH
IAH serves as a major hub for United Airlines and one of the central gateways for both domestic and international flights. The airport’s five terminals — A, B, C, D, and E — each operate TSA checkpoints, with Terminals C and E handling the bulk of peak-hour traffic.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) manages screening for all passengers and carry-on baggage, ensuring compliance with national safety standards. Each terminal’s checkpoint operates on an independent schedule, adjusted daily based on flight volume and staffing levels.
As of November 2025, TSA officers at IAH screen an average of 62,000 passengers per day, up nearly 9% from 2024, reflecting the continued rebound in post-pandemic air travel.
Current Average Wait Times at IAH
TSA data collected throughout October and early November 2025 shows that average wait times at IAH are now among the best in major U.S. airports.
Here’s an updated breakdown of current screening times by terminal:
| Terminal | Average Wait (Off-Peak) | Average Wait (Peak Hours) | TSA PreCheck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal A | 8–15 minutes | 20–25 minutes | 5–10 minutes |
| Terminal B | 10–18 minutes | 25–30 minutes | 8 minutes |
| Terminal C | 12–22 minutes | 30–40 minutes | 10–12 minutes |
| Terminal D | 10–20 minutes | 25–30 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Terminal E | 15–25 minutes | 35–45 minutes | 10–15 minutes |
The busiest times at IAH remain 5:00–8:30 a.m. and 3:30–7:00 p.m., with the longest lines typically at Terminal E, where most international departures and arrivals are processed.
However, off-peak travelers — particularly those flying between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. — can often pass through security in under 15 minutes.
TSA Technology Upgrades Transform Security Flow
IAH’s TSA modernization initiative in 2025 introduced new Computed Tomography (CT) scanners across all major checkpoints. These advanced scanners produce 3D images of bags, allowing officers to inspect items without requiring passengers to remove laptops or liquids.
Combined with automated screening lanes that recycle trays and bins automatically, these changes have reduced the need for manual intervention and sped up throughput across terminals.
The TSA’s biometric identity verification pilot program has also expanded at IAH. Travelers using the program can verify their ID through facial recognition, significantly cutting the time spent in document-checking lines. The program is currently active in Terminals C and E, with airport officials confirming a full rollout by early 2026.
Together, these upgrades have decreased average checkpoint wait times by 17% year-over-year — a measurable win for passengers and TSA alike.
IAH Prepares for Holiday Travel Surge
With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, Houston’s airport system expects one of its busiest winter travel seasons since 2019. TSA projections indicate that more than 1.5 million travelers will pass through IAH checkpoints between November 20 and December 2, 2025, marking a 6% increase over the same period last year.
Anticipated busiest travel dates include:
- Wednesday, November 26 – Day before Thanksgiving
- Sunday, December 1 – Post-holiday return rush
- Friday, December 20 – Start of the Christmas getaway
- Thursday, January 2 – Winter break return travel
To help manage the surge, TSA is implementing flexible staffing schedules and extending operating hours at high-traffic checkpoints. Houston’s airport authorities also encourage travelers to arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures.
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Offer Faster Screening Options
For travelers hoping to minimize their IAH TSA wait times, TSA PreCheck and CLEAR remain the fastest ways through security.
TSA PreCheck allows members to keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on and leave laptops in bags. The average wait time for PreCheck lanes at IAH currently ranges between 5 and 12 minutes, even during peak travel days.
CLEAR, meanwhile, uses biometric verification (fingerprint or facial scan) to speed up the ID check process before the screening area. CLEAR members are then escorted to the front of the line in PreCheck or standard screening queues.
Enrollment and Availability at IAH:
- TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center: Terminal C, near Door C-145, open Monday–Saturday.
- CLEAR Lanes: Available at Terminals A, B, C, and E.
Pricing:
- TSA PreCheck: $78 for five years
- CLEAR: $189 annually (discounts offered through Delta, United, and American Express)
Both programs have seen a surge in membership throughout 2025, with more than 1.3 million Texans now registered for at least one expedited screening service.
