Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Private screening areas are available upon request at each checkpoint in Austin’s airport.
Remember 3-1-1 for liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage:
- Three ounces per container
- In a clear, one-quart bag
- One per passenger.
These bags should be placed in bins going through x-ray like other personal belongings such as keys. This will speed up the process as TSA will not have to search through carry-ons for liquids. For a comprehensive list of exempted liquids and banned items, visit the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Web site at www.tsa.gov.
Only ticketed passengers are permitted through the security checkpoints. The people collecting you can meet you in the baggage claim area or on the balcony between ticket counter lobbies.
Yes. The passenger must be waiting curbside AUS with all their luggage ready to load into a vehicle. There is no waiting or parking at the curb for arriving passengers. If a vehicle is left unattended for any reason, the vehicle will be towed at the owners' expense.
Some airlines at the AUS® Airport have curbside check-in for luggage. Single-occupant vehicles cannot use curbside check-in, as this leaves the vehicle unattended. Check with your airline for availability.
Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies, like TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards.
Beginning January 22, 2018, driver’s licenses or state IDs issued by states that are not in compliance with the REAL ID Act and have not been granted an extension by DHS may not be used to fly within the U.S.
Beginning October 1, 2020, every traveler will need a REAL ID-compliant license or state ID or another acceptable form of identification to fly within the U.S.
You can check if your state is REAL ID compliant at dhs.gov/real-id-enforcement-brief. https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-enforcement-brief
Passengers are permitted to bring one carry-on and one personal item, such as a briefcase or purse.
Yes. Persons carrying special medications that require needles or syringes need to make sure the medication is clearly marked with the pharmaceutical label.
The Transportation Security Administration is responsible for the security checkpoints and deploys the federal screeners operating checkpoints. In order to protect your rights, passengers must file a written claim with TSA. Passengers can also call the TSA Consumer Hotline at 866-289-9673.
Contact your airline regarding accompanying any children flying alone. Airline ticket agents may issue a pass allowing an unticketed person to go through passenger security screening and onto the concourse. This may allow children to be accompanied to their departing flight or for meeting arriving children at the gate.
Because of existing regulations for passport and visa controls customers may experience some or all of the following:
- Primary passport inspection
- Registration for further processing
- Secondary screening
Hilton Austin Airport. Tel: 512-385-6767
Hyatt Place Austin Airport. Tel: 512-272-5001
Luggage may be checked at the ticket counter or at curb side and left with the airline's representative. Checked bags are screened by the Transportation Security Administration and may be opened. Passengers are asked not to lock their luggage. Cable or zip ties are recommended for securing luggage. Any luggage opened by Transportation Security Administration screeners will be resealed, and a notice of inspection placed inside the luggage.
For a comprehensive list of banned items, visit the Transportation Security Administration's website.
Passengers are advised to arrive in the Barbara-Jordan terminal at least two hours prior to departure time during the daily peak travel times of 5 a.m. to 8 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. AUS Lines will be longer during these peak times with security waits over 45 minutes possible. For all other flight times, AUS passengers are advised to arrive at least 90 minutes prior to departure.
The South Terminal recommends arriving at least 90 minutes before the boarding time listed on your boarding pass. This will allow you to check your bags, process through security, and be in the Departures Lounge with plenty of time before your flight.
In the Barbara-Jordan Terminal on the upper level across from the Southwest Airlines ticket counter is Fara Café and Sports Bar. Fara Café offers delicious, aromatic coffee and gourmet sandwiches. The upstairs sports bar offers a variety of beer and wine and a full service bar. In the baggage claim area there are vending machines with beverages and snacks and a Starbucks.
On the upper level across from Checkpoint #2 is Z Market, offering sandwiches, coffee, smoothies, baked goods, drinks and sundries.
The South Terminal has vending machines in baggage claim.
You can meet your arriving passenger in the baggage claim or on the balcony between ticket counter lobbies.
Free Cell Phone Lot- Wait here ‘til they call you
Picking someone up at the airport? Use the free cell phone lot. Simply drive to the waiting area and relax until your arriving party calls and is ready to be picked up at curbside.
Where is it? To access the new Cell Phone Lot, from SH 71, take the Spirit of Texas Drive “Airport Cargo/Service Entrance” exit. Turn right onto Spirit of Texas Drive. Turn left into the Texaco Fuel Station and Convenience Store located at 2901 Spirit of Texas Drive. Flight Information Displays, food, and restroom are available 24/7.
When you’re picking up passengers, drive to the baggage level of the terminal or the upper level as you enter the airport property. The terminal curb side is for active loading and unloading only. Parking and unattended vehicles are not allowed.
Those wishing to enter the terminal to meet their passenger, may choose to park in the airport garage. The garage charges an hourly rate of $3 per hour or part thereof, up to daily maximums. Full rates for all ABIA On-Airport Parking can be found on our Parking page.
If you are to be collected from the airport, make sure that the people collecting you know your flight number and the airport that you are flying from.
Yes. Security screeners may ask travelers to turn on all electronic devices to show that they are operational.
All passengers traveling at AUS® must receive a boarding pass to go through the security checkpoints and enter the concourse. Passengers traveling with E-tickets may either get their boarding pass from the ticket counter or self-serve kiosks in the ticket lobby.
Yes, AUS passengers may now enjoy up to four (4) hours of free Wi-Fi on Boingo. To connect, select Boingo Hotspot under the Wi-Fi options; then select "Complimentary Wi-Fi" in the Boingo options. For additional options, see Boingo menu located on their splash page. It may be necessary to view a short video by sponsor(s).
All airports, even the smallest, are given a three letter acronym that appears on airline tickets and used by air traffic control, etc.. AUS® is the first 3 letters of Austin. The assignment of these codes is administered by the Montreal-based International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the codes cover locations (mainly airports) around the globe.
The Barbara-Jordan Terminal has 2 Dog Parks, at the East and West ends at the baggage. Exit and look for the signs, the parks are located adjacent to the parking garage. The parks feature benches and drinking fountains for owners, and fountains, grass, and boulders for dogs.
For information on health and diseases, visit the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov