Fall Festival Travel Tips

October at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) always has a lively buzz, with the terminal bustling as the city heads into one of its busiest months of the year. It's safe to say AUS has experienced more than a few record-breaking volume days and understands what it takes to get travelers to and from that iconic festival or once-in-a-lifetime sporting event. As airport staff prepare to greet thousands of visitors, AUS advises passengers to expect a crowded airport and plan accordingly if they are flying during these stretches: 

• ACL Weekend One - Thursday, October 3 – Monday, October 7
• ACL Weekend Two - Thursday, October 10 – Monday, October 14
• Formula 1 Race + Football Weekend - Thursday, October 17 – Monday, October 21

All passengers should keep in mind that air travel involves multiple steps and various procedures that are easy to overlook while planning. To ensure every traveler feels confident flying out for their October trip, AUS is providing a thorough guide to use before arriving at the airport.

General packing and TSA policies
No traveler likes hold-ups, so to be mindful of your time and that of others, passengers should familiarize themselves with TSA's packing guidelines. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens all bags, so knowing what can and cannot be packed between checked and carry-on luggage is essential to keep the line moving. 

• Packing flags, sunscreen, event souvenirs, or event merchandise? Awesome! However, bulky souvenirs, like posters and free giveaway items, can cause delays in the luggage security screening process. To prevent any inconvenience, please pack event merchandise in checked luggage, not carry-on luggage. To check whether or not an item can be brought with you to the airport, use TSA’s searchable What Can I Bring? list.
• Most notably, firearms are strictly prohibited at security checkpoints; reference TSA's guidelines for traveling properly with a firearm to avoid any penalty.

Arrival times
Passengers should arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure for domestic flights and at least 3 hours before departure for international flights. 

• Travelers who need to return a rental car or check luggage are advised to add in extra time to do so. AUS anticipates a high volume of departing visitors who will also need to return rental cars and check luggage following the weekend of each event. Travelers can expect lines at the rental car facility and the airline ticket counters during this period.
• If you haven’t been to AUS in a while, you should know that Checkpoint 3 has been closed and will remain closed while construction is ongoing on the West Infill project (estimated completion 2026). Travelers can visit our Journey With AUS construction page to follow construction updates.
• General screening can be located at Checkpoints 1 or 2 East.  
• Travelers enrolled with TSA Pre-Check and Clear can find the screening process located at Checkpoint 2 West. 
   

Expectations for flight check-in

• Each airline is in charge of staffing their ticket counters, and therefore, will open at different times. We suggest that travelers check directly with their airline for ticket counter operating hours.
• Most airlines offer mobile boarding passes for passengers, which removes the need to get a printed boarding pass at the airline ticketing counters before security. 
• Selecting carry-on luggage only can help you dodge the busy airline ticketing counters completely and get you to your gate faster.  
• In addition to traditional check-in procedures, some airlines offer outside curbside check-in on the upper level.

Parking and dropping off

• ABIA Parking at AUS provides parking options in Economy Lots and the Blue and Red Garages, but spots fill up fast. Passengers can reserve a spot in advance or check real-time parking availability before coming to the airport at ABIAParking.com.
     - Additionally,  car detailing services are now available to book while reserving a parking space, so you can come back from your trip      to a polished vehicle. Book now before you flight at: brightsidedetailing.com/aus/.
• Planning to be dropped off at AUS? Ask your driver to drop you off at the "Arrivals" area instead of “Departures” if traffic is backed up. Once you’re dropped off at Arrivals, take the escalators up one floor to Departures to check in at your airline ticket counter and then security screening.  

AUS For All: ADA accessibility services and programs

• Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance must connect with their airline to plan this service.
• TSA offers a passenger assistance program, TSA Cares, for travelers who may want an extra hand during the security screening process at AUS. Contact TSA 3 days before your trip to arrange this service. 
• AUS’s Mobility Lounge can be found by Checkpoint 2 East for departing passengers with mobility assistive devices or mobility limitations who need a place to rest or wait for their flight.
• Arriving passengers with mobility assistive devices can be picked up by rideshares, taxis, and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) at the Mobility Assistance Zone on the lower level curbside, one lane across from the G and H pick-up areas.
• Mobility assistance trams are available to transport passengers from the garages and terminal to the general public rideshare pick-up area and Rental Car Facility. The tram service runs Monday-Tuesday, Friday-Sunday from 4:00 a.m. to 12:30 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.
•  AUS participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program; passengers with non-visible disabilities can request a lanyard before their trip for additional support and time at AUS.

Experience the delights at AUS

• AUS has numerous enjoyable and unique experiences in the terminal like live music, art galleries, local restaurants, retail shops with Austin memorabilia, and more! Visit the Shop and Dine at AUS page to discover your next treat, or use the airport’s digital map to locate what you desire at the airport.

Notice for Allegiant and Frontier travelers: Head south!

• Passengers flying Allegiant or Frontier will depart from the South Terminal, which is a separate terminal located near US 183 and Burleson Road, at 10000 Logistics Lane. This terminal cannot be accessed from the main Barbara Jordan Terminal. 
• Allegiant and Frontier passengers are encouraged to park onsite at the South Terminal to save time.

Construction activities

• While in the terminal, you may notice construction projects as part of our Journey With AUS airport improvement program. Visit AustinTexas.gov/AUSConstructionUpdates for a list of scheduled and current construction activities.

AUS aims to provide a pleasant and safe experience at the airport for all. We want to reassure travelers that additional Department of Aviation staff will be scheduled during peak travel periods to assist with line management, security support, and navigation help. If you have any questions, feel free to ask a nearby airport employee. Remember, we’re all human, so don't forget to pack your patience, kindness, and respect for those around you and AUS employees. Y'all have a fun, cool, and weird time in Austin!

For more travel and security tips at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, visit: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/travel-security-austin-bergstrom-international-airport.