Improved Staffing and Scheduling
Earlier in 2025, TSA faced periodic slowdowns at IAH due to staffing shortages, especially during early morning hours. In response, the agency launched a recruitment drive that added 35 full-time officers and two new canine detection teams to the Houston hub.
Since August, the additional personnel and optimized shift scheduling have cut down early bottlenecks and improved consistency across all five terminals. Travelers have also noticed a visible increase in checkpoint supervisors, helping maintain order during surges.
IAH TSA representatives confirm that the airport’s security operations now run with “the strongest staffing levels in over five years.”
Traveler Experience: What Flyers Are Saying
Passengers using IAH this fall have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about the improved efficiency of security checkpoints. Frequent flyers on social media platforms like Reddit, Threads, and X (formerly Twitter) report shorter wait times, better signage, and friendlier interactions with TSA agents.
One Houston-based traveler described the morning experience as “surprisingly smooth — less than 15 minutes from ID check to gate.”
Another noted that the biometric verification system “feels like the future” and credited the technology for shaving valuable minutes off her pre-flight routine.
While some travelers still report congestion at Terminal E during late-afternoon international flights, the overall tone is optimistic: IAH has successfully reduced frustration around security delays.
Houston Airport System’s Commitment to Efficiency
The Houston Airport System (HAS) has played a major role in supporting TSA’s operational success. The ongoing Terminal B Transformation Project, a multi-year, $1.9 billion investment, will add wider screening lanes, centralized security zones, and additional PreCheck stations by 2026.
Meanwhile, a smaller renovation at Terminal D has already introduced enhanced lighting, digital signage, and expanded queuing space — small but impactful upgrades that improve flow and reduce crowding.
IAH’s modernization aligns with the FAA’s Airport Infrastructure Grant Program, which supports airports investing in passenger flow improvements and technology integration.
How to Check Real-Time IAH TSA Wait Times
IAH travelers have multiple ways to check live TSA data before heading to the airport:
- MyTSA App: Updated every 5 minutes with crowd-sourced and TSA-reported wait times.
- Fly2Houston.com: Displays current TSA checkpoint conditions by terminal.
- Google Maps & Apple Maps: Integrate TSA and flight data for predictive travel estimates.
- On-site digital monitors: Posted near each terminal’s ticketing area, showing live queue times.
Using these tools can help travelers plan their arrival window more accurately, avoiding unnecessary stress before boarding.
Tips for a Faster TSA Experience at IAH
Even with improved operations, a few smart habits can make your IAH experience even smoother:
- Arrive Early: Plan to be at the terminal 2–3 hours before departure.
- Travel Light: Use a single carry-on if possible and pre-organize electronics and liquids.
- Dress Smart: Avoid belts, heavy jewelry, or large metal items that trigger alarms.
- Monitor Wait Times: Check the MyTSA app before leaving home.
- Pick Off-Peak Flights: Midday departures often have the lightest queues.
- Leverage Expedited Programs: PreCheck and CLEAR save significant time during peak hours.
These practical steps not only reduce personal stress but also help TSA maintain steady passenger flow during Houston’s busiest travel months.
IAH TSA Wait Times Compared to Other Major U.S. Airports
When compared with other large airports, IAH ranks within the top 10 for efficiency among U.S. hubs.
For context, average security waits at:
- LAX (Los Angeles): 35–50 minutes at peak
- JFK (New York): 30–45 minutes
- ORD (Chicago O’Hare): 25–40 minutes
- IAH (Houston): 20–35 minutes
Houston’s consistent improvement is a testament to how strategic technology and staffing investments can reduce nationwide bottlenecks.
The Road Ahead: Continued Improvements in 2026
Looking forward, TSA and Houston Airport System officials have confirmed that the next phase of upgrades will include expanded biometric lanes across all terminals and additional automated baggage screening machines. These enhancements aim to push average wait times below 20 minutes year-round.
By early 2026, passengers can expect IAH to be among the first U.S. airports to fully implement facial ID verification across all checkpoints — a move that will likely redefine the airport security experience.
Planning a flight through Houston? Keep an eye on live IAH TSA wait times, share your experience in the comments, and help fellow travelers prepare for a smoother journey through one of America’s busiest airports.