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The Salt Lake City “Secret” Security Gate: What It Is, Who Can Use It, and When It’s Open

The Salt Lake City “Secret” Security Gate: What It Is, Who Can Use It, and When It’s Open
Photo by Verne Ho

If you’ve ever heard whispers about a “secret” TSA checkpoint at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), the rumor is… mostly true. It isn’t a VIP lounge or a backdoor for elites—it’s a lesser-known second TSA checkpoint on the ground floor (Level 1) in the International Arrivals area. When it’s open, it can be a huge time-saver.

Here’s everything a regular traveler needs to know.

What (and where) is the “secret” checkpoint?

SLC actually has two security checkpoints:

  • Main Checkpoint (Level 2): The one everyone knows—open 24/7.
  • Lower-Level Checkpoint (Level 1): Located in the International Arrivals hall (downstairs from ticketing). It feeds into the same secure area, so once you’re through, you can reach any gate.

How to find it: From the main ticketing hall, head toward the International Arrivals area and take the escalators/elevators down to Level 1. Look for TSA signage near the International Arrivals corridor.

Who can use it?

Despite the myths, this isn’t restricted to VIPs. Any ticketed passenger can use the lower-level checkpoint when it’s open. You don’t need to be a crew member, a known traveler, or a connecting international passenger.

Travelers in the know (and plenty of flight crews) use it when lines upstairs look ugly.

When is it open?

This is the catch: the downstairs checkpoint isn’t open 24/7. Typical operating hours are roughly 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and—this is key—its staffing is aligned with international arrivals. In other words, you’ll usually find it open during the early morning rush and afternoons/early evenings when inbound international flights arrive and connecting passengers need to be re-screened.

If you’re traveling outside those windows, assume it’s closed and head upstairs.

Pro tip: If you’re already in the ticketing hall, ask a TSA officer whether the lower-level checkpoint is open today before you trek downstairs.

Why it can be faster

When it’s staffed, the lower-level checkpoint often has shorter lines simply because fewer people know about it. Many locals report walking right up with little to no wait while the upstairs lines snake through the stanchions.

Important limitations

  • No TSA PreCheck/CLEAR: The lower-level lane typically does not offer PreCheck or CLEAR. If you rely on PreCheck’s shoes-on/laptops-in flow, you may prefer the main checkpoint upstairs.
  • Single lane, limited staffing: It’s a smaller operation. If a large wave of international arrivals shows up, officers may prioritize that flow temporarily.
  • Hours vary: It’s not a sure thing every day; international flight schedules can affect opening/closing times.

Quick game plan (2-minute decision tree)

  1. Glance at the main line upstairs. If it’s slammed and you don’t absolutely need PreCheck/CLEAR, consider the downstairs option.
  2. Ask a TSA agent: “Is the International Arrivals checkpoint open right now?”
  3. If yes, head down to Level 1. If no, stick with the main checkpoint (or PreCheck/CLEAR if you have it).

Bottom line

SLC’s “secret” checkpoint isn’t really secret—it’s just under the radar. When it’s open (generally 6 a.m.–5 p.m. and especially during international arrival banks), it can be the difference between a stressy wait and a breezy stroll to your gate. Keep it in your back pocket as a smart local hack.

Sources

  • Salt Lake City International Airport – Security & Checkpoints
    https://slcairport.com/
    (See the airport’s official information pages for checkpoint locations and hours.)
  • TSA – Airport Security & Wait Times
    https://www.tsa.gov/travel/wait-times
    (General TSA guidance on checkpoints and wait times; check SLC-specific details before you fly.)
  • Traveler Reports & Local Discussions
    Reddit: r/SaltLakeCity – “International Arrivals checkpoint / lower-level TSA at SLC” (community experiences and tips)
    https://www.reddit.com/r/SaltLakeCity/search/?q=international%20arrivals%20checkpoint%20SLC&restrict_sr=1

Note: Operating hours and staffing can shift with schedules. Always verify current status with TSA staff on site.

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