Exploring The Buzzing Austin Bergstrom Airport: How Busy Is It?

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is a bustling aviation hub that serves as a gateway to Central Texas. With an annual passenger volume of approximately 20 million, the airport is often abuzz with travellers, especially during peak travel seasons like Thanksgiving. The airport has experienced notably busy periods, such as the Formula 1 weekend and the AfroTech conference, with an estimated 37,000 departing passengers in a single day. To enhance travellers' experiences, AUS offers various amenities, including shopping and dining options, live music, and convenient services like TSA PreCheck and Clear for expedited security screening.

TSA security wait times

The security wait times at Austin Bergstrom Airport are calculated using a detailed analysis of historical flight records and TSA staffing schedules. Third-party services and publicly available data are also utilised to provide travellers with fairly accurate estimates of wait times. However, it is important to remember that these estimates are subject to change due to unforeseen events.

The current average security wait time at Austin Bergstrom Airport is 13 minutes. During peak hours, this duration can extend up to 40 minutes. To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport well in advance of their scheduled flight departure. Obtaining pre-approval for TSA PreCheck can be beneficial to expedite the security screening process. TSA PreCheck is a trusted programme that offers streamlined security screening at Austin Bergstrom Airport and other participating airports. Members of this programme can keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and their laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids can remain in their carry-on bags during security checks.

To further optimise your time at the airport, consider enrolling in CLEAR Plus. CLEAR Plus provides faster security clearance and shorter wait times through dedicated lanes at two security checkpoints. This service is available daily from 4:00 AM to 7:30 PM.

The Barbara Jordan Terminal at Austin Bergstrom Airport features four security checkpoints that lead to all gates. These checkpoints open daily at 3:00 AM, with Checkpoint 3 currently closed until construction completes in 2026. It is worth noting that the security checkpoints close with the last departure of the day.

By staying informed about security wait times and utilising services like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus, travellers can efficiently navigate the checkpoints and minimise potential delays during their journey through Austin Bergstrom Airport.

Record-breaking volume days

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is an economic engine for Central Texas, providing over 74,000 direct and indirect jobs. The airport serves approximately 20 million passengers annually and is home to over 40 local brands, 8 live music stages, and more than 15 airlines.

During peak seasons, such as the Thanksgiving travel season, the airport experiences a significant increase in passenger volume. In 2023, the Friday before Thanksgiving was the busiest day, with nearly 38,000 passengers screened by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The airport advises travellers to arrive 2.5 hours before their flight during such busy periods.

To manage the surge in travellers, AUS has implemented several measures. They have introduced three security screening checkpoints, with TSA PreCheck and Clear available at Checkpoint 2 West, enhancing efficiency for eligible passengers. The TSA checkpoints open as early as 3 am to accommodate early departures. Additionally, the airport has collaborated with the TSA to increase screening lanes and machines, particularly at the two middle checkpoints, to expedite the security process.

However, some days stand out for breaking records in terms of passenger volume. One such instance occurred in November 2023, when an estimated 37,000 people flew out in a single day due to the AfroTech conference in town. This busy period followed closely after a record-breaking weekend for Formula 1. On such record-breaking volume days, travellers are advised to arrive early and be prepared for potential delays.

To further enhance the efficiency of the airport's operations, AUS offers a smartphone application called GoodMaps. This app assists passengers with special needs, including those who are hard-of-hearing, deaf, blind, or have low vision, by providing directions through haptics, visuals, and textual prompts.

Tips to minimise delays

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is a busy airport, serving approximately 20 million passengers annually. The airport has experienced record-breaking travel numbers, with an estimated 37,000 people departing on a single day. To minimise delays and navigate the airport efficiently, consider the following tips:

Plan Ahead and Arrive Early

During peak travel seasons, such as holidays and conferences, the airport advises travellers to plan ahead and arrive early. It is recommended to reach the airport 2.5 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This buffer allows for potential delays during check-in, security checks, and boarding.

Check Wait Times and Potential Delays

Before embarking on your journey, check the security wait times at the airport. AUS has three security screening checkpoints, and you can visit their website to view the current wait times. Additionally, stay informed about potential flight delays by staying in touch with your airline and monitoring weather conditions at your destination. Even if the weather in Austin is clear, poor weather elsewhere can impact flight schedules.

