Hollywood Burbank Airport Security Wait Times & BUR Queue Guide 2026
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR/KBUR) security wait times by hour and day of week. Queue estimates for Terminal A and Terminal B checkpoints, TSA PreCheck pricing and lane hours, standard X-ray screening rules, peak periods and the quietest windows at BUR, the compact Southern California airport that set a passenger record of 6.5 million in 2024 and is undergoing a $1.3 billion terminal replacement set to open in October 2026.
Hollywood Burbank Airport Security Wait Times Today
The Hollywood Burbank Airport security wait time estimates below reflect the typical queue at each terminal checkpoint for this hour and day of week. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR/KBUR) operates two terminals in a single building: Terminal A with nine gates (A1 through A9) primarily serving Southwest Airlines, and Terminal B with five gates (B1 through B5) serving all other carriers. Each terminal has its own TSA security checkpoint. Terminal A has two checkpoints, one near Gate A1 and one near Gate A5. Terminal B has one checkpoint near Gate B1. The checkpoints open at approximately 4:30 a.m. daily and remain staffed until the last departure. Because the two terminals share one building and are connected airside, passengers who clear either checkpoint can walk freely between all gates without re-screening. BUR is consistently rated one of the fastest airports to move through in Southern California, with standard lane waits well below those at LAX, LGB or SNA on most days.
How Long Is Security at Hollywood Burbank Airport?
Security wait times at Hollywood Burbank Airport are among the shortest of any airport in the Los Angeles area. During the quiet midweek window from 09:00 to 14:00, most passengers clear the standard lane in 5 to 10 minutes at either terminal. During the morning peak from 05:30 to 08:00, when Southwest concentrates its heaviest departure wave from Terminal A, waits of 15 to 22 minutes are common in the standard lane and can reach 25 minutes on the busiest Mondays and Fridays. Terminal B follows a similar morning pattern, with Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue and United adding to checkpoint volume during the same window. Chase Travel and multiple third-party tracking sources put the typical BUR range at 5 to 20 minutes, reflecting the airport’s generally relaxed pace outside peak periods.
TSA PreCheck members at BUR typically clear the dedicated PreCheck lane in under 5 minutes at most hours. PreCheck lanes are available at all checkpoints in Terminal A and Terminal B. CLEAR is not currently available at Hollywood Burbank Airport. Global Entry members receive TSA PreCheck access for BUR departures, though the customs kiosk benefit does not apply as BUR is a domestic airport. The nearest TSA PreCheck enrollment center is at 2436 W. Victory Boulevard in Burbank, open weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., approximately 2 miles from the airport. There is no on-site enrollment center at BUR itself.
One practical advantage of Hollywood Burbank Airport is that the two terminals share a building and are connected airside. Once you clear either checkpoint, you can walk the full length of all 14 gates without re-screening. The maximum gate walk from any checkpoint to the farthest gate is under 5 minutes on foot. This compact layout eliminates the shuttle rides, train connections and long concourse walks that make security at larger LA-area airports more time-consuming. The tradeoff in 2026 is that Elevate BUR construction has introduced road closures and lane reductions near the airport entrance, adding unpredictability to surface access times that the airport’s historically frictionless curb-to-gate experience previously avoided.
Hollywood Burbank Airport Security and the 2026 Screening Setup
Hollywood Burbank Airport uses standard X-ray checkpoint screening at all checkpoints in Terminal A and Terminal B as of April 2026. CT scanner technology, which allows laptops and liquids to remain inside carry-on bags during screening, has not been deployed at BUR. The official TSA guidance for BUR confirms that passengers in the standard lane must remove electronics larger than a cell phone from their carry-on bags and place them in a separate bin, and must remove shoes, jackets and hats. The TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule applies in full: each liquid container must be 3.4 ounces or 100ml or less, and all containers must fit in a single clear quart-sized resealable bag placed separately in a bin.
TSA PreCheck members are exempt from shoe removal and from the laptop and liquid bin requirements, keeping shoes on and leaving electronics and liquids inside their bag. REAL ID enforcement began at all US airport checkpoints on May 7, 2025. A REAL ID-compliant state ID or driver’s licence (look for the star marking) or a US passport is required to pass through the BUR checkpoint. If your ID is not REAL ID compliant and you have no alternative identification, allow time for the additional document review process.
