🎄 Flying Through AUS This Holiday Season: Travel Tips to Sleigh Your Journey 🎅
The holidays are here, and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is ready to help you make your journey jollier! Whether you're off to visit family, escape for a snowy getaway, or chase a little sunshine, we want to make your travels merry and bright. ✈️
The busiest travel days—Friday, December 20, Sunday, December 22, and Monday, December 23—are projected to bring around 30,000 departing passengers to the terminal each day. While that’s not record-breaking, we know many holiday travelers are bringing extra cheer (and a few suitcases), so let’s make your trip as smooth as fresh snow!
🎁 Gift Yourself a Stress-Free Arrival
The road to AUS might be busier than Santa’s sleigh route, so here are a few tips:
🛣️ Check real-time traffic updates at DriveTexas.org before heading out.
🚍 Hop on CapMetro Route 20 for a quick and easy airport connection.
When should you arrive?
🎄 2.5 hours before domestic flights.
🎄 3 hours before international flights.
Pro Tip: If you’re checking luggage, returning a rental car, traveling in large groups, or need to complete other pre-security screening activities, add extra time to your schedule.
🎄 TSA Tips to Keep the Lines Moving
Nothing says “holiday delay” like a packed bag full of prohibited items by TSA. Follow these guidelines to keep your travel hassle-free:
✅ Liquids and aerosols must be 3.4 oz. or less in carry-ons.
🚫 Firearms are strictly prohibited in carry-on luggage.
🎁 Wrap up your gift later! Unwrapped gifts will make your security screening go by easier. If you need to wrap your gift on the fly, we’ve got you covered! The AUS Guest Services team will be set up through December 25 with a free gift-wrapping station on the concourse.
Questions about security?
Text "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872) or visit TSA.gov for packing guidance.
✨ Checkpoints, Check!
AUS has three TSA security checkpoints in the main Barbara Jordan Terminal:
- 🛫 Checkpoint 1: Open for general, ADA, priority passengers, and Known Crew Members.
- 🛫 Checkpoint 2 East: Open for general screening, but intermittently used by TSA to screen PreCheck customers at the discretion of the TSA.
- 🛫 Checkpoint 2 West: Open for PreCheck and Clear passengers.
What’s New? AUS and TSA have partnered to expand checkpoint lanes and screening capacity—the most ever for AUS! Even more space is coming soon with our West Infill and Atrium Infill projects, set to open in 2026.
✈️ Information for Travelers Using Allegiant and Frontier:
If you’re flying Allegiant or Frontier, you’ll depart from the South Terminal—a separate terminal located at 10000 Logistics Lane (near US 183 and Burleson Road).
🚐 Shuttle service is available, but to save time, we recommend you park directly at the South Terminal.
🎅 Safe Travels and Season’s Greetings!
The holiday season is about making memories, not missing flights. Plan ahead, pack smart, and arrive with plenty of time to spare. Whether you’re flying solo, with little ones, or a group of elves, AUS is here to help you travel with ease this holiday season.
From all of us at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, we wish you a safe, joyful, and holly-jolly journey.