Use Efficient Check-In Options

To skip the busy ticket counters, use a mobile boarding pass or print your boarding pass from a self-service kiosk. Some airlines also offer curbside check-in on the departures level. If you are a frequent flyer, consider enrolling in the TSA PreCheck program, which offers expedited security screening at Checkpoint 1 and Checkpoint 2 within AUS.

Follow Packing Guidelines

Bringing prohibited items, such as liquids or aerosols exceeding 3.4 oz (100 ml), will cause delays at security checkpoints. Familiarise yourself with the packing guidelines provided by the TSA to ensure a smoother screening process. Solid food items are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked bags, but mashed potatoes, for example, would not be permitted.

Navigate the Airport Efficiently

Once you've passed through security, use the interactive Austin Bergstrom airport terminals map to navigate to your gate and locate restaurants and shopping options. This can help you make the most of your time before departure, especially if you have a long layover or unexpected delays.

By following these tips, you can minimise delays and navigate Austin-Bergstrom International Airport more efficiently, even during busy travel periods.

AUS Airport's official website

Welcome to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is an economic powerhouse for Central Texas, providing over 74,000 direct and indirect jobs. The airport is a bustling hub, serving approximately 20 million passengers annually and accommodating over 15 airlines. With a wide range of amenities, including more than 40 local brands for shopping and dining, 8 live music stages, and convenient parking options, AUS is committed to ensuring a safe, comfortable, and authentic Central Texas experience for all travellers.

Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey

To enhance your experience at AUS, we recommend the following:

• Check security wait times on our website or download the iFly app for real-time updates.
• Enroll in TSA PreCheck or sign up for CLEAR Plus to enjoy expedited security screening and shorter wait times.
• Use a mobile boarding pass or print your boarding pass from a self-service kiosk to avoid busy ticket counters.
• Curbside check-in is also available from the Departures level for select airlines.
• Plan ahead and arrive early, especially during peak travel seasons like Thanksgiving and holidays.
• Familiarize yourself with the interactive terminal map to easily navigate to your gate and discover the array of shopping and dining options available.
• Take advantage of off-airport parking lots for more cost-effective parking solutions.
• Stay informed about potential flight delays by regularly checking with your airline and monitoring weather conditions at your destination.
• Remember to follow packing guidelines to avoid delays at security checkpoints. Visit TSA.gov for detailed information on permitted items and liquids.

Lost and Found

In the unfortunate event that you misplace an item at a TSA checkpoint or in checked baggage, please act promptly. Contact our Lost and Found department at +1-512-386-2015 and provide a detailed description of the item, including any distinctive features, to facilitate its recovery.

Accessibility

AUS is dedicated to ensuring an accessible and inclusive travel experience for all. We are piloting the GoodMaps app, a wayfinding tool designed for passengers with hearing, visual, or other accessibility needs. The app provides directions through haptics, visuals, and textual prompts, guiding you seamlessly through the airport.

AUS security screening checkpoints

The Barbara Jordan Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has four security checkpoints, which lead to all gates. The first checkpoints typically open daily at 3:00 a.m.

As of February 2024, Checkpoint 3 is closed and will remain so until the estimated completion of the West Infill project in 2026. Checkpoint 2 West is open until the last flight and will accommodate passengers after all other checkpoints close.

Passengers with TSA PreCheck and Clear can use Checkpoint 2 West. PreCheck enrollment is available at the CLEAR enrolment centre at Checkpoint 1, with no appointment needed. Passengers without PreCheck or Clear should use Checkpoints 1 or 2 East. Each checkpoint is designated for specific screening services.

TSA PreCheck is a trusted program that provides expedited security screening for travellers. PreCheck members can keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and their laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in their carry-on bags during security checks.

To check whether an item is permitted at AUS, use the TSA's searchable 'What Can I Bring?' list. Even if an item is permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm, appears to have been tampered with, or poses security concerns. Firearms are prohibited at TSA security checkpoints.

Frequently asked questions