Airport Security Guide

Long Island (ISP) Security Tips

ISP has 2 security checkpoints with TSA PreCheck lanes. Security is busiest 6–9 AM and 4–7 PM. Use the Leave-By Time calculator to fold the modeled ISP wait forecast, your drive, and gate-walk into one exact departure time.

How many security checkpoints does ISP have?

ISP has 2 security checkpoints across 1 terminal (Main). TSA PreCheck dedicated lanes are available, giving members a faster, bin-free screening experience. PreCheck is open at the main checkpoints during regular screening hours, though an individual lane can close off-peak.

When is ISP security busiest?

ISP security lines are typically longest during 6–9 AM and 4–7 PM. Outside those windows, wait times drop substantially — check the ISP wait forecast for the current picture before you head out. General guidance:

• Domestic flights: arrive at least 2 hours before departure; 2.5 hours during peak periods.
• International flights: arrive at least 3 hours before departure to cover check-in, security, and any customs pre-clearance.

Not sure when to leave? The Leave-By Time calculator uses the modeled ISP wait forecast, real-time traffic, and your gate-walk distance to give you an exact departure time. Also see how early to arrive at the airport for a full breakdown by flight type.

Which ISP security checkpoint is fastest?

The checkpoint near Concourse A (serving Southwest, Frontier, JetBlue, Breeze, and Avelo) handles most of ISP's traffic; the smaller checkpoint near Concourse B serves only Cape Air's commuter flights and isn't an option for other airlines' passengers..

CLEAR is not currently available at ISP. TSA PreCheck at ISP remains the best single upgrade for reducing your security wait.

What are the top ISP airport security tips?

These tips are specific to Long Island (ISP) and verified against current airport configuration:

• ISP has two security checkpoints on the terminal's upper level — one near Concourse A (Southwest, Frontier, JetBlue, Breeze, Avelo) and a smaller one near Concourse B (Cape Air) — use the one matching your airline.
• The TSA checkpoint generally operates from around 4 AM until the last departure (roughly 8–9 PM) rather than 24 hours a day — if you're arriving very early or on a red-eye layover, confirm hours before counting on getting through security overnight.
• TSA PreCheck lanes are open at ISP; there is no CLEAR biometric lane at this small regional airport, so PreCheck is the only expedited-screening option here.
• ISP's own guidance recommends arriving 90 minutes before a domestic departure — generous for a small airport, but weekday-morning and Friday/Sunday-afternoon banks can still bring 20–30 minute waits.
• Because ISP is a single, compact terminal, you can clear security and reach any gate within a couple of minutes — there's no need to build in extra time for a long concourse walk like at a major hub.

Does ISP have TSA PreCheck?

Yes — ISP has TSA PreCheck lanes at its security checkpoints. PreCheck members keep shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops, and 3-1-1 liquids packed, and pass through a dedicated screening lane. Membership costs $85–$100 for five years and includes a Known Traveler Number (KTN) you add to every booking.

See live PreCheck wait times and current lane status on the ISP TSA PreCheck page. That page also covers which terminals have a PreCheck lane, enrollment locations, and how PreCheck compares to CLEAR and Global Entry at ISP.

ISP does not host a Global Entry enrollment center or Enrollment on Arrival, so the interview has to be completed at another location — but membership still pays off here, since Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck for the ISP PreCheck lanes. Details on Global Entry at ISP.

ISP security at a glance

See also: Live ISP TSA wait times · TSA PreCheck at ISP · How early to arrive at the airport