LOS ANGELES — Travelers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) continued to enjoy relatively smooth security screening on Sunday, March 29, 2026, with many checkpoints reporting wait times under 10–15 minutes even as the partial government shutdown caused severe delays at other major U.S. airports.

An Alaska Airlines plane takes off from Los Angeles International Airport on May 12, 2020

Official data from LAX showed near-zero waits at the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) early Sunday, with general boarding lines at 0 minutes and TSA PreCheck at around 2 minutes as of early morning updates. Other terminals reported averages between 10 and 25 minutes during typical peak periods, far better than the multi-hour backups seen in Houston, Atlanta and New York.

While the ongoing federal funding impasse has driven high TSA officer call-out rates nationwide, LAX has so far avoided the worst disruptions thanks to proactive local staffing adjustments and lower-than-expected early morning crowds on this spring Sunday.

Current Conditions at LAX

Real-time trackers and the airport's official systems indicated manageable lines across most terminals:

  • TBIT (International Terminal): General security often under 10 minutes; PreCheck near instant.
  • Terminals 1–8: Average waits ranged from 10–25 minutes during busier morning hours, with some checkpoints reporting under 15 minutes.
  • PreCheck and CLEAR lanes: Consistently faster, often clearing passengers in under 10 minutes.

These figures stand in contrast to reports from harder-hit airports where waits exceeded 2–4 hours. LAX officials have not suspended real-time wait displays, unlike some East Coast hubs, giving passengers better visibility before arrival.

Why LAX Has Fared Better

LAX serves as a major international gateway with heavy airline presence and experienced local TSA management. Airport executives noted that while national staffing shortages affect operations, LAX has benefited from strong contingency planning, including support from non-screening federal personnel and efficient checkpoint layouts across its nine terminals.

Spring travel volume remains high but has not yet reached peak summer levels, helping keep lines shorter than at some East Coast and Southern hubs. Travelers with TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or CLEAR reported especially quick passages, highlighting the value of expedited programs during uncertain periods.

Tips for Smooth LAX Security

Airport and TSA officials recommend the following for passengers departing from LAX:

  • Arrive 2–2.5 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international departures.
  • Check real-time wait times on flylax.com or the MyTSA app before leaving for the airport.
  • Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR if enrolled to minimize screening time.
  • Follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule and pack carry-ons efficiently.
  • Monitor your airline app for any gate or flight updates caused by downstream delays.
  • Consider off-peak travel times when possible to avoid morning and evening rushes.

LAX's decentralized terminal design helps distribute passenger flow, preventing the extreme bottlenecks seen at single-security-point airports. However, officials still urge caution as conditions can change quickly if staffing dips or flight schedules bunch up.

Broader Shutdown Context

The partial government shutdown has pushed TSA call-out rates to 30–50% at some major airports, creating the longest security waits in the agency's 24-year history. While LAX has not faced the worst of these issues, travelers nationwide are being advised to build in extra time.

Airlines have issued flexible rebooking policies in affected regions, but LAX passengers have reported fewer disruptions so far. The airport continues to coordinate closely with TSA to maintain safety and efficiency.

What Travelers Should Expect Next

As March draws to a close and spring break travel intensifies, LAX wait times may increase during peak hours. Officials recommend checking conditions the day of travel rather than relying on historical patterns. Those with tight connections or traveling during busy windows should plan conservatively.

The situation remains fluid pending any resolution to the federal funding standoff. Until then, LAX's relatively stable performance offers some relief for Southern California travelers amid a challenging national environment.

Passengers facing difficulties can contact their airline, use airport assistance services or reach out to TSA via the MyTSA app. For non-security issues, LAX customer service remains available.

Los Angeles International continues operating safely and smoothly despite external pressures. Proactive planning remains the best strategy for a stress-free journey through one of the world's busiest airports.