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Tips for TSA wait times at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

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    Quick insights

    • Under normal conditions, TSA wait times at DFW are generally under 10 minutes.
    • During busy periods, such as early mornings or late afternoons, airport security wait times can extend to 30 minutes or more.
    • The DFW website provides current TSA wait times and various tools and services to streamline your airport travel.

    One potentially stressful aspect of flying is clearing airport security. Fortunately, when flying out of DFW, you’ll typically experience short wait times for their security screening. You can use the DFW website to get current TSA wait times, reserve your security screening time, prebook parking spots and more—all of which may allow you to get to your gate more smoothly.

    In this article, we’ll discuss some things to know about TSA wait times at DFW and offer a few tips to help you clear security more efficiently.

    Airport security wait times at DFW

    AT DFW, clearing airport security typically takes less than 10 minutes. However, during peak times—usually early mornings and late afternoons—wait times can extend to 30 minutes or longer.

    DFW provides several tools to help you track wait times and ease the security screening process:

    • The DFW security screening page provides detailed information on current airport security wait times, including specific checkpoints and both standard and TSA PreCheck® lanes throughout the airport. The security page also gives travelers the option to reserve their security screening time in advance through the DFW Security Fast Pass program.
    • The DFW flights page lists recommended security checkpoints and arrival times for all departing flights.
    • DFW has Automated Screening Lanes at checkpoints A21, D18, D22, D30 and E18, which may be an efficient security screening option.

    Alternatively, MyTSA and other mobile apps are available to track TSA wait times. While these resources can be helpful for planning travel, note that wait times can fluctuate unexpectedly due to factors such as TSA staffing levels, increases in passenger volume and equipment availability.

    Timing your airport arrival at DFW

    DFW recommends arriving 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. As of March 2025, you can use these DFW services via their website to help you time your airport arrival and get to your gate efficiently:

    • Check parking lot availability to locate a spot in advance
    • Prebook parking spots in advance to receive a discount
    • Use the airport shuttle tracker for ride time estimates
    • Order food through DFW Marketplace and pick it up on your way to your gate

    How to get through airport security faster

    With some planning, you may get through airport security faster and reduce the time it takes to reach your gate. Here are a few steps to streamline your travel out of DFW.

    Get ready for security screenings

    Knowing TSA guidelines, including carry-on restrictions, typically makes your security screening smoother. Additionally, keeping your carry-on bag organized may help you avoid complications during screening. Wearing easy-to-remove shoes, belts and jackets—and keeping your boarding pass and ID accessible—may also save time.

    Consider programs created to expedite screenings

    TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) designed to streamline security screenings. At participating airports—including DFW—TSA PreCheck members can use designated security lanes, usually keeping their shoes, belts and light jackets on and leaving laptops and liquids in their bags.

    At DFW, TSA PreCheck is available at security checkpoints in Terminals A, C, D and E. Eligible travelers can enroll for TSA PreCheck at the DFW Enrollment Center located in Terminal D near the Gate D30 checkpoint. Approval usually takes 3 to 5 days after the in-person interview, but it can take up to 60 days.

    CLEAR Plus—a privately operated program—is another way to ease the screening process. Members use designated kiosks where their identity is verified via biometrics before proceeding with screening lines as usual. Keep in mind that CLEAR Plus is not a TTP but can be paired with TSA PreCheck.

    Download airline mobile apps

    Many airlines offer apps that allow you to download your boarding pass, complete check-in and pre-check your bags before arriving at the airport. In some cases, this can help you skip the airline self-service kiosk or counter.

    If you use the app to check bags, you can pay for them in advance, but you will still need to drop them off at the airline counter.

    In summary

    At DFW, TSA wait times are typically under 10 minutes, but during peak periods, they can extend to 30 minutes or more due to surges in passengers and other factors.

    The DFW website offers current airport security wait times for both standard and TSA PreCheck lanes at each checkpoint, along with tools to enhance your airport experience. Travelers can also use MyTSA and other mobiles apps to access current wait times.

    You could potentially get through security faster if you prepare for your screening, enroll in TSA PreCheck or use airline mobiles apps. 

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