Airport Security Guide

Long Beach (LGB) Security Tips

LGB has 1 security checkpoint with TSA PreCheck lanes and CLEAR biometric lanes. Security is busiest 6–9 AM and 4–6 PM. Use the Leave-By Time calculator to fold the modeled LGB wait forecast, your drive, and gate-walk into one exact departure time.

How many security checkpoints does LGB have?

LGB has 1 security checkpoint 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. CLEAR biometric kiosks are also deployed at LGB, letting enrolled members skip the ID-verification queue entirely. See CLEAR at LGB for details.

When is LGB security busiest?

LGB security lines are typically longest during 6–9 AM and 4–6 PM. Outside those windows, wait times drop substantially — check the LGB 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 LGB 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 LGB security checkpoint is fastest?

LGB operates a single main checkpoint, so all passengers enter the same security lane. TSA PreCheck is the primary tool for faster throughput here — members keep shoes, belts, and laptops packed.

CLEAR is available at LGB and can be stacked with TSA PreCheck for the fastest path through security: CLEAR handles the biometric ID verification, PreCheck handles the bin-free lane. If you frequently travel through LGB during peak windows, combining both programs is the most effective approach. See CLEAR at LGB for kiosk locations and current status.

What are the top LGB airport security tips?

These tips are specific to Long Beach (LGB) and verified against current airport configuration:

• LGB has just one security checkpoint (the Main Checkpoint, open daily roughly 4am–11pm) serving both the North and South Concourses — there's no alternate checkpoint to route around a line, so plan your arrival around the 6–9am and 4–6pm peaks.
• TSA PreCheck lanes typically run 5am–5pm and CLEAR+ runs roughly 6am–6pm at the Main Checkpoint; outside those windows, everyone uses the standard lane.
• Typical waits run 10–15 minutes off-peak but can stretch to 30–45 minutes during the busiest departure banks — arrive at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight, or 2 hours during peak periods.
• Boarding is open-air on both concourses — you'll walk across the tarmac to reach the aircraft even after clearing security, so budget a few extra minutes and dress for outdoor conditions.
• There is no airport lounge at LGB (no Priority Pass or pay-per-visit option) — plan to relax at gate seating or Boathouse on the Bay in the South Concourse instead.

Does LGB have TSA PreCheck?

Yes — LGB 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 LGB 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 LGB.

LGB 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 LGB PreCheck lanes. Details on Global Entry at LGB.

LGB security at a glance

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