SAN FRANCISCO — Travelers at San Francisco International Airport are experiencing relatively smooth security lines as of March 25, 2026, with TSA checkpoint wait times averaging between 10 and 20 minutes despite the ongoing partial government shutdown that has caused hours-long delays at many other major U.S. airports.

United Airlines passengers check in for flights at San Francisco International Airport on April 19, 2022

SFO, the largest airport in the nation participating in the Transportation Security Administration's Screening Partnership Program (SPP), outsources its screening operations to a private contractor, Covenant Aviation Security. While TSA supervises all procedures and standards, the screeners themselves are private employees paid through a separate funding stream unaffected by the federal funding lapse. As a result, SFO has maintained normal operations and consistent staffing levels even as unpaid TSA officers elsewhere have called out in large numbers.

The official SFO website states that passengers should expect "normal wait times" and explicitly notes that the private arrangement shields the airport from shutdown-related disruptions. Airport spokesperson Doug Yakel has confirmed that payments to the contractor continue uninterrupted, allowing checkpoints to operate at full capacity.

Real-time data from multiple tracking sources on Wednesday showed average general security waits ranging from as low as 5-7 minutes in quieter periods to 15-25 minutes during typical morning and afternoon rushes. Some reports placed current averages around 7-10 minutes overall, with occasional peaks near 20-30 minutes at busier checkpoints. TSA PreCheck lanes consistently cleared in 3-5 minutes, while CLEAR biometric lanes provided even faster ID verification for enrolled passengers.

SFO operates multiple security checkpoints across its terminals, including A, B, B-Mezzanine, D, F1 and G, with varying hours that generally run from early morning until late night. Some checkpoints, such as certain areas in Terminal 3 or Boarding Area F3, may be temporarily closed or consolidated due to construction or lower volume, directing traffic to open lanes without major backups.

The contrast with other California and national hubs is stark. While airports like Los Angeles, San Diego and Houston have reported waits stretching to an hour or more — and in extreme cases outside terminals — SFO has avoided the chaos. Only a handful of U.S. airports, including Kansas City, use similar private screening models and have likewise reported stable lines.

Airport officials recommend arriving two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures, the standard guidance that remains unchanged. The FlySFO mobile app and on-site digital signage provide real-time checkpoint estimates, helping passengers choose the fastest lane. Third-party trackers such as AirlineAirport.com and OnAirParking also aggregate user-reported and historical data, showing SFO's typical efficiency even during peak spring travel.

Expedited options remain popular and effective at SFO. TSA PreCheck, available at most checkpoints, allows travelers to keep shoes, light jackets and laptops in bags, dramatically shortening the process. CLEAR lanes, located in multiple terminals including the International Terminal and Terminal 1, handle biometric verification in seconds before feeding into PreCheck or standard lines. Frequent flyers report clearing the entire security experience — from bag drop to gate — in under 15 minutes when using both services.

The airport's Screening Partnership Program status dates back years and has repeatedly proven its value during federal disruptions. In previous government funding standoffs, SFO similarly maintained smooth operations while TSA-run airports faced backlogs. Officials credit the private contractor's ability to maintain consistent staffing and flexible scheduling.

Beyond security, SFO continues its broader modernization efforts. A new command center oversees everything from roadway traffic to runway movements, helping manage overall passenger flow. United Airlines, SFO's largest carrier, operates extensive domestic and international routes from the airport, with recent announcements of new premium long-haul services adding to spring and summer demand.

Travelers are reminded to follow standard TSA rules, including the 3-1-1 liquids guideline and proper packing for electronics. The airport encourages downloading the MyTSA app for general guidance, though real-time updates during the shutdown have been inconsistent on federal platforms; SFO's own systems provide more reliable local information.

Spring break and business travel volumes are ramping up, yet SFO has not issued any special alerts urging earlier arrivals. Passenger feedback on forums and social media frequently praises the airport's efficiency compared with other West Coast hubs, with many noting waits under 10 minutes even during morning rushes when using PreCheck or CLEAR.

For those without expedited programs, strategic timing helps. Early mornings before 6 a.m. or late evenings after 8 p.m. often see the shortest general lines, while mid-morning and mid-afternoon can see moderate buildup. International Terminal checkpoints sometimes experience slightly longer waits due to additional document checks, but private screening has kept those manageable.

As the shutdown stretches into late March with no immediate resolution in sight, SFO's resilience stands out. The arrangement demonstrates how public-private partnerships can deliver reliable service in times of federal uncertainty. Airport leaders continue monitoring the situation and coordinating with the contractor to ensure any future surges are handled smoothly.

Travelers heading to SFO are advised to check the official FlySFO website or app shortly before departure for the latest checkpoint status. With normal wait times holding steady, the Bay Area's gateway remains one of the more traveler-friendly major airports during a challenging period for U.S. air travel.

While the broader shutdown has strained security operations nationwide and prompted calls for policy changes, SFO offers a practical example of continuity. Passengers can focus more on enjoying their journey than worrying about missing flights due to security delays.