Cleveland Hopkins International | Cleveland, OH | Updated April 2026
Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) is a major regional airport in Cleveland, OH, serving roughly 9.5 million passengers per year. TSA wait times are usually moderate but can spike during early morning departures and holiday weekends.
Cleveland Hopkins International is served by: American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, United, Spirit. Terminal assignments are seasonal at most regional airports — confirm gate and terminal with your airline before heading to security.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | CLE |
| Location | Cleveland, OH |
| Primary Carriers | American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, United, Spirit |
| Annual Passengers | ~9.5 million |
CLE 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 CLE — 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 CLE?
A: For domestic flights, arrive 2 hours early. International flights require an additional 30–60 minutes.
Q: Does CLE have TSA PreCheck?
A: Yes, TSA PreCheck is available at CLE's primary checkpoints. Hours may vary by checkpoint, so confirm with the TSA app before arrival.
Q: What is the average wait time at CLE?
A: Averages run around 14 minutes, with peak periods stretching to 30 minutes.
Q: Can I bring liquids through CLE 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 CLE?
A: CLEAR is rolling out across U.S. airports — check the CLEAR website for current CLE availability before flying.