AUSTIN, Texas – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are gearing up for the busy summer travel season, which starts this weekend with the Memorial Day holiday. The TSA has announced they’re expecting their busiest summer ever this year and May through July represents historically busy months at AUS.  
 
AUS and TSA representatives will be onsite and available on the morning of Friday, May 24 to share travel tips with media and demonstrate the correct ways to navigate the airport with items travelers with children may bring with them, such as toys, car seats, and strollers. 
 
AUS reminds travelers to plan ahead and arrive early to avoid the stress of rushing to their gates and potentially missing their flight. AUS has resources to help travelers prepare for their airport visit, including:

• Current passenger travel tips and airport busy day FAQs.
• Current construction activities that passengers may encounter.
• Interactive maps for wayfinding and exploring food and shopping options.

 
Other important AUS summer travel tips include:

• Arrive with plenty of time: Airport officials recommend arriving to AUS 2.5 hours prior to your flight’s departure and to add on extra time if you need to check a bag or return a rental car. AUS expects long lines at airline ticket counters this summer, especially with airlines who offer free or discounted checked bags. Those flying internationally should arrive 3 hours prior to departure time to check-in at their airline’s ticket counter.
• Stay informed: Keep in touch with your airline before leaving home for the latest flight status updates and monitor the weather at your destination airport as it can affect flight status.
• Check parking ahead of time: During the summer travel season, many travelers will take advantage of on-airport parking. Travelers should ensure parking is available before they head out to the airport by visiting ABIAparking.com or calling 512-530-3300.
• Dropping off passengers with ease: Passengers getting dropped off can do so on either the upper Departures or lower Arrivals levels of the airport. Choose the least congested.
• Getting assistance: Extra Department of Aviation staff will be working at the airport during peak travel days throughout the summer to provide face-to-face support for travelers. Travelers can also reach the airport by calling 512-530-2242. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
• Consider traffic conditions: Be mindful of potential roadway congestion surrounding the airport and allow extra time for travel to and from the airport.
• Social media updates: Follow AUS on X for real-time updates, travel alerts, passenger tips and more.

AUS, TSA and all airport partners are committed to providing a smooth and supportive travel experience for passengers with accessibility needs, ensuring that those with both visible and invisible disabilities receive the necessary assistance and accommodations.

Travelers with accessibility needs are encouraged to reach out to TSA Cares and their airlines before their trip to request wheelchairs or special assistance. AUS for All highlights the accessibility services available at the airport, including a Mobility Assistance Zone (MAZ) located on the terminal's lower level curbside and the Sunflower Lanyard program for passengers with non-visible special needs.

Additionally, the TSA advises travelers to:

• Be aware of new checkpoint technology and follow TSA guidance: TSA is using Computed Tomography (CT) units at AUS. These units significantly improve scanning and threat detection capabilities for carry-on bags. CT units give TSA the ability to review a 3D image of passengers’ bags and reduce the need to physically search the contents of the bag. Passengers screened in security lanes with CT units do not need to remove their 3-1-1 liquids or laptops, but they must place every carry-on item, including bags, into a bin for screening. Passengers are also reminded to bring at maximum one carry-on bag and one personal item through security screening.
  
  Additionally, TSA now screens PreCheck customers at Checkpoints 2 West at AUS, which is the middle checkpoint closest to the American Airlines ticket counters. CLEAR is also available at Checkpoint 2 West while General screening is available at Checkpoint 1 and 2 East.
• Pack appropriately: Ensure luggage, including children’s accessories like strollers, car seats and diaper bags, comply with TSA security guidelines.
• Remember the 3-1-1 rule: Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are allowed in carry-on bags as long as each item is 3.4 ounces or less and placed in one quart-sized bag. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes.
• Prepare, pack and declare firearms: Passengers may travel with a firearm, but it must be secured in the passenger’s checked baggage; packed unloaded; locked in a hard-sided case; and declared to the airline when checking in at the airline ticket counter. Real firearms and toys resembling weapons, such as firearms or knives, are not allowed through checkpoints, even when made of plastic.

For additional information on TSA packing guidelines and other important, general airport security information visit TSA.gov.

MEDIA AVAILABILITY
Date:   Friday, May 24, 2024
Time:   5  a.m. – 8 a.m.
Place:  Barbara Jordan Terminal, Mobility Lounge area
Who:    Patricia Mancha, TSA Spokesperson,
            Elizabeth Ferrer, AUS Public Information Specialist, Sr.
            Interviews in English and Spanish
RSVP: Preferred by Thursday, May 23, at noon
            Ausmedia@flyaustin.com or (512) 715-4287
 
INFORMATION FOR MEDIA
Media are asked to park a marked vehicle in the media parking area on the upper-level Departures curbside. If driving an unmarked vehicle, we will need the make, model, color and license plates of the vehicle for security purposes. Refer to the AUS media guide for more details on media parking and live spot locations.