Travel & Security at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Travel Tips & Additional Resources 

Airport Maps

Access our online interactive map and wayfinding tool

AUS General Aviation and Fixed Base Operations (FBOS)

Air Cargo

Family Viewing Area

Resources and Services for Passengers

 

• A new Mobility Assistance Zone for passengers using mobility assistive devices such as wheelchairs, scooters, or crutches, or those who need additional mobility assistance. It provides priority access for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), taxis and rideshares to reduce travel time and provide a convenient pick-up area for passengers with limited mobility. It is free and open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.  It is located on the lower level curbside, one lane across from the G and H pick-up areas.
   
• A new Mobility Lounge for passengers using wheelchairs and other mobility assistive devices is located on the ticketing/departures level. 
   
• AUS currently provides a mobility assistance tram service to and from the car rental facility from the terminal for passengers with limited mobility. The tram service runs Monday--Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Please note: Wheelchair services are provided by your airline; please be sure to coordinate your wheelchair service with them before arriving to the airport.
   
• New 24/7 snack, beverage and travel essential items are located for sale throughout the terminal. Visit AirportMaps.FlyAustin.com to see locations and options. 

 

Arrival Time Recommendations

Passengers should arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure for all domestic flights and 3 hours before departure for all international flights. If you are checking luggage, returning a rental car or if this is your first time flying out of AUS in a while, give yourself plenty of time.

Review your Ground Transportation options for getting to the airport.

 Construction Activities

AUS is delivering improvement and modernization projects to meet the needs of increased passenger and airline activity through the Journey With AUS airport improvement program. Construction activities in the terminal may be visible to passengers.

• Visit AustinTexas.gov/AUSJourney to learn more about the Journey With AUS program
• Visit AustinTexas.gov/AUSConstructionUpdates for a list of scheduled construction activities that will be visible to passengers

Before Arriving

Check your flight status ahead of time and make sure you know your departure terminal. Allegiant and Frontier operate out of the South Terminal, which cannot be accessed by the main Barbara Jordan Terminal. All other airlines operate out of the main Barbara Jordan Terminal.

You can check roadway and travel conditions at:

• Live Traffic Update
• 183 South Expressway Project 
• DriveTexas.org

Carry-On & Checked Luggage

You are allowed one carry-on and one personal item such as a laptop, purse, small backpack, briefcase or camera case (all items will go through the security screening process). Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in your carry-on must follow TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule: 3.4 ounces or less per container, in a clear 1 quart bag, 1 per passenger. 

To check whether or not an item can be brought with you to the airport, use TSA’s searchable What Can I Bring? list.

Even if an item is permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane. For more detailed packing tips, watch our How to Pack video.

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Carry-On Packing Tips: 

• Pack your clothes at the bottom of your carry-on and heavier items or items that need to be checked separately on top for easy access. 
• Label your laptop with a business card or other identification on the bottom of your laptop to avoid loss or accidental exchange by other travelers. 
• Pack an empty water bottle and fill it once you are through security.
• Firearms are prohibited at TSA security checkpoints. Double check your carry-on before heading to the airport to ensure you are not accidentally traveling with your firearm through TSA. For more information about how to travel with a firearm, visit our Know Before You Go - Traveling with Firearms page.

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Checked Baggage Packing Tips:

• Pack shoes, boots, sneakers, and other footwear on top of other contents in your baggage. This will make it easier for security to check your footwear.
• Avoid over-packing; the airport security screener should be able to easily reseal your bag if it is opened for inspection. If possible, spread the contents over several bags. Check with your airline for maximum weight limitations.
• Roll up your clothes to save room and tuck small items inside larger ones.
• If you are traveling with someone, split up your clothing and shoes so each person's suitcase contains some of the other traveler's items. This way, if one bag is lost, both travelers will have at least one or two outfits to wear.
• Don’t lock checked baggage.
• Don't put film in your checked baggage, the screening equipment may damage it.

Security Checkpoints

The Barbara Jordan Terminal has four security checkpoints, which lead to all gates. The first checkpoints typically open daily at 3:00 a.m. 