On the capital side, the Elevate BUR replacement terminal is the defining infrastructure story at Hollywood Burbank Airport in 2026. The $1.3 billion project reached a topping out milestone in January 2025 and was approximately 55 percent complete as of September 2025, remaining on track for an October 2026 opening. The new 355,000-square-foot building will feature 14 gates, a single consolidated TSA checkpoint serving all airlines, expanded concessions, larger holdrooms, full ADA compliance and seismic resilience. Once the new terminal opens, the existing 1930s-era building will be demolished. During the construction phase in 2026, all current terminal operations and checkpoint configurations remain unchanged.
Hollywood Burbank Airport Security Checkpoints: What to Expect
Hollywood Burbank Airport operates three TSA checkpoints across two terminals, all within the same building. Terminal A checkpoints are located near Gate A1 and near Gate A5 on the upper level of the terminal. Terminal B has one checkpoint near Gate B1, also on the upper level. The upper level of both terminals houses airline check-in desks, security checkpoints and gate areas. Baggage claim and ground transportation are on the ground floor. After clearing any checkpoint, passengers access a compact gate corridor. The terminals are connected airside, so you can walk between all 14 gates without exiting the secure area.
There are no jet bridges at Hollywood Burbank Airport. All boarding is via stair ramp directly onto the tarmac, which is part of BUR’s distinctive character as an open-air airport. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for outdoor conditions, particularly in summer heat. Gate walks inside the secure area are short: the farthest gate from the Terminal A checkpoint near A1 is approximately a 2-minute walk. All gates at Terminal B are within 2 minutes of the B1 checkpoint. Southwest check-in is in the upper-level ticketing hall at Terminal A. All other airlines check in at the upper level of Terminal B. Curbside check-in is available for Southwest at the Terminal A kerb.
Terminal A: Southwest Airlines
5 to 10 minutes off peak on weekdays. During the morning window from 05:30 to 08:00, expect 15 to 22 minutes in the standard lane, reaching 25 minutes on the busiest Mondays and Fridays when Southwest concentrates its heaviest departure banks from Terminal A. The two checkpoints near A1 and A5 share the load, but the bag-drop area in the ticketing hall can create additional congestion before passengers even reach the checkpoint during peak periods. Checking in via mobile boarding pass and checking bags curbside (for a $3 per-bag fee) can save time in the ticketing hall. Southwest does not use a boarding group number; instead it uses a boarding group (A, B or C) determined at check-in, which opens exactly 24 hours before departure.
Southwest Airlines is the anchor carrier at Hollywood Burbank Airport, operating from all nine Terminal A gates and accounting for the majority of daily departures at BUR. Southwest serves destinations across the western United States and beyond, with typical routes including Las Vegas, Oakland, San Francisco, Phoenix, Denver, Seattle and Portland among others. Southwest uses mobile check-in opening 24 hours before departure, and the exact time of check-in determines your boarding group (A, B or C) and therefore your seat selection. Southwest does not operate a lounge at Hollywood Burbank Airport. All passengers queue in the same standard or PreCheck lanes at the Terminal A checkpoints. Ramp boarding is in use at BUR: all passengers walk across the tarmac to board via aircraft stairs, so outdoor conditions apply.
Terminal B: All Other Airlines
5 to 10 minutes off peak on weekdays. The single checkpoint near Gate B1 serves all carriers at Terminal B. During the morning peak from 05:30 to 08:00 and the afternoon peak from 15:00 to 18:00, waits of 12 to 20 minutes are common. With only five gates, Terminal B is extremely compact: all gates are within a 2-minute walk of the checkpoint. Delta Air Lines is the only carrier at Terminal B offering regular long-haul domestic service, with routes to its Atlanta hub. All other Terminal B carriers focus on Western US routes, making Terminal B a busy but fast-moving checkpoint at most hours.
Terminal B accommodates nine carriers across just five gates. Gate assignments rotate by departure time, so always confirm your gate on the airport flight information screens or your airline app. Allegiant Air launched BUR service in February 2026 and Breeze Airways followed in March 2026, both entering after Avelo Airlines closed its Burbank base in December 2025. Delta Air Lines is the only Terminal B carrier with regular service beyond the western United States, connecting BUR to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson. No airline lounges are available at Hollywood Burbank Airport. Delta Sky Priority benefits (priority check-in and boarding) are available at the Delta counter but do not include a separate security lane at BUR. TSA PreCheck is the only program offering a meaningfully faster screening lane at Terminal B.
Hollywood Burbank Airport Security Peak Hours and Best Times to Fly
The two busiest windows at Hollywood Burbank Airport security are 05:30 to 08:00 and 15:00 to 18:00. Southwest Airlines concentrates its largest departure wave into the early morning window every day of the week at Terminal A, and Terminal B carriers follow a similar pattern. Because BUR is a compact airport with a relatively low daily throughput compared to LAX, even moderate congestion during these windows can produce waits that feel out of proportion with BUR’s usual frictionless reputation. Mondays and Fridays carry the heaviest load at BUR. The Friday afternoon and evening surge is particularly acute as leisure travelers and business commuters both depart simultaneously.
Holiday travel periods add substantially to all baselines. Thanksgiving week, the Christmas and New Year period, Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend generate the longest queues of the year. During these periods, standard lane waits of 20 to 30 minutes are possible at both terminals during morning and afternoon peaks. The quietest windows at Hollywood Burbank Airport are 09:00 to 14:00 on weekdays and after 19:00 on any day. A Tuesday or Wednesday midday departure during a non-holiday period is the most relaxed combination available at BUR, typically clearing in under 8 minutes in the standard lane at either terminal.
| Time of Day | Typical BUR Security Wait (Standard Lane) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 04:30 to 05:29 | Under 7 min (checkpoints just opened) | Quiet |
| 05:30 to 05:59 | 8 to 12 min | Moderate |
| 06:00 to 07:59 | 16 to 22 min (25 min on holidays) | Peak |
| 08:00 to 08:59 | 10 to 15 min | Busy |
| 09:00 to 09:59 | 7 to 11 min | Moderate |
| 10:00 to 13:59 | 5 to 9 min | Quiet |
| 14:00 to 14:59 | 7 to 11 min | Moderate |
| 15:00 to 17:59 | 14 to 22 min | Busy |
| 18:00 to 18:59 | 9 to 14 min | Moderate |
| 19:00 to last flight | 5 to 9 min | Quiet |
Hollywood Burbank Airport Priority Security: TSA PreCheck
Priority security at Hollywood Burbank Airport runs entirely through TSA PreCheck. There is no CLEAR at BUR, no airline-managed priority security lane and no paid per-trip priority pass at either terminal. Southwest Airlines does not operate a business class cabin. Delta Air Lines passengers at Terminal B have no access to a Delta Sky Club or a Delta Sky Priority security lane at BUR. The one meaningful way to move through either BUR checkpoint materially faster is TSA PreCheck.
Recommended Arrival Times at Hollywood Burbank Airport
Hollywood Burbank Airport officially recommends arriving at least 90 minutes before your domestic flight departure under normal conditions, and at least two hours before departure during peak holiday travel periods. The airport’s own FAQ page notes that BUR is famous for its ease and quick-moving security lines, but adds a two-hour advisory during holiday peaks. For most travelers in 2026, the 90-minute recommendation is sufficient during off-peak weekday hours, but it does not account for parking, the Elevate BUR construction traffic advisory currently affecting Hollywood Way and surrounding access roads, bag drop time or gate walk time.
For checked-bag passengers, add 15 minutes to your landside buffer. Southwest bag-drop lines at Terminal A can spill and create congestion in the ticketing hall during morning banks, so arrive with time to spare on busy travel days. All flights at Hollywood Burbank Airport serve domestic destinations only; there are no international departure timings to plan for at BUR. Public transport is available via Metrolink and Amtrak from the Burbank Airport South station on Empire Avenue, directly across from the terminal, and from the Burbank Airport North station on San Fernando Road and Hollywood Way. A free hotel and airport shuttle island operates at the front of the terminal. Metro Bus routes 165, 169, 222 and 294 serve stops near the airport.
When Should I Leave for Hollywood Burbank Airport? Calculator
Enter your flight departure time below to get a recommended time to be inside the BUR terminal. The calculator factors in the typical Hollywood Burbank Airport security wait at your departure hour, gate walk time, bag drop time and a safety buffer. All flights at Hollywood Burbank Airport are domestic.
Tips to Beat Hollywood Burbank Airport Security Queues
BUR is already one of the easiest airports in Southern California, but a handful of decisions can make the experience even smoother regardless of when you are flying.
- Enroll in TSA PreCheck before your next BUR flight. At $78 for five years, PreCheck is the most cost-effective security upgrade available at Hollywood Burbank Airport. CLEAR is not available at BUR, so PreCheck is the only program that gets you into a dedicated faster lane. Any passenger who flies through BUR more than twice a year and does not hold PreCheck is leaving meaningful time savings on the table, particularly during the 06:00 to 08:00 Southwest morning peak. Apply at tsaprecheck.com or visit the enrollment center at 2436 W. Victory Boulevard in Burbank before your trip; there is no on-site center at BUR.
- Avoid the 06:00 to 08:00 window in the standard lane if you can. Southwest morning banks from Terminal A generate the busiest checkpoint conditions at BUR. If your Southwest flight departs at 07:00 and you do not hold TSA PreCheck, arriving at the terminal by 05:15 puts you ahead of the main surge. After 06:00, the standard lane at Terminal A fills quickly and stays busy until around 08:30.
- Use mobile boarding passes and check in via app. Southwest check-in opens 24 hours before departure and the exact time you check in determines your boarding group (A, B or C), which affects your position in the boarding queue and therefore your seat selection. Delta, American, Alaska, United, JetBlue and all other Terminal B carriers also support mobile boarding passes, reducing landside processing time before you reach the checkpoint.
- Consider Southwest curbside check-in for a $3 per-bag fee. The Southwest bag-drop area in the Terminal A ticketing hall can overflow during morning peaks. Curbside check-in on the Terminal A kerb bypasses the indoor queue and can save 10 to 15 minutes on a busy morning. Curbside typically opens when the first Southwest counters open, around 4:30 a.m.
- Allow extra road time for Elevate BUR construction. A traffic advisory is in effect through at least June 6, 2026, with road closures and lane reductions near the airport on Hollywood Way and adjacent streets. Add 10 to 15 minutes to your normal drive time from most San Fernando Valley locations. Metrolink and Amtrak service to Burbank Airport South station on Empire Avenue is a reliable alternative during the construction period.
- Use the MyTSA app before leaving home. The MyTSA app provides checkpoint-level wait time estimates for BUR based on historical throughput data. Check 30 to 60 minutes before your planned departure to catch any conditions that are running longer than typical. There is no official live wait display on the Hollywood Burbank Airport website, so MyTSA is the most reliable tool available.
- Pack liquids in your checked bag where possible. The 3-1-1 rule applies fully at BUR and standard X-ray is in use (not CT scanning). Removing a liquids bag from your carry-on adds time at the conveyor and increases the chance of a secondary screen. Checking a bag eliminates this step entirely if you are already paying for checked luggage.
- Remember ramp boarding at BUR. All boarding at Hollywood Burbank Airport is via aircraft stairs directly from the tarmac. There are no jet bridges. Wear comfortable shoes, dress for the weather and be ready for a brief outdoor walk at both boarding and deplaning. This is especially relevant in summer when the tarmac temperature can be significantly higher than the terminal.
- Know the airside connection between terminals. Terminal A and Terminal B are connected in the secure area after the checkpoint. If your gate assignment changes or you want to access dining at the other terminal, you can walk freely between all 14 gates without re-clearing security. This is worth knowing if you have a delayed departure and want to access facilities at the opposite end of the building.
Hollywood Burbank Airport Layout and Terminal Overview
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR/KBUR) is located in Burbank, California, approximately 12 miles north of downtown Los Angeles and 3 miles northwest of downtown Burbank, at 2627 N Hollywood Way. It is owned and operated by the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority (BGPAA) and serves the San Fernando Valley, Glendale, Pasadena and the northern Greater Los Angeles area. The airport set a passenger record in 2024 with approximately 6.5 million travelers. Federal law restricts Hollywood Burbank Airport to domestic destinations only; travelers requiring international flights must use Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or another regional gateway.
The terminal is a single building housing both Terminal A (nine gates, A1 through A9) and Terminal B (five gates, B1 through B5), connected airside without the need to re-clear security between terminals. Terminal A checkpoints are on the upper level near Gate A1 and Gate A5. The Terminal B checkpoint is on the upper level near Gate B1. Upper levels house airline check-in counters, security and gates; ground floors house baggage claim and ground transportation. Three parking facilities serve the terminal: the Short Term Parking Structure (closest, with direct pedestrian access), Economy Lots A, C and E (connected by shuttle), and Covered Lot G. The Regional Intermodal Transportation Center (RITC) directly across from the terminal houses rental car facilities and bus connections. Metrolink and Amtrak trains stop at Burbank Airport South station on Empire Avenue directly across from the terminal, providing a rail connection to downtown Los Angeles and beyond. For the full terminal layout, gate locations and navigation guide, see our Hollywood Burbank Airport map and terminal guide.
Hollywood Burbank Airport Security: FAQ
How long is security at Hollywood Burbank Airport in 2026?
Security wait times at Hollywood Burbank Airport typically run 5 to 12 minutes during off-peak weekday hours. Terminal A (Southwest, Gates A1 to A9) has two checkpoints and Terminal B (all other carriers, Gates B1 to B5) has one checkpoint. During the morning peak from 05:30 to 08:00, waits of 15 to 22 minutes are common in the standard lane, reaching 25 minutes on the busiest Mondays and Fridays. The afternoon peak from 15:00 to 18:00 produces similar conditions. TSA PreCheck members typically clear in under 5 minutes. Hollywood Burbank Airport does not publish an official live wait time display; use the MyTSA app for checkpoint estimates at BUR.
Does Hollywood Burbank Airport have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?
TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a five-year membership and gives access to a dedicated lane at all checkpoints in Terminal A and Terminal B. In the PreCheck lane you keep on shoes, belt and light jacket and leave laptops and liquids in your bag. There is no TSA enrollment center on site at BUR; the nearest is at 2436 W. Victory Boulevard in Burbank, open weekdays 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CLEAR is not currently available at Hollywood Burbank Airport. Global Entry members receive TSA PreCheck access for BUR departures; the nearest Global Entry enrollment center is at LAX, approximately 30 miles away.
When is Hollywood Burbank Airport security busiest?
The two busiest windows at Hollywood Burbank Airport are the morning peak from 05:30 to 08:00 and the afternoon and early evening peak from 15:00 to 18:00. Southwest concentrates its heaviest departure banks in the early morning at Terminal A, and Terminal B carriers follow a similar pattern. Mondays and Fridays are the most congested days. The quietest windows are 09:00 to 14:00 on weekdays and after 19:00 on any day. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at midday represent the most relaxed combination at BUR.
What time should I arrive at Hollywood Burbank Airport?
Arrive at least 90 minutes before your domestic departure under normal conditions and two hours before departure during peak holiday travel periods. If checking bags, add 15 minutes for bag drop, particularly at the Southwest Terminal A counter during morning peaks. Elevate BUR construction has introduced road closures affecting Hollywood Way and surrounding access roads through at least June 6, 2026; add 10 to 15 minutes above your normal drive time during this period. TSA PreCheck members can generally manage with 60 to 75 minutes before departure during off-peak periods.
Does Hollywood Burbank Airport use CT scanners?
No. Hollywood Burbank Airport uses standard X-ray screening at all checkpoints in Terminal A and Terminal B as of April 2026. Passengers must remove electronics larger than a cell phone from their carry-on bags and must remove shoes, jackets and hats. CT scanner technology allowing laptops and liquids to remain in the bag has not been deployed at BUR. The TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule applies in full. TSA PreCheck members are exempt from shoe removal and from laptop and liquid bin requirements. Pack accordingly if you are traveling in the standard lane.
Which airlines operate at Hollywood Burbank Airport in 2026?
Nine airlines operate scheduled passenger service at Hollywood Burbank Airport in 2026. Terminal A serves Southwest Airlines (Gates A1 to A9). Terminal B serves Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Allegiant Air and Breeze Airways (Gates B1 to B5). Allegiant launched BUR service in February 2026 and Breeze in March 2026, entering after Avelo Airlines closed its Burbank base in December 2025. All flights at Hollywood Burbank Airport are domestic. Use LAX for international travel.
Does Hollywood Burbank Airport have a live security wait time display?
Hollywood Burbank Airport does not publish an official live security wait time display. The official hollywoodburbankairport.com website notes that BUR is famous for quick-moving security lines but does not provide a live checkpoint tracker. The MyTSA mobile app is the most reliable tool for checkpoint estimates at BUR, using historical throughput data and TSA staffing patterns. Airlines including Southwest, Alaska and American display flight-level security guidance in their own apps. Third-party sites including tsawaittimes.com publish estimated wait times for BUR based on historical patterns.
What is the Elevate BUR replacement terminal and how does it affect security in 2026?
Elevate BUR is a $1.3 billion replacement passenger terminal under construction on the northeast side of the airport, scheduled to open in October 2026. The new 355,000-square-foot building will have 14 gates, a single consolidated TSA checkpoint replacing the current three-checkpoint setup, expanded concessions, larger holdrooms, full ADA compliance and seismic resilience. The current Terminal A and Terminal B remain fully operational throughout construction. Elevate BUR does not change checkpoint locations or screening capacity in 2026 during the build phase. A construction traffic advisory is in effect through at least June 6, 2026, with road closures causing delays near the airport entrance on Hollywood Way. Allow extra drive time when arriving at BUR during this period.