Airport Security Checkpoint Wait Times for January 2022

Despite Omicron’s widespread wrath across the country, airports in the United States remained fairly busy in January. Travel was down just about 25% from January 2019.

By summer 2021, the TSA reported that passenger throughput was growing impressively — to an average of about 2 million people going through security checks daily in June. That number has remained steady ever since, only trailing pre-pandemic numbers by 350,000 – 4oo,000 people per day this past holiday season.

This is reflected in average TSA security check wait times, which are impressively efficient for some of the busiest airports across the country. The airport with the shortest average wait time in January 2022 was Phoenix Sky Harbor International airport — with an average wait time of 10 minutes. Fort Lauderdale’s Hollywood International airport was equally efficient, while one will have to wait a bit longer if they are flying out of Chicago or Newark, which had a 20-minute wait time.

Regardless of how quickly the lines are moving, a great rule of thumb is to always give yourself at least 2 hours from airport arrival to departure time — that way you are prepared if gates change or anything unexpected happens.

Travel safety tips to remember before traveling in the US:

• Make sure to check the present COVID-19 situation at the destination.  
• Know about the state and local travel restrictions, including mask, vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements.  
• Check whether the airline has set any rules about vaccination, testing, or other documents.  
• The restrictions or state policies may change during your travel. So always be flexible to change your travel plans. 
• Properly wear masks and strictly follow all state and local health rules and requirements while at the destination. Always stay six feet away from others.  
• Travelers aged two years or above should wear masks in indoor public areas.  
• Though wearing a mask isn’t mandatory outdoors, you should wear a mask while visiting areas with many COVID-19 cases.  
• Don’t forget to wash your hands regularly. 

Check out more blogs on the best parking spots in your city, the most affordable insurance for your car, and top-rated car washes near you.

Data provided by: TSA