• Checkpoint 3 is closed as of February 2024 and will remain closed while construction is ongoing on the West Infill project (est. completion 2026). 
• Screening for passengers with TSA Pre-Check and Clear are available at Checkpoint 2 West. 
• PreCheck enrollment is now available at the CLEAR enrollment center at Checkpoint 1, no appointment needed.
• Travelers without PreCheck or Clear should use Checkpoints 1 or 2 East.
• Checkpoint 2 West remains open until the last flight. This Checkpoint will accommodate all passengers after all other Checkpoints close. 
• Global Entry kiosks are available. 

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IDs required for security

• Adult passengers 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel, such as a government-issued photo ID like a drivers license. International travelers will need a valid passport.
• Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. To learn more about the REAL ID requirements coming in 2025, visit TSA.gov/Real-ID. 
•   View the full list of TSA valid identification.

Picking Up & Dropping Off Passengers

Both the upper and lower curbside levels are open for passenger drop-off. Drivers are encouraged to use whichever level is least congested. 

Passengers can quickly get upstairs to ticketing and security using escalators and elevators from the lower arrivals level. If the lower level is congested, arriving passengers can use escalators and elevators to be picked up on the upper level.

 

If you’re picking up passengers, either drive to the lower baggage level of the terminal or the upper level as you enter the airport property. The terminal curb side is for active loading and unloading only. There is no parking in front of the terminal and violators will be fined.

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Cell Phone Lot

If you need a place to wait on picking someone up from the Barbara Jordan Terminal, the cell phone waiting lot is located at 2801 Spirit of Texas Dr. Flight Information Displays, food, and restrooms are available. From SH 71, take the Spirit of Texas Drive “Airport Cargo/Service Entrance” exit. Turn right onto Spirit of Texas Drive. Go straight at the four-way stop and at the second four-way stop. Turn left into the Texaco Fuel Station & Convenience Store at 2901 Spirit of Texas Drive.

Map to the free Cell Phone Lot.

TEXACO: Gas up your vehicle and yourself with tacos, barbecue, Krispy Kreme, grab-n-go sandwiches, beer, wine, and more.

Subway & Taco Mama: Submarine sandwiches, salads, and tacos.

Whataburger: Tried and true Texas staple. Burgers, chicken sandwiches, milkshakes, malts and more.

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South Terminal: Getting Here & Parking

Customs & International Travel

Departing International Passengers

A passport is required for ALL international travel. If you're traveling anywhere overseas, even to Canada, the Caribbean or Mexico, you need a passport to board an international flight and to enter any country. In general, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of your intended stay in a foreign country.

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Arriving International Passengers

Passengers on arriving international flights are required to provide documentation, such as a passport, and declare any items of value. You can find more information on U.S. Customs and Border Protection at CBP.gov/about. 

Meeting Arriving International Passengers- Meet international arrivals at the Customs exit, located to the far left (east) past bag carousel 7 as one enters the lower level. 

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Global Entry and Automated Passport Control Kiosks 

Available for U.S., Canada, U.S. Legal Permanent Resident and Visa Waiver

Expedite the entry process with Automated Passport Control Kiosks. Global Entry program travelers may use TSA Pre-Check security lines. For more information and how to apply:  Global Entry

Travelers with Children

Before You Arrive

Visit AustinTexas.gov/Austie to download our free Austie The Flying Pup coloring and activity books that help teach first-time and young travelers what to expect at the airport, health and hygiene tips and the do's and don'ts of air travel. 

Preparing your child for the airport experience helps them understand what to expect. If possible, take your child to the airport on a day you're not flying to show them the airline ticket counter and how security screening works. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has a family viewing area where you can watch planes take off.

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What to Bring

We recommend bringing small "comfort" items, such as a security blanket, favorite pillow, and small snacks. If you have room, small toys, coloring books, and/or small electronic devices (such as portable DVD players with headphones) help keep children entertained.

With most airlines, infants who travel and don't occupy a seat are still given a luggage allotment. Check with your airline to see what their policy is.

In addition to a checked piece of luggage, the following items are usually accepted without charge:

• Car seat
• Bassinette 
• Stroller

Baby beds are not included as they will be considered excess baggage if you have already reached your checked baggage limit. We recommend labeling strollers, car seats, and other infant or child items with a name and phone number.

