To handle the increased passenger volume, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will extend checkpoint hours at CLE. The North and Central Checkpoints will open at 3:30 a.m., while the South Checkpoint will open at 3 a.m. Airport officials emphasize the importance of arriving early, especially during peak hours: 4-6 a.m., 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and 5-7 p.m. Passengers are recommended to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights to allow ample time for security screening and other pre-departure procedures.
CLE’s website serves as a valuable resource for travelers, providing essential flight information and services. Passengers can stay updated by following the airport on Twitter (@GoingPlacesCLE) and Facebook (facebook.com/CLEairport) for important announcements. To streamline the check-in process, travelers are encouraged to use their airline’s website to print boarding passes up to 24 hours before departure.
For convenient ground transportation, the Ground Transportation Center offers wheelchair service, free luggage carts, and arrival/departure notification technology for efficient shuttle travel. Visitors picking up friends or family can utilize the CLE Cell Phone Lot off State Route 237 South for easy parking.
For travelers coming from downtown Cleveland, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) provides convenient access to the airport via its Red Line. Trains depart from CLE every 25 minutes, making the trip to Tower City Station in downtown in less than 30 minutes.
To enhance security and expedite screening, CLE offers TSA Pre✓TM for select frequent flyers and CBP Trusted Traveler program members. Participants can enjoy dedicated screening lanes, allowing them to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and leave laptops and compliant liquids in their carry-on bags. The South Checkpoint offers one TSA Pre✓TM lane during peak hours, while the Central Checkpoint is exclusively dedicated to TSA Pre✓TM. Additionally, CLEAR, the secure identity company, allows travelers to use biometrics for faster identity verification at the Central Checkpoint for those with TSA Pre✓TM and at the South Checkpoint for those without TSA Pre✓TM.
