Spring into paradise: AUS wants to help travelers reach their desired destination with 'oomph' this spring fest season

One thing about us Austinites is that we know how to have fun during Spring Break, and with SXSW, NASCAR, Texas Relays, and Rodeo Austin, others want to join in on the fun and we attract tons of travelers from all over. Every year, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) seems to outmatch a previous year's record, so we don’t anticipate diverting from the large crowd we saw in March 2023 (a total of 1,941,044 people were screened at AUS).

That said, and safely saying the next part: you should expect a busy terminal starting March 8th through early April. We want passengers to have a spring in their step when they fly this month by recommending that y'all plan ahead, arrive early, and follow our airport travel tips!

Arriving early is key!

• Passengers using general Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening should arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure for domestic flights and 3 hours before departure for international flights.
• Passengers checking luggage, returning a rental car, or completing other activities before  security should arrive even earlier.
• If you have TSA PreCheck and Clear, expect a quicker security procedure than general screening.

Pack for a successful security screening!

• AUS has 3 TSA security screening checkpoints, and all checkpoints lead to all gates.
  • Checkpoint 1 will be the first available at 3:30am for general TSA screening, TSA Precheck, and Clear.
  • Checkpoint 2 East will only be open for TSA Precheck.
  • Checkpoint 2 West will be available for both general TSA and Clear.
• Checkpoint 3 is temporarily closed due to AUS expansion. Travelers can visit our Journey With AUS Construction page to track updates until we open our improved Checkpoint in 2026.
• With continuous reports from TSA of AUS passengers attempting to bring in firearms through security checkpoints, we want to emphasize that bringing prohibited items, like firearms and liquids exceeding 3.4 oz., will cause delays for passengers.
• Passengers can visit TSA.gov for guidance on how to pack and what items are allowed in carry-on luggage.
• AUS Department of Aviation staff will be throughout the terminal to assist passengers.
• Festival items, event promotional items, giveaways, and bulky souvenirs need to be packed in a checked bag, not carry-on luggage.

What’s the passenger parking or drop off protocol?

• Visit ABIAParking.com if you're planning to park at AUS. To ensure parking for all customers, ABIA parking is not accepting reservations or advance payment during the entire month of March.
• Passengers should incorporate additional arrival time for shuttle service to the terminal, which will run approximately every 15-20 minutes.
• You can use either the upper level for departures or the lower level for arrivals to drop off passengers. Keep in mind that if you're picking up someone and the lower level for arrivals is congested, have them meet you at the upper level to be picked up.
• It is recommended that Frontier and Allegiant passengers park on-site at the South Terminal.

The paradise of AUS!

• Once you successfully pass through security, explore food from our local restaurants, unique art installations, live music stages, and more using step-by-step directions on the AUS digital wayfinding map at AirportMaps.AustinTexas.gov.
• AUS is ecstatic to present an outstanding music line-up, featuring 50 different live music performances starting Monday, March 11 through March 18. You can view a detailed schedule of our 8 music stages on the Live Music in the Air at AUS program webpage.

As always, AUS will be scheduling additional Department of Aviation staff during this busy period to help in the terminal with line management, TSA support, and passenger navigation. We want to provide a safe and comfortable experience at the airport for everyone. All we ask is that you show patience, kindness, and consideration to all AUS employees and people around you. If you have a question, feel free to ask an airport employee.