Labor Day Travel Tips

As many of us know, Labor Day is not just one extra day off to relax. If my 'American math' is correct, that one extra day equals an extended weekend. An extended weekend equals the perfect opportunity to travel and get that vacation you’ve been longing for.

One thing that we at the Austin Airport have noticed is that when American math occurs, everybody and their momma hops on a flight. So, we want to prepare our travelers for a bustling terminal with the best travel tips around Central Texas. Keep reading for guidance on how to plan accordingly, pack properly, and arrive early!

If you’re not early, you’re late – Arrive Early!

• Sorry to sound like a broken record, but if you're not 2.5 hours early, then you're risking the chance of missing your flight! We highly recommend that travelers arrive at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) at least 2.5 hours before departure for domestic flights and 3 hours before departure for all international flights. Travelers needing to check luggage, return a rental car, or meet any additional to-dos before going through security are urged to allow extra time.
• Before arriving, check your flight status on this page and ensure you know your departure terminal. Note that Allegiant and Frontier are located at the South Terminal, which you cannot access from the main Barbara Jordan Terminal. For more information, visit the official South Terminal webpage at austintexas.gov/page/south-terminal-aus. All other airlines operate out of the main Barbara Jordan Terminal.
• AUS is undergoing improvement and modernization projects to meet the needs of increased passenger and airline activity through the Journey With AUS airport improvement program. You may notice construction activities in the terminal. For a list of scheduled construction activities that may be visible to passengers, visit AustinTexas.gov/AUSConstructionUpdates.

Security ain’t no joke – Pack Correctly!  As of February 2024, 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.

• Don't have TSA PreCheck or Clear? No worries! Head on over to Checkpoints 1 or 2 East for general screening. 
•  Enrolled with TSA PreCheck or Clear? Please make your way to Checkpoint 2 West.
• Global Entry kiosks will also be open.
• TSA PreCheck signup is now available at the CLEAR enrollment center at Checkpoint 1; no appointment is required. Checkpoint 2 West remains available until the last flight and will accommodate all passengers after all other checkpoints close.

• Refer to our travel tips page at this link for more security information or refer to the visual below.

  

Not sure which of your items would be accepted between carry-on and checked luggage? Don’t worry! TSA.gov contains all the rules you need to know about packing right. To check whether or not an item can be brought with you to the airport, use TSA’s searchable What Can I Bring? List.

• Firearms are prohibited at TSA security checkpoints. Double-check your carry-on before entering the airport to ensure you are not accidentally carrying a firearm. For more details about how to travel with a firearm, visit our Know Before You Go - Traveling with Firearms page.
• All items are subject to additional screening. If an item triggers an alarm during screening, TSA will make the final decision on whether it can be allowed on board. For additional packing tips, watch our How to Pack video.

Make parking a walk in the park – Passenger Parking or Drop Off

Planning to park your vehicle at AUS? Visit ABIAParking.com to check the real-time availability of our parking options. As of now, the option to reserve a parking space for the Red Garage, Blue Garage, and Economy Parking is temporarily unavailable until August 10, 2024. This is to ensure that all garage parking is open to all customers during prime summer travel.

• Planning to use our shuttle service to get to the terminal? Remember, the shuttle runs approximately every 15-20 minutes, so play it safe and factor in additional travel time.
• You can drop off passengers either at the upper level for departures or the lower level for arrivals. Pro tip, if you're picking up someone and the lower level for arrivals is especially crowded, you can have your passenger meet you at the upper level to be picked up.
• Passengers flying with Frontier and Allegiant are recommended to park on-site at the South Terminal.
• Looking to rent a vehicle? Exit the BarbaraJordan Terminal, take one of the marked pedestrian crosswalks, and follow the path of floating concrete to the Rental Car Facility. The AUS digital map at airportmaps.flyaustin.com is also a great tool for locating the Rental Car Facility or try this digital document for detailed instructions.

Finding peace at the airport is totally possible—give it a try!

Good news! Once you go through security, the practice of leisure on Labor Day can actually begin. No, we're not being sarcastic. Between our two XpresSpa locations, numerous retail therapy shops, and various comfort food classics, exploring stress-free experiences is a breeze at AUS. Discover the best-of-the-best options by reading our blog, Savor the Superb: West Terminal Delights at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

• Additionally, we have multiple fantastic art exhibits in the terminal that can be uncovered by using our digital wayfinding map at airportmaps.flyaustin.com. Want to jam out like a true Austinite? Wander the terminal, encounter one of our music stages, and get the opportunity to listen to local talent perform! AUS averages about 30 shows a week with the excitement to feature exceptional music from an array of Austin artists. Want a precise schedule of our 8 music stages? No problem, check out our Live Music in the Air at AUS program webpage.

AUS wants to ensure travelers that additional Department of Aviation staff will be scheduled during peak travel periods to help with line management, TSA support, and navigation assistance. We aim to provide a pleasant and safe experience at the airport for all. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to kindly ask an airport employee nearby. Don't forget to pack your patience, kindness, and respect for those around you and AUS employees.