"Security screening is mandatory for all visitors.
a. All bags, equipment, and personal belongings are subject to mandatory security screening.
i. Permissible baggage, handbags, backpacks, shopping bags, equipment, and belongings are limited to 8x 17 x 19."
Once you get through the screening line, you can spend as much time as you want at the memorial. I would say you can walk around the whole area in about 20 minutes. The museum still isn't open.
We had the 10am slot just 2 weeks ago. We got there shortly before 10 and lined up, but they didn't start letting people through security until 10am sharp. I would say that it took about 20-30 minutes to get through security. Everyone has to go through a metal detector.
I was able to bring in a small backpack with my 2 cameras, so it is definitely not a problem. Just make sure the bag isn't too big. Also, keep in mind that there are no restrooms. Make sure you go to the restroom before you get there.
I thought the memorial was very moving. It's so peaceful to hear the water cascading.
We went to the memorial in December, on a late Sunday afternoon. We did not have to wait for the time on our ticket - there wasn't a huge line either. We were through security in about 5-10 minutes. Again - there weren't huge lines either.
We went to the memorial in December, on a late Sunday afternoon. We did not have to wait for the time on our ticket - there wasn't a huge line either. We were through security in about 5-10 minutes. Again - there weren't huge lines either.