Security Delays at US Airports: A Deep Dive

Strategic Insights -

Security-related delays at US airports have significant consequences, impacting millions of travelers. While rare, these incidents can have a ripple effect, causing delays and frustration for air travelers. According to a recent study, security delays occur at roughly 2 per 1,000 flights nationwide, with some airports experiencing significantly more incidents than others.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed data from the 60 largest US airports, using Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) data from July 2024 through June 2025.
  • Security-related delays occur at approximately 2 per 1,000 flights nationwide, with a duration of 40-50 minutes on average.
  • The top 10 airports with the highest rates of security-related incidents include:

+ Daniel K. Inouye Intl. (HNL): 7 incidents -- 34.3 minutes

+ Orlando Intl. (MCO): 6.3 incidents -- 45.1 minutes

+ Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Intl. (FLL): 5.5 incidents -- 31.9 minutes

+ Oakland Intl. (OAK): 4.7 incidents -- 44.6 minutes

+ Kahului (OGG): 4.7 incidents -- 32.2 minutes

+ Charlotte Douglas Intl. (CLT): 3.8 incidents -- 41.1 minutes

+ Dallas Love Field (DAL): 3.4 incidents -- 51.3 minutes

+ Baltimore/Washington Intl. (BWI): 3.3 incidents -- 47.9 minutes

+ William P. Hobby (HOU): 3.1 incidents -- 49.5 minutes

+ Seattle-Tacoma Intl. (SEA): 3 incidents -- 57.8 minutes

  • Hawaii's airports (HNL and OGG) stand out for higher rates of security delays, which can be due to limited terminal space and intensive international screening requirements.
  • Other airports on the list, such as Dallas Love Field and Baltimore, experience screening shortfalls that amplify broader operational bottlenecks, leading to lengthy security delays.

Statistics:

  • Security delays occur at approximately 2 per 1,000 flights nationwide.
  • The average duration of security-related delays is 40-50 minutes.
  • Top 10 airports with the highest rates of security-related incidents:

+ HNL (Daniel K. Inouye Intl.): 7 incidents -- 34.3 minutes

+ MCO (Orlando Intl.): 6.3 incidents -- 45.1 minutes

+ FLL (Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Intl.): 5.5 incidents -- 31.9 minutes

+ OAK (Oakland Intl.): 4.7 incidents -- 44.6 minutes

+ OGG (Kahului): 4.7 incidents -- 32.2 minutes

+ CLT (Charlotte Douglas Intl.): 3.8 incidents -- 41.1 minutes

+ DAL (Dallas Love Field): 3.4 incidents -- 51.3 minutes

+ BWI (Baltimore/Washington Intl.): 3.3 incidents -- 47.9 minutes

+ HOU (William P. Hobby): 3.1 incidents -- 49.5 minutes

+ SEA (Seattle-Tacoma Intl.): 3 incidents -- 57.8 minutes

Sources:

  • PRNewswire, "Study Reveals Most Prone Airports for Security-Related Delays - Even with Efficient Screenings, Airports Face Challenging Delays"
  • Upgraded Points LLC, a travel company that helps demystify the complex world of travel and credit cards.