AUSTIN, Texas – Each year, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) braces for busier-than-usual weekends in October at the airport, as Austin hosts large events including Austin City Limits (ACL) and Formula 1 (F1) which attract hundreds of thousands of people to the city. AUS expects this year to be no different for the airport, with approximately 5% more airline seats for sale compared to last year and new international destinations and airlines that bring excited tourists to a buzzing city that grows in popularity each year. Ahead of these events, AUS is advising passengers to expect a busy airport and plan ahead if they are flying out on any of the following days:

• Sunday, October 8; Monday, October 9; and Tuesday, October 10 for ACL Weekend One
• Sunday, October 15; Monday, October 16; and Tuesday, October 17 for ACL Weekend Two
• Thursday, October 19; Friday, October 20; Sunday, October 22; and Monday, October 23; Tuesday, October 24 for Formula One

Passengers coming and going through AUS should be aware that air travel involves a number of steps and procedures that many people might overlook while planning. To ensure every traveler feels as prepared as possible ahead of their October trip, AUS is providing a comprehensive guide to use prior to coming to the airport.

General packing and TSA guidelines

• Passengers should learn what can and cannot be packed in their checked and carry-on luggage. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens all bags, so passengers can get familiar with the TSA's packing guidelines to avoid delays for themselves and fellow passengers.
  • Notably, firearms are strictly prohibited at security checkpoints; use the TSA's guidelines for how to travel properly with a firearm and avoid a penalty.

Packing souvenirs and event merchandise

• Bulky souvenirs, like posters and free giveaway items, should be packed in carry-on luggage, not checked luggage. This is to help prevent delays in the checked luggage security screening process.

Parking and dropping off

• ABIA Parking at AUS provides parking options in Economy Lots and the Blue and Red Garages, but spots fill up quickly. Passengers can secure a spot in advance or check real-time parking availability before coming to the airport at ABIAParking.com.
• If you're getting dropped off at the airport, ask to be dropped off at the "Arrivals" area instead of “Departures” if traffic is backed up. Once you’re dropped off at Arrivals, head up one floor to Departures to proceed to the airline ticket counters and security screening.

Arrival times

• All passengers using General TSA Screening should arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure for domestic flights and at least 3 hours before departure for international flights.
  • Travelers using TSA Pre-Check and Clear can expect a faster TSA experience.
  • Travelers need to budget in extra time to return a rental car or check luggage. AUS expects a high volume of departing visitors that will need to return rental cars and check luggage on the Sundays – Tuesdays after each weekend of events. Lines at the rental car facility and the airline ticket counters should  be expected.

Checking in for your flight 

• Airline ticket counters are staffed by airlines and open at varying times. Travelers should connect 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. 
• Opting for carry-on luggage only can help you bypass the busy airline ticketing counters altogether and get you on your way faster. 
• In addition to traditional check-in procedures, some airlines offer outside curbside check-in on the upper level.

AUS For All: ADA accessibility services and programs

• Passengers needing wheelchair assistance should contact their airline to coordinate this service.
• TSA offers a passenger assistance program, TSA Cares, for travelers who may want more help during the security screening process at AUS. Contact TSA 72 hours before your trip to set this up.
• 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 Arrivals level.
• Mobility Trams are available to transport passengers from the garages and terminal to the general public rideshare pick-up area and Rental Car Facility. 
• AUS’s Mobility Lounge is located by Checkpoint 2 East for departing passengers with mobility assistive devices or mobility limitations that need a place to rest or wait ahead of their flight.
• AUS participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program; passengers with non-visible disabilities can request a lanyard ahead of their trip for additional support and time while at AUS.

For arriving passengers

• Mobility Trams are available to transport passengers from the terminal to the rideshare pick-up area and Rental Car Facility.
• ADA-compliant shuttles are available for passengers from the terminal to the Economy Lots.

AUS experiences

• AUS has a range of fun and unique experiences in the terminal including live music, art galleries, restaurants, retail shops with Austin memorabilia and more. Visit the AUS website or use the airport’s digital map to help you find your fun fit while at the airport. 

Information for Allegiant and Frontier travelers: Know your terminal

• 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 and is not accessible from the main Barbara Jordan Terminal. Allegiant and Frontier passengers are encouraged to park onsite at the South Terminal to save time.

Construction activities

• Journey With AUS airport improvement construction projects may be noticeable to passengers in the terminal. Visit AustinTexas.gov/AUSConstructionUpdates for a list of scheduled and active construction activities.