SAN DIEGO — Security wait times at San Diego International Airport have eased after chaotic scenes earlier this week, but travelers should still plan for variability as staffing shortages linked to the ongoing partial federal government shutdown continue to affect operations.

San Diego International Airport
San Diego International Airport

The airport issued a travel advisory urging passengers to arrive at least 2.5 hours before domestic flight departures to account for possible longer checkpoint waits. Officials noted that checkpoint times and flight schedules depend on federal partners, including the Transportation Security Administration, amid the shutdown.

On Monday, March 23, 2026, lines at Terminal 1 stretched outside the building to the curb, with some travelers reporting waits of up to 90 minutes or more during peak morning hours. Regular security lines extended significantly, and TSA PreCheck lanes faced delays or closures at times. Even expedited options like CLEAR experienced backups.

By Tuesday, March 24, conditions improved noticeably. A reporter timed a mid-morning passage through Terminal 1 security at about 23 minutes around 10:30 a.m. Terminal 2 also saw shorter lines, with some passengers clearing security with minimal or no wait after early morning rushes subsided. Airport staff had added rope lines as a precaution, but queues remained contained inside the terminals.

Historical and average data show typical TSA wait times at San Diego International (SAN) range from 15 to 30 minutes under normal conditions. Peak periods — early mornings from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., midday around noon, and evenings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. — often see longer delays. Recent hourly averages included higher waits in the 5-8 a.m. window, sometimes exceeding 20-26 minutes, while mid-morning slots dropped to under 10-15 minutes.

### Current Conditions and Traveler Reports
As of late March 2026, real-time trackers reported fluctuating waits, with some midday periods showing averages as low as 7-11 minutes and others climbing higher during rushes. Live monitors at checkpoints have displayed short waits of 5 minutes or less at quieter times, but staffing issues have made predictions difficult.

Travelers shared mixed experiences on social media and in reports. Some described Monday morning chaos with lines snaking across bridges and sidewalks, while others noted that lines moved steadily despite their length. Wheelchair assistance or expedited lanes helped reduce times for certain passengers. By mid-week, many reported manageable experiences if arriving early.

The airport operates two main terminals. Terminal 1 serves several airlines with multiple checkpoints, while Terminal 2 handles others, including international flights. Some checkpoints may open or close based on volume and staffing. Passengers should check specific gate areas upon arrival.

### Factors Contributing to Delays
The partial government shutdown has led to TSA agents calling in sick or being absent due to lack of pay, creating nationwide ripple effects. San Diego, while not the worst hit, experienced noticeable impacts during peak travel periods. No ICE agents were reported at the airport in recent days, but broader federal operational constraints played a role.

Additional pressures include typical spring travel volume, business commuters, and leisure travelers heading to or from Southern California destinations. Enhanced security measures can also add time, particularly for those without expedited screening.

San Diego International Airport, one of the busiest in California, handles millions of passengers annually. Its single-runway layout and terminal design can amplify congestion when security backs up, affecting bag drop, ticketing and gate access.

### Tips for Smoother Travel Through SAN Security
Airport officials and TSA recommend several strategies to minimize delays:

- Arrive early: Plan for at least 2.5 hours before departure, especially for morning flights or during reported high-volume periods.
- Use the MyTSA app: Download the official app for real-time wait time reports from fellow travelers and historical data for your specific travel day and time.
- Enroll in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR+: Eligible travelers can keep shoes, belts and light jackets on, and leave laptops and liquids in bags. Add your Known Traveler Number to reservations. CLEAR+ offers biometric fast-track screening.
- Prepare your bag: Follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule and pack efficiently to speed screening.
- Check flight status and airport alerts: Visit flySAN.com or the SAN app before heading to the airport.
- Consider off-peak times: Mid-morning or later afternoon slots often see shorter lines compared with early mornings or evenings.

TSA PreCheck is available in both terminals, though lane availability can vary. CLEAR is offered at select checkpoints.

### Broader Context for San Diego Travelers
San Diego International Airport continues major terminal redevelopment projects aimed at improving passenger flow long-term, but current construction can influence movement through certain areas. The airport serves as a key gateway for tourism, business and military-related travel in the region.

Nationwide, TSA operations face challenges during the shutdown, with some airports reporting more severe delays. San Diego officials have emphasized appreciation for TSA and FAA staff working to maintain safety and reliability.

Travelers with disabilities, families or those needing assistance should contact their airline or the airport in advance for support services that can expedite parts of the process.

### Outlook and Recommendations
Wait times are expected to remain unpredictable in the near term until staffing stabilizes. The airport continues to monitor conditions and may adjust advisories as needed.

Frequent flyers and those with tight connections should build in extra buffer time. For international departures, arriving 3 hours early is often prudent.

Experts advise checking multiple sources for the latest information, including the official SAN website, MyTSA app and third-party trackers like AirlineAirport.com. Conditions can change rapidly based on flight schedules, weather or sudden staffing shifts.

While recent improvements provide some relief after Monday's disruptions, caution remains the best approach. San Diego travelers who plan ahead and use available expedited options are more likely to navigate security smoothly and enjoy a stress-free start to their journey.

*Information reflects reports and data as of March 26, 2026. Wait times fluctuate; always verify current conditions via official sources before traveling. This article is for informational purposes only.*