Don’t Let TSA Lines at O’Hare Ruin Your Travel Plans – Here’s What to Expect

These are the days when waiting in line is part of the season.

Whether waiting at the check-out line at the busy grocery store or standing around to get that gift on Black Friday at a deep discount, we're prepared to play the waiting game.

That is until we have to board a plane. That's when, at least to me, every moment is crucial.

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I don't know about you, but even when I give myself enough time to make my flight, I still like arriving early at the gate because "getting through security is a hassle."

Navigating Chicago's Airports

If you've ever flown out of O'Hare or Midway Airports in Chicago, you've probably said the same when figuring out when to head out.

I consider myself an experienced flier, and I still have to give myself more time than normal. I should think again.

How Long Are O’Hare’s TSA Lines?

That's because some relatively recent airport wait times data from the website Bounce just came out.

READ MORE: 5 Tips To Sleeping Peacefully On A Chicago O’Hare Flight

O'Hare ranked near the top of United States airports with the longest TSA lines. While that might sound discouraging, the average security wait time is only 19:18. That's right, just under 20 minutes to get through security isn't too bad. At least I don't think so.

Flying Internationally? Add Extra Time

Traveling abroad, though, makes the wait substantially longer, as you can add an extra 20:08 to the experience.

Passport and security will take just under 40 minutes, all told. Still, that's far from the two to three hours I allow myself before flying out.

Then again, it's just an average, so it's best to remind you your mileage may vary based on these numbers.

If it takes longer, just stay calm and tell yourself you'll eventually get through security. Eventually.