Thread: How long would it take to get through John Wayne Airport security?

If you guys don't know that airport. Then at least in general, how long does it take to get through airport security. Not on like holidays but just regular days. I don't fly often at all so I'm clueless

Thanks!

You can never say exactly how long it takes to clear security at any airport. It all depends on how many planes are taking off around the same time yours does and how many people are at the checkpoint when you are.

I've been through checkpoints that didn't take more than a few minutes and some that took as long as 45 minutes. There's also the possibility that you'll be pulled aside for a more thorough screening. In general I would say around 10-15 minutes is fairly normal, but be prepared for it to take longer.

I normally fly out of LAX 3 times a month, but on average, I would say that it takes 30 minutes to an hour to get from curb (outside the terminal) to gate. This of course is dependent on frequent flyer status, express lines, checking bags or carry-on only, boarding pass in hand, or need to check in to get one. There are obviously a lot of variables.

John Wayne is a smaller airport so the security times are very hit or miss. Most times the lines are not long at all--- not many travelers-- and you can be done in 10 minutes or less, but now and then you show up at the same time as everyone else, and it takes a full 30 minutes because there's so many more passengers than security workers.

But it is a very small airport so once you are through security, you will be at your gate in no time. Seriously it's like 5 minutes or less from the security checkpoint to the furthest gate.

If you're flying from John Wayne, and not checking any bags, I would arrive about 1 hour before the flight's departure time. Add a few more minutes if you will be parking your car; even though the garage is very close, sometimes you have to drive around a bit before finding an extra space. If you're checking a bag, add 15 more minutes or check with your airline for their cutoff time to accept checked bags. When you arrive, have a look at the line; if it's very short, grab a coffee and enjoy it before going through security; there's not very many choices for refreshments past security. If the line looks long, skip the coffeee and head for security. Your plane will board about 30 minutes before departure time, and if you walk in the front door exactly one hour before the flight or 30 minutes before boarding and don't have any checked bags and already have your boarding passes printed from home, there's no way you won't make your flight.

Also the runway at OC Airport is pretty short so be prepared for a very fast, steep takeoff!