Waiting in long lines at security checkpoints can be distressing. You would always want to bypass the security checks and spend some more time at the airport, surveying the stores or grabbing a bite. Right? When you enroll in programmes like TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, you get the privilege of shorter wait times at security checkpoints. Also, non-peak hours experience less rush at the security checkpoints than the peak hours and holiday seasons. This article highlights EWR security wait times and provides essential tips to bypass long lines and shorten the process. So, let us get started.
What are the Security Wait Times At the Newark Liberty International Airport?
The EWR Security wait times are presented in the table mentioned below. However, this is just an estimate; for real-time updates, visit the official website. The wait times keep changing: they are high during peak hours and low at non-peak times. During holiday seasons and weekends, security checkpoints also see heavy traffic.
| Terminal | Gates | General Line | TSA Pre✓ Line |
| Terminal A | All gates | No wait time (at present) | No wait time (at present) |
| Terminal B | 40 to 49 | 4 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Terminal B | 51 to 57 | 1 minute | – |
| Terminal B | 60 to 68 | 30 minutes | – |
| Terminal C | All gates | 2 minutes | 2 minutes |
The custom wait time at EWR Terminal B is 63 minutes for permanent residents, U.S. passport holders, or returning ESTA holders. For visitors with a visa or first-time ESTA, the average customs wait time is 89 minutes.
Average Walk Time to the Gates At EWR Airport
The EWR Terminal has 125 gates in all – 33 for Terminal A, 24 for Terminal B, and 68 for Terminal C. The wait times of these gates vary from time to time. Here is an approximation of the walk times to the gates at the Newark Liberty International Airport.
| Terminal | Gates | Wait Times |
| Terminal A | 1 to 7 | 3 to 6 minutes |
| Terminal A | 8 to 28 | 2 to 10 minutes |
| Terminal A | 29 to 34 | 3 to 6 minutes |
| Terminal B | All Gates | 2 to 4 minutes |
| Terminal C | 70 to 74 | 1 to 3 minutes |
| Terminal C | 75 to 123 | 4 to 7 minutes |
| Terminal C | 125 to 139 | 7 to 10 minutes |
Taxi Wait Times At EWR Airport
All terminals at EWR offer taxi services for passengers’ convenience. The wait times are calculated in real time and updated throughout the day.
| Terminal | Level | Door | Wait Times |
| A | 1 | 5 | No wait times |
| B | 2 | 8 | 1 minute |
| B | 1 | 2 | 1 minute |
| C | 1 | 6 | 3 minutes |
What Reddit Users Have to Say About TSA PreCheck Wait Times?
Here is what Reddit users have to say about the EWR Security wait times:
- “ We were waiting at the TSA counter, and there were close to a 1000 people, but surprisingly it did not take us more than 25 minutes to complete the security check.
- “Terminal C is one of the best, especially for those in the TSA PreCheck lines”.
- “EWR is one of the best when it comes to security checks. I had lost a hat there, and they kept my hat aside in case I returned”.
- “On Easter Sunday, I flew from EWR, and the entire procedure took close to 45 minutes; considering the rush, it could have taken longer”.
- “Terminal C is faster, but I cannot say the same about Terminal A”.
Tips to Lessen Security Wait Times At EWR
True that during the times when there is a heavy rush, you cannot do much to lessen the queues, yet there are initiatives to be taken from your end to ensure that you get through the lines in a hassle-free manner.
- You must pack wisely. Check the TSA PreCheck website to learn about the norms and regulations, so you know what to pack and what not to.
- When you enroll for programs like TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, you get the privilege of expediting the security lines and will have to wait for a shorter span at the checkpoints. To learn more about the enrollment procedure, you can check TSA or CLEAR’s official website or get in touch with their agents at the airport.
- Reach the airport early, around two hours before you depart for domestic flights, and three hours before your departure time for international flights. If you are travelling during peak times or the holiday season, plan accordingly.
Explore our other blogs for more insights and updates.
Conclusion
Security wait times at Newark Liberty International Airport change throughout the day. Early mornings and mid-evenings are hectic. The same goes for holidays and weekends. You may check out EWR’s official website to know more about the real-time updates. When travelling during peak hours, such as Christmas or Thanksgiving, try to reach the airport early.
FAQs
It varies and depends on the time that you reach the airport – peak or non-peak hours, holiday or off-season. Terminal A has no wait times as of now, while at Terminal B and Terminal C, it is 1-2 minutes.
If you have a domestic flight to board, you must arrive at least 2 hours before your flight’s departure, whereas for international flights, you must arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
The best way to expedite security wait time at EWR Airport is to enroll in programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. You will not have to wait in line for long.
Many travellers say that Sunday and Monday mornings, and Friday evenings, are usually the busiest. Thanksgiving and Christmas also witness a huge rush, and the 23rd of December is one of the busiest days.
