Austin Airport: Managing The Rush

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States. In 2023, it had its busiest year on record, with over 22 million passengers. The airport is particularly busy during the holidays, with long lines at check-in counters and security checkpoints. On average, it takes 13 minutes to navigate the security process, but this can be extended to 35-40 minutes during peak hours. To avoid delays, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport 2.5 hours before their domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.

Security wait times

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States, serving over 22 million passengers in 2023. With such high passenger volume, travellers can expect long security wait times, especially during peak hours.

Pre-Arrival Recommendations

To avoid hassle and ensure a seamless journey, it is recommended to check security wait times in advance and arrive at the airport well ahead of your scheduled departure. Airport officials advise 2.5 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. Additional time buffers are suggested for travellers checking luggage, travelling with children or in large groups, or those new to the airport.

Expedited Screening Programs

To facilitate faster security screening, AUS offers TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus. These programs allow members to bypass lengthy queues and document inspections. TSA PreCheck is available at both Checkpoint 1 and Checkpoint 2, operating daily from 3:30 AM. CLEAR Plus is accessible at Checkpoint 1 for all services and enrolments, and at Checkpoint 2 for verification only, from 4:00 AM to 6:30 PM daily.

Average Security Wait Times

The average security wait time at AUS is 13 minutes, but this can extend up to 40 minutes during peak hours. The busiest times for security are 5 AM to 8 AM, 11 AM to 1 PM, and 3 PM to 5:30 PM.

Strategies to Reduce Wait Times

To enhance your experience at AUS, consider the following strategies:

• Enrol in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR Plus for expedited screening.
• Utilize real-time wait time information to plan your arrival.
• Take advantage of off-airport parking options, which offer lower costs and help avoid on-site parking congestion.
• Make use of the interactive Austin Bergstrom airport map to navigate efficiently to your gate and explore dining and shopping options.

TSA PreCheck

Benefits

• About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait 10 minutes or less.
• Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck when it appears on the child's boarding pass.
• TSA PreCheck is available at both Checkpoint 1 and Checkpoint 2 within AUS, starting at 3:30 am daily.
• PreCheck is primarily designed for select frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveller programs.

Enrollment

To enrol in TSA PreCheck, you can either start the application online or visit an enrolment centre. The cost for enrolment varies by provider and can be done online or in person. The cost for 5 years of TSA PreCheck is $76.75, with online renewal costing $58.75 and in-person renewal costing $66.75.

Other Options

If you already have Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or hold an active TWIC or Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with an HME, you do not need to get TSA PreCheck. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport also offers CLEAR Plus, a service that uses biometric authentication to get you through security checkpoints quickly.

CLEAR Plus

• Enrolment: Sign up for CLEAR Plus online or at the designated enrolment centre at Checkpoint 1 in AUS. A CLEAR Ambassador will verify your identity using your face, eyes, and fingerprints.
• Scan Your Boarding Pass: Whenever you fly through AUS, simply scan your boarding pass at a CLEAR Pod.
• Verify Your Identity: At the CLEAR Pod, verify your identity using your face, eyes, or fingerprints.
• Expedited Screening: Once your identity is confirmed, a CLEAR Ambassador will escort you to the front of the security line for priority screening.

Benefits of CLEAR Plus:

• Time Savings: Bid farewell to long queues and tedious document inspections. CLEAR Plus expedites your security screening, saving you valuable time during your travel.
• Convenience: With CLEAR Plus, there's no need to worry about locating your ID or undergoing lengthy document checks. Your unique biometric identifiers grant you swift and secure access.
• Family Inclusion: Family members under 18 can accompany you in the CLEAR Lane at no additional cost. Additionally, you can add up to three adults to your account, making travelling with companions a breeze.
• Exclusive Offers: CLEAR Plus members enjoy exclusive offers and discounts, including expedited passport services, easier luggage shipment, and global medical transport.
• Wide Accessibility: CLEAR Plus is currently available at 58 airports nationwide, providing seamless travel across the country.

AUS Recommendations:

To ensure a smooth travel experience at AUS, it is recommended that travellers using general TSA screening arrive at least 2.5 hours before their domestic flight departure and 3 hours for international flights. For those with TSA PreCheck or CLEAR Plus, you can expect reduced wait times at security checkpoints.

Peak times

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States. In 2023, it had its busiest year on record, with over 22 million passengers. The airport is currently undergoing a multi-year expansion and development program to meet the demands of its growing number of passengers and airline activity.

The busiest times at the airport are during the morning, specifically from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The airport also sees high passenger volumes on Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays, with over 30,000 passengers flying out on these days.

The summer is the busiest prolonged travel period, while October brings busy weekends due to events like ACL and Formula 1. The holidays are also a busy time at the airport, with long lines at check-in counters and security checkpoints. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the days surrounding these holidays are particularly busy, with around 30,000 people travelling each day.

To avoid long lines and ensure a smooth travel experience, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least 2.5 hours before their departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. Those checking luggage, travelling with small children or in large groups, or using general TSA screening are advised to give themselves extra time.

To expedite the security screening process, passengers can enrol in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR Plus. These services offer expedited security screening, allowing travellers to keep their shoes on and avoid removing laptops and liquids from their carry-on bags.

Holiday travel

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States. In 2023, it had its busiest year on record, with over 22 million passengers. With Austin's popularity as a destination continuing to grow, the airport is embarking on a multi-year expansion and development program to transform it from a medium-sized airport to a large one.

What to Expect During the Holidays

The airport is particularly busy during the holiday season, with long lines and crowded checkpoints. In the week leading up to Christmas 2024, the airport was expecting around 30,000 people each day, with an estimated 150,000 travelers passing through during the entire travel period. The busiest days are typically Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday, with 30,000+ passengers flying out on these days. Mornings are the busiest time of day.

Tips for Holiday Travel

• Arrive Early: Airport officials recommend arriving at the airport 2.5 hours before your domestic flight and 3 hours before your international flight. Give yourself extra time if you're checking luggage, traveling with small children or in a large group, or if it's been a while since you last flew.
• Real-time Updates: Check for real-time updates on parking availability, flight status, and traffic conditions before you leave for the airport.
• TSA PreCheck or