I showed up to MSY and waited 2 hours….WITH clear….no checked bag…almost missed my flight So I show up to MIA 3 hours early and TSA took…..5 minutes Fuck it, we drink ⏱️ 5m, 120m, 120m, 180m
Last updated: Mar 24, 2026 09:14 AM ET — 2 reports across 2 days
Based on the most recent reports, TSA wait times at MIA vary significantly by security program and time of day. A traveler using Global Entry experienced approximately 20 minutes to clear security (Mon Mar 23, 7:27 PM), though processing took longer due to a facial recognition mismatch requiring manual verification. In contrast, another traveler who arrived 3 hours early reported clearing TSA in just 5 minutes (Tue Mar 24, 12:12 AM), suggesting very light traffic during late-night hours.
The data highlights the value of both timing and enrollment programs. Travelers with Global Entry or PreCheck should expect faster processing than standard screening, though delays can occur when biometric systems flag discrepancies. Late-night arrivals (after midnight) appear to have minimal waits, while evening peak hours (around 7 PM) may see moderate delays even with expedited programs.
Recommendation: Arrive at least 2–3 hours before your flight during daytime and evening hours. If you have Global Entry or PreCheck, you may be able to reduce this slightly, but arrive early enough to account for potential manual verification delays. If traveling very early morning or late night, 90 minutes may be sufficient, but don't rely on it—the 5-minute wait (Tue Mar 24, 12:12 AM) reflects exceptionally light conditions.