LGA

LaGuardia Airport

Queens, New York 2 terminals Updated Oct. 9, 2026

LGA Security: Checkpoints, PreCheck and Wait Times

LaGuardia has passenger security in Terminal B and Terminal C. Terminal A is closed to the public right now, with no commercial flights. TSA PreCheck lanes operate in both open terminals, CLEAR+ is in Terminal C only, and the airport posts live wait times for B and C.

Your options at a glance

Terminal B security

TB Before security

Passenger screening for Terminal B airlines. Live General and PreCheck wait times are posted on the Terminal B page.
Terminal C security

TC Before security

Passenger screening for Delta in Terminal C. Live General and PreCheck wait times are posted on the Terminal C page.
TSA PreCheck (Terminals B and C)

TB Before security

PreCheck lanes operate in Terminal B and Terminal C, with wait times posted for both. Terminal B adds Touchless ID through select airlines.
B-FAST Express Pass

TB Before security

Paid front-of-the-line pass for a dedicated Terminal B security lane. Instant access or book ahead. No price is published before purchase.
CLEAR+ lanes, Terminal C

TC Before security

CLEAR+ lanes are in Terminal C only.

Hours
Sun to Fri 4:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Sat 4:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Where security is at LaGuardia

LaGuardia has three terminals, but only two are open for flights.

Terminal B serves Air Canada, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Porter, Southwest and United.
Terminal C is operated by Delta.
Terminal A, the historic Marine Air Terminal, is closed to the public. No commercial flights operate there.

You go through security in the terminal where your airline is. The two terminals are also linked by a pedestrian path, and the free All Terminals Shuttle runs between them. If you are unsure which terminal you need, check your airline's booking before you leave.

Where to see live wait times

The airport posts security wait times for Terminal B and Terminal C, each split into General and TSA PreCheck. You can see them on the LGA home page, the Departures Guide, and each terminal page.

The airport says the times are calculated and updated in real time. It also warns that they are measured from the checkpoint queue entry, so overflow lines beyond that point may mean a longer wait.

Terminal A has no wait times because it has no commercial flights.

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck lanes operate in both Terminal B and Terminal C, and LGA posts a PreCheck wait time for each. Terminal B also offers PreCheck Touchless ID with select participating airlines. The airport does not say where in either terminal the PreCheck lane starts, so follow the signs.

To enroll, start online with CLEAR, then finish in person. Enrollment centers, per CLEAR:

Terminal B: Level 2 Arrivals, between Baggage Claim 4 and 5 near the elevators.
Terminal C: Level 3, in front of the security checkpoint entrance, and also right after the checkpoint on the standard screening side.

Hours at each: Sunday to Friday 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

B-FAST pass at Terminal B

Terminal B sells a paid front-of-the-line security pass called B-FAST. You choose instant access or book ahead, then scan a QR code to use a dedicated lane.

The airport's page gives no price or lane hours, and the B-FAST site (bfast.aero) shows no amount before you buy. Check the price at purchase before you rely on it.

CLEAR at LaGuardia

CLEAR+ lanes at LGA are in Terminal C only, per CLEAR: Sunday to Friday 4:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday 4:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CLEAR lists no CLEAR+ lane in Terminal B, so Terminal B travelers use the regular or PreCheck lines.

The airport says CLEAR helps speed you through security lines. Download the CLEAR app and verify your identity before you go.

When to get to the airport

LGA and the Port Authority publish no recommended arrival time, so check your airline's own advice and leave extra time for the drive.

What the airport does say: airline check-in usually opens 3 to 4 hours before departure and closes 45 to 60 minutes before takeoff, and timing can differ by airline. Gate information is generally posted around 3 hours before departure.

Walk times from security to your gate

The airport gives these walk times from security:

Terminal B gates 11 to 31: 4 to 6 minutes.
Terminal B gates 40 to 59: 6 to 9 minutes.
Terminal C gates 60 to 69: 9 to 11 minutes.
Terminal C gates 70 to 79: 5 to 7 minutes.
Terminal C gates 80 to 89B: 3 to 5 minutes.
Terminal C gates 92 to 98: 5 to 10 minutes.

For directions to a specific gate, use the airport's interactive map.

ID and connecting flights

Federal rules require a REAL ID or Enhanced Driver's License for domestic flights, or a passport. If you have neither, the airport says you can pay a $45 fee to use TSA Confirm.ID instead. Fees can change, so check the TSA site.

If your connection means switching terminals, you will go through security again.

What the airport does not publish

The airport does not publish opening and closing hours for each checkpoint. Use the live wait times and your airline's check-in time, or contact the airport through its website.

B-FAST at Terminal B is the only paid booking option we found for security; regular lanes have no reservation system.

The airport also does not say which gates or airlines use which checkpoint inside a terminal.

Questions travelers ask

Which terminals at LGA have security?

Terminal B and Terminal C. Terminal A is closed to the public with no commercial flights. Go to the terminal where your airline operates.

Where can I see LGA security wait times?

The LGA home page, the Departures Guide and the Terminal B and Terminal C pages show live General and PreCheck wait times. They are measured from the checkpoint queue entry, so overflow lines may mean a longer wait.

Does LaGuardia have TSA PreCheck?

Yes, in both terminals. LGA posts PreCheck wait times for Terminal B and Terminal C. Terminal B also offers PreCheck Touchless ID through select airlines.

Does LGA have CLEAR?

Yes, in Terminal C only. CLEAR+ lanes run Sunday to Friday 4:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday 4:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., per CLEAR.

What is B-FAST at LaGuardia?

B-FAST is a paid front-of-the-line security pass at Terminal B. You pick instant access or book ahead, then scan a QR code at a dedicated lane. Neither LGA nor the B-FAST site shows a price before purchase.

How early should I get to LGA?

LGA publishes no recommended time. Airline check-in usually opens 3 to 4 hours before departure and closes 45 to 60 minutes before takeoff, and airlines vary, so check yours and allow extra time for traffic.

How long does it take to walk to the gate after security?

In Terminal B, the airport lists 4 to 9 minutes. In Terminal C, it lists 3 to 11 minutes, depending on the gate.

Where do I get TSA PreCheck at LGA?

Pre-enroll online with CLEAR, then finish in person at Terminal B (Level 2 Arrivals, between Baggage Claim 4 and 5) or Terminal C (Level 3). Hours are Sunday to Friday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Do I go through security again if I change terminals at LGA?

Yes. The airport says that if your connection requires you to switch terminals, you must pass through security screening again.

More at LGA

ParkingOfficial lots, cheaper off-site options and where to wait for pickups. HotelsHotels at and near the airport, shuttles and sleeping in the terminal. To the cityTrains, buses, taxis, rideshare and private transfers. LoungesWhich lounge is in your terminal and how to get in without status. FoodBest bites terminal by terminal, before or after security. Lost and foundWho to contact: your airline, the terminal or the airport. Car rentalWhere the rental counters are and how to reach them. WifiHow to connect, charging spots and an eSIM if you land abroad.

Sources and last check

Checked by our team on Oct. 9, 2026 against these official sources: