ATY Airport Security Guide

Watertown Regional | Watertown, SD | Updated April 2026

Overview

Watertown Regional (ATY) is a smaller regional airport in Watertown, SD. TSA security is generally fast — typically under 10 minutes — but staffing can be limited, so a small bump in passenger volume noticeably affects wait times.

Quick Facts:

Average TSA wait: 6 minutes
Peak hour wait: 12 minutes
1 terminal with TSA security checkpoints
TSA PreCheck available during scheduled commercial flight windows

Terminal & Airline Information

Watertown Regional is served by: SkyWest. Terminal assignments are seasonal at most regional airports — confirm gate and terminal with your airline before heading to security.

Item	Detail
Airport Code	ATY
Location	Watertown, SD
Primary Carriers	SkyWest
Annual Passengers	~0.1 million

TSA Security Checkpoints at ATY

ATY has a single TSA checkpoint serving all gates. PreCheck and standard lanes share the same checkpoint area; PreCheck is open during posted commercial flight windows.

Tips for Faster Screening at ATY

Arrive 1 hours before domestic departure during peak hours
TSA PreCheck saves 10–20 minutes versus the standard line at most checkpoints
Mid-morning (10 AM–12 PM) and mid-afternoon (1–3 PM) are typically the quietest windows
Have ID and boarding pass ready; remove laptops and 3-1-1 liquids unless PreCheck
Wear easily removable shoes and a light layer to clear screening faster

Real ID at ATY

As of May 7, 2025, all TSA checkpoints — including ATY — require a Real ID-compliant license, passport, or other accepted federal ID for domestic flights. If you arrive without one, expect additional screening or denied boarding. See our Real ID guide for accepted alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How early should I arrive at ATY?
A: For domestic flights, arrive 1 hours early. International flights require an additional 30–60 minutes.

Q: Does ATY have TSA PreCheck?
A: PreCheck availability at ATY typically lines up with scheduled commercial flights. Outside of those windows, the standard lane handles all passengers.

Q: What is the average wait time at ATY?
A: Averages run around 6 minutes, with peak periods stretching to 12 minutes.

Q: Can I bring liquids through ATY security?
A: Yes — TSA's 3-1-1 rule applies (3.4 oz containers, one quart-sized bag, one bag per passenger). See our liquid rules guide.

Q: Is CLEAR available at ATY?
A: CLEAR is rolling out across U.S. airports — check the CLEAR website for current ATY availability before flying.