Hanscom Field | Bedford, MA | Updated April 2026
Hanscom Field (BED) is a smaller regional airport in Bedford, MA. 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.
Hanscom Field is served by: Cape Air, JetBlue. Terminal assignments are seasonal at most regional airports — confirm gate and terminal with your airline before heading to security.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | BED |
| Location | Bedford, MA |
| Primary Carriers | Cape Air, JetBlue |
| Annual Passengers | ~0.1 million |
BED 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.
As of May 7, 2025, all TSA checkpoints — including BED — 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.
Q: How early should I arrive at BED?
A: For domestic flights, arrive 1 hours early. International flights require an additional 30–60 minutes.
Q: Does BED have TSA PreCheck?
A: PreCheck availability at BED 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 BED?
A: Averages run around 6 minutes, with peak periods stretching to 14 minutes.
Q: Can I bring liquids through BED 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 BED?
A: CLEAR is rolling out across U.S. airports — check the CLEAR website for current BED availability before flying.