The latest updates on IAH TSA wait times show that security screening at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston has improved in efficiency this fall, following new technology upgrades and staffing adjustments by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). As holiday travel approaches, passengers flying from one of the busiest hubs in Texas can expect shorter lines during peak hours — though strategic planning remains key for smooth travel.
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Current TSA Wait Times at IAH
As of November 2025, the average TSA wait time at IAH ranges from 10 to 25 minutes during standard weekday mornings. Peak hours, typically between 5:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., and again from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., can stretch that range to 30–40 minutes at major checkpoints.
The TSA Houston field office reports that new checkpoint lanes equipped with advanced scanning systems have significantly reduced congestion, particularly in Terminal C and Terminal E — the two busiest concourses for domestic and international departures.
Below is an overview of the current TSA screening time averages at IAH by terminal:
| Terminal | Average Wait Time (Off-Peak) | Average Wait Time (Peak Hours) | TSA PreCheck Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal A | 8–15 minutes | 20–25 minutes | 5–10 minutes |
| Terminal B | 10–20 minutes | 25–35 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Terminal C | 15–25 minutes | 30–40 minutes | 10–15 minutes |
| Terminal D | 10–20 minutes | 25–30 minutes | 8–12 minutes |
| Terminal E | 15–25 minutes | 35–45 minutes | 10–15 minutes |
IAH operates five TSA checkpoints, with real-time updates available through the MyTSA mobile app and the Fly2Houston official website. Travelers can check live data on queue lengths and wait times before heading to the airport.
Technology Upgrades Boost Efficiency
TSA officials confirm that several technological enhancements have been completed across IAH in 2025 to improve passenger screening times. These upgrades include:
- Computed Tomography (CT) scanners that allow passengers to leave laptops and electronics inside carry-on bags.
- Automated screening lanes in Terminals C and E, which help reduce bottlenecks by automatically diverting trays and bins.
- Biometric identity verification, which expedites document checks using facial recognition technology.
The TSA estimates that these improvements have cut average processing time by 15–20% since their rollout in mid-2025. The initiative is part of a nationwide push to modernize airport screening procedures ahead of the 2025–2026 holiday travel period.
Holiday Travel Forecast and Peak Days
With Thanksgiving and Christmas travel season approaching, IAH is bracing for record passenger volumes. The Houston Airport System (HAS) projects a 7% increase in total travelers over last year’s holiday period, bringing an estimated 1.4 million passengers through IAH checkpoints between November 20 and December 2, 2025.
Based on TSA projections and flight schedules, the busiest days at IAH are expected to be:
- Wednesday, November 26 (Thanksgiving eve)
- Sunday, December 1 (post-holiday return day)
- Friday, December 20 (start of Christmas week travel)
Passengers flying on those days are encouraged to arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international departures, especially during morning and late afternoon hours.
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Services
Travelers with TSA PreCheck or CLEAR memberships continue to enjoy significantly shorter wait times at IAH.
As of this month, TSA PreCheck lines average 5–15 minutes depending on the terminal and time of day.
Both expedited screening programs are available in Terminals A, B, C, and E. The CLEAR lanes, which use biometric ID verification to skip standard ID checks, are now fully integrated into TSA PreCheck lanes for a faster dual process.
Enrollment for TSA PreCheck remains open at the IAH airport center, located in Terminal C near Door C-145, as well as at several enrollment offices throughout Houston.
TSA PreCheck enrollment cost: $78 for five years
CLEAR membership: $189 annually (discounts available through major airlines and credit cards)
Recent Staffing Adjustments Improve Flow
IAH faced sporadic staffing shortages earlier in 2025 that caused temporary line delays. However, TSA leadership has since increased staffing levels and adjusted shift schedules to align with airline peak traffic periods.
The addition of 30 new screening officers and two canine detection teams since August 2025 has contributed to more consistent throughput, especially at Terminals B and E. The move follows a national TSA initiative to improve workforce retention and reduce overtime fatigue among officers.
Houston TSA spokespersons report that wait-time reliability is now at its best since 2019, despite higher passenger volumes.
Traveler Tips to Reduce Wait Times
For passengers traveling through IAH this fall and winter, a few simple steps can make the screening process smoother:
- Use the MyTSA app – Check real-time wait times and lane availability before arriving.
- Pack smart – Keep liquids under 3.4 ounces and remove oversized electronics unless using a CT-equipped lane.
- Opt for TSA PreCheck or CLEAR – Membership can cut total screening time by 70%.
- Travel early or late – Midday flights (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) often have the lightest security traffic.
- Avoid rush days – Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically have shorter waits than Fridays or Sundays.
For international travelers, customs and re-screening at Terminal E can add an extra 15–25 minutes during busy hours. TSA officials recommend factoring that in when planning connection times.
Traveler Feedback on IAH TSA Performance
Passenger feedback across social media platforms like Reddit Travel, X (formerly Twitter), and TripAdvisor suggests overall satisfaction with TSA’s performance improvements at IAH. Many travelers highlight the shorter lines and more organized queue management compared to early 2024.
Frequent flyers note that while morning rushes remain challenging, checkpoint flow has improved noticeably thanks to the additional lanes and staff support. Travelers also praise TSA officers for maintaining professionalism during high-traffic days, even when lines extend across terminal corridors.
IAH Expansion and Long-Term Plans
The Houston Airport System is investing heavily in long-term infrastructure enhancements designed to further reduce TSA congestion. The ongoing Terminal B Transformation Project, scheduled for completion in late 2026, includes redesigned security checkpoints, more self-service kiosks, and expanded passenger screening zones.
The project is expected to increase terminal capacity by 40% and improve overall passenger flow. Once completed, these upgrades will likely push IAH into the top tier of U.S. airports for security efficiency.
Meanwhile, Terminal E, which handles most international flights, has added new E-Gate technology for outbound screening, allowing eligible travelers to process faster with electronic boarding verification.
Real-Time TSA Data and Digital Resources
Travelers can monitor IAH TSA wait times in real time through multiple channels:
- MyTSA App: Updated every five minutes based on live checkpoint sensors.
- Fly2Houston.com: Displays current wait times, TSA PreCheck availability, and checkpoint operating hours.
- Google Maps & Apple Maps: Integrated with airport data for estimated security delays.
TSA also posts daily travel tips on social media during major travel weeks, offering guidance on what to pack and how to move efficiently through checkpoints.
Summary: Smooth Sailing at IAH Ahead of the Holidays
As of November 2025, travelers passing through George Bush Intercontinental Airport can expect faster, more reliable screening thanks to TSA’s modernization and staffing improvements. The combination of new technology, expanded PreCheck services, and live wait-time tracking has made navigating IAH’s security process smoother than in previous years.
The airport still experiences occasional rush-hour backups, but data shows that IAH is outperforming many similarly sized U.S. airports in maintaining consistent throughput.
Whether heading home for the holidays or traveling abroad, passengers can feel confident that IAH’s TSA operations are prepared for record-breaking crowds — and that smart planning can make all the difference in a stress-free journey.
Heading to IAH soon? Share your experience with IAH TSA wait times and let other travelers know your best tips for breezing through security.