Austin Airport's Current State: Busy Or Bust?

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is a busy airport with average TSA security wait times of around 25 minutes, and up to 35-40 minutes during peak hours. The airport offers a premium service, CLEAR Plus, which provides faster security clearance and shorter wait times. The average security wait time at Checkpoint 1 is 14 minutes, and the busiest times for security processes are between 5 a.m. to 8 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Passengers can also enrol in TSA PreCheck, which offers expedited security screening, allowing travellers to keep their shoes on and avoid removing laptops and liquids from carry-on bags.

TSA security wait times

The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) advises passengers to arrive at the airport well before their planned departure time. The average TSA wait time at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is around 25 minutes, but this can increase to 35–40 minutes during peak hours. The busiest times for the security process are 5 a.m.–8 a.m., 11 a.m.–1 p.m., and 3 p.m.–5:30 p.m.

To make your travel experience smoother, it is recommended that you check the average wait times at different times of the day and follow tips to minimise delays as you pass through security. You can check the official Austin-Bergstrom International Airport website for real-time security wait times for each checkpoint. The security wait times are computed using a comprehensive examination of historical flight records and TSA staffing timetables. Various third-party services and publicly available datasets are also used to offer fairly precise estimates of wait times. However, it is important to note that these estimates may vary due to unforeseen incidents.

To expedite your screening procedure, you can sign up for TSA PreCheck or CLEAR Plus. TSA PreCheck is a trusted program that provides expedited security screening for travellers at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and other participating airports. PreCheck members can keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and they don't have to remove laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids from their carry-on bags during security checks. CLEAR Plus offers faster security clearance and shorter wait times with CLEAR Plus lanes available at two security checkpoints at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

To check for airport delays, you can download the My TSA application, which provides real-time updates on airport delays reported by fellow travellers. The application also allows you to confirm which items can be brought through security and offers other helpful tips for travellers.

Average wait times at checkpoints

When flying out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), checking the TSA security wait times can help you navigate the checkpoints efficiently, especially during peak hours. The average TSA wait time at AUS Airport is around 25 minutes, but it can take 35-40 minutes during peak hours. The busiest times for the security process are between 5 a.m. to 8 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The average security wait time at Checkpoint 1 is 14 minutes. This checkpoint has a general screening process, also known as premium, priority, or crew member security lines. Checkpoint 1 also offers TSA PreCheck, a trusted program that provides expedited security screening. With TSA PreCheck, travellers can keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on and need not remove laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids from their carry-on bags.

To further reduce wait times, CLEAR Plus is available at two security checkpoints at AUS. CLEAR Plus members enjoy faster security clearance and shorter wait times.

You can check the official website of AUS Airport to see if security wait times are available. The security wait times shown are computed using historical flight records and TSA staffing timetables.

Expedited screening with TSA PreCheck

The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) offers a program called TSA PreCheck, which provides expedited security screening for travellers at Austin Bergstrom Airport (AUS) and other participating airports. TSA PreCheck members can speed up their security checks by keeping their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and not having to remove laptops and liquids from their carry-on bags. This service is available at both Checkpoint 1 and Checkpoint 2 within AUS.

TSA PreCheck is a trusted program designed for select frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs. Travellers can enrol in TSA PreCheck on its own or bundle it with CLEAR Plus at a discount. CLEAR Plus Lanes, which serve as an expedited security screening option, are available daily from 4:00 AM to 6:30 PM and 4:00 AM to 7:30 PM.

To enrol in TSA PreCheck, travellers can visit the TSA website or refer to a comprehensive guide like the iFly TSA PreCheck Guide. Additionally, travellers can download the My TSA application to check and post airport delays, confirm permissible items through security, and access other helpful tips for travellers.

It is recommended that travellers arrive at Austin Airport significantly earlier than their scheduled departure time, especially during peak hours. The average security wait time at AUS Airport is around 13 to 25 minutes, but this can extend to 40 minutes during peak times. To better manage wait times, travellers can use resources like the AUS website, the MyTSA app, and online trackers to estimate security wait times for each checkpoint and plan their arrival accordingly.

Lost and found

As one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) can get quite busy. The average TSA wait time is around 25 minutes, but this can go up to 35-40 minutes during peak hours. The busiest times for the security process are from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Now, if you've lost an item at the airport, here's what you need to do:

The airport's Lost and Found department is located behind Carousel 1 in the Baggage Claim area. You can identify it by the guitars on the right wall. The operating hours are 7 days a week, but the timings vary according to the source, with one stating 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and another stating 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can contact the Lost and Found team by calling 512-530-5678 or 512-530-2242. If you need to leave a message, provide your name, contact phone number, and a brief description of the lost item.

TSA Lost and Found:

For items lost at a TSA checkpoint or in checked baggage, you need to contact the TSA Lost and Found team. Their phone number is 512-386-2015, and their operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. When reporting a lost item, be sure to provide a detailed description, including its colour and any distinguishing features.

Lost Items on the Plane or with the Airline:

If you've left an item on the plane or have lost checked luggage, you'll need to contact your airline directly.

Parking options

If you're looking for parking options at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, there are a few choices to consider. The Parking Spot, for example, offers affordable parking at two locations: Austin East and Austin West. Austin East is dedicated to environmental sustainability, with over 30 electric vehicle charging stations. It is also the first parking location you'll encounter if you're coming from places like Bastrop and College Station. On the other hand, Austin West provides nearly 1,400 covered parking spaces, and its shuttle drivers use a discreet back entrance to the airport, avoiding the highway.

Long-term parking at The Parking Spot becomes more cost-effective the longer you stay, and you can modify your reservation up to one hour before your check-in time. Additionally, their app and exclusive member offers can help you save time and money.

Another option is to use an off-airport parking lot. These lots are typically located a bit further away from the terminals but offer lower parking costs.

Frequently asked questions