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Is TSA PreCheck Open at SFO?

Yes — TSA PreCheck runs at San Francisco (SFO). Both lanes are short right now — only a couple of minutes either way. PreCheck costs $76.75–$85 for 5 years and lets you keep your shoes, belt, and laptop on.

Is TSA PreCheck open at SFO right now?

The SFO PreCheck lane is open with almost no wait as of the latest read. We show the PreCheck wait next to the standard wait on the live SFO TSA wait times board, so you always see the current gap before you leave.

PreCheck vs. the standard line at SFO

Here is how the lanes compare at SFO right now:

CheckpointStandardPreCheck
Checkpoint A1 min0 min
Checkpoint B3 min1 min
Checkpoint B - Mezzanine Level—5 min
Checkpoint D1 min1 min
Checkpoint F1 min1 min

Live where SFO reports a feed, and our typical-pattern estimate when a lane is quiet. A dash means that lane is closed right now.

Which SFO terminals have a PreCheck lane?

SFO has 4 terminals (1, 2, 3, International), and PreCheck lanes operate at checkpoints across them. Hours vary by checkpoint, so a lane may close at off-peak times — the live board flags which are open, and which checkpoint sits closest to your gates.

Enrolling in TSA PreCheck

PreCheck costs $76.75–$85 for 5 years. Our TSA PreCheck enrollment guide covers the fee breakdown, renewal and military discounts, and where to enroll near SFO.

Deciding between programs? Our PreCheck vs CLEAR vs Global Entry, TSA PreCheck vs CLEAR, and Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck guides cover the trade-offs. Or see what's on site at SFO: CLEAR at SFO and Global Entry at SFO.

How PreCheck changes your Leave-By Time

A faster lane means a shorter security buffer — but only when the lane is actually short. Instead of guessing, set your Leave-By Time: it folds the live SFO PreCheck wait, your drive with traffic, and the walk to your gate into one exact time to leave home. When PreCheck is moving, you see the difference — with room to breathe.

Driving and parking at SFO? Compare SFO airport parking and fold the lot and shuttle into the same Leave-By Time.

See also: Is TSA PreCheck open right now?, how early to arrive at the airport, and whether you need a REAL ID to fly.

Common questions about PreCheck at SFO

Is TSA PreCheck open at SFO right now?

Yes — TSA PreCheck is open at SFO, and both lanes are short right now, only a couple of minutes either way.

Which SFO terminals have TSA PreCheck?

PreCheck lanes operate at SFO checkpoints across 4 terminals (1, 2, 3, International), and the live board shows each PreCheck wait next to the standard one.

Does TSA PreCheck let you arrive at SFO later?

PreCheck usually clears you faster, but plan your arrival from the live SFO wait and your Leave-By Time rather than a fixed rule, since lanes still slow at peak hours.

Is Global Entry or PreCheck better for SFO flyers?

Global Entry costs $120 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck, so it is the better value if you ever fly internationally; PreCheck alone fits domestic-only travel.

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