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TSA Screening

TSA is required to screen everyone, regardless of age. To learn more about TSA screening procedures for children under 12, read TSA's Traveling with Children guidelines.

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After Security

Making a child sit in a stroller while waiting for your flight does not give them the chance to move around before sitting for hours on a plane. Exploring the terminal before the flight gives you something to discuss with your child. AUS has live music and art exhibits to help make your traveling experience enjoyable.

Travelers with Pets

Pets at AUS

Pets, including dogs and other animals, are not allowed in the terminal, as noted in City of Austin City Ordinance § 13-1-33 Restrictions on Animals.

Exceptions include:

• An animal used by a law enforcement officer in the officer’s performance of duties;
• A seeing-eye dog escorting a visually impaired person, or other service animal being used for assistance by a person with disabilities; or
• An animal traveling out of the airport via airline 
  
  • Visitors who are not ticketed passengers may not bring their pets inside the terminal, including bag claim and the ticket lobby unless it meets one of the above exceptions.

Preparing for Your Trip

Contact your airline to learn about their policy on traveling with pets.

For pets that fly, federal and state laws require a health certificate signed by a veterinarian. These certificates must be presented to your airline prior to your flight.

If you travel outside the continental United States, be aware that some places, including Hawaii, require your pet to have special vaccinations and may impose a quarantine period when you arrive at your destination. Contact the host country, or ask your airline for assistance in learning the rules that pertain to traveling with your pet outside the U.S. mainland.

Remember, puppies and kittens must be at least eight weeks old to travel on an aircraft.

Sedation is not advised since the effects of tranquilizers at higher altitudes are unpredictable. The decision to prescribe a tranquilizer for your pet should be made by your veterinarian.

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Pre-Flight Food & Water

USDA requires that your pet be offered food and water within four hours before check-in with the airline but do not overfeed your pet. When you check in with the airline, you must certify when your pet was last offered food and water. Do not leave food or water in the dish in the kennel; it will only spill and make travel unpleasant for your animal.

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Packing Pet Carriers or Crates

• Be sure to clearly display your name and contact phone number.
• Use arrows or other markings (Live Animal Stickers) indicating the top of the kennel.
• Include empty food and water dishes (empty so they do not spill and make travel unpleasant for your pet) secured inside the kennel and accessible from outside
• If food is necessary, include an ample supply in a bag attached to the outside of the kennel along with a food and water schedule.
• Only one adult dog or cat per carrier. 
• No more than two puppies or kittens (younger than 6 months and under 20 lbs. each) per carrier.
•  Include crate pet pads and a favorite non squeaking toy.

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TSA Screening

You will need to present your pet to Security Officers at the checkpoint. You can walk your animal through the metal detector. If this is not possible, your pet will have to undergo a secondary screening, including a visual and physical inspection by TSA Security Officers.

You will not be asked to place your pet in an X-Ray machine. You may be asked to remove your pet from its carrier so that the carrier can be placed on the X-Ray machine.

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Pet Relief Areas

The airport’s landscaped and lighted dog walk offers relief to pets and some room to stretch legs, both theirs and yours! The dog walk includes a pet drinking fountain, pick-up bags for dog waste, and trash receptacles. The dog walk is located outside the lower level at both ends of the parking garage.

Our pet restroom is located after security, near Gate 9 and features a dedicated relief area for your pet. 

 

Lost & Found

To report a lost item, please complete the Lost Item Report Form:  Lost Item Form

The Lost and Found office is located next to carousel 1 in Baggage Claim. The office operates daily from 7 a.m. to  10 p.m. and assists passengers looking to reunite with their lost items. For assistance after hours, call 512-530-LOST (5678) and please leave a message with your name, contact phone number, and a brief description of the lost item

 

Items left at the security checkpoint

TSA Lost and Found phone: 512-386-2015

Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. to  5:00 p.m.

Closed Saturday and Sunday

 

Items left on the airplane

Please contact your airline.

Additional Resources

• AUS Language Access Plan
• AUS Tarmac Delay Plan
• Transportation Security Administration Consumer Hotline:
  To file a complaint call  866-289-9673 or e-mail TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov