Aim for 2 hours before domestic departures (3 for international); early morning and late afternoon banks create the longest lines.

Peak security pressure hits 5-8am and 4-7pm when United and Southwest banks depart; midday is usually under 15 minutes.

All gates are in one building—clear security once then walk between A, B, and C without re-screening.

Concourse C is longest; allow 10-15 minutes end-to-end if changing gates after a tight connection.

Skip generic chains for Michael Symon’s Bar Symon (wings, pierogies) or Great Lakes Brewing Company beers and bar food on C.

Main terminal food court has Shake Shack, Chick-fil-A, and Currito; Concourse A is weakest for options.

Use the airport site or app for real-time checkpoint waits (often under 15 min) and gate changes.

Central checkpoint usually stays open longest; North and South close earlier in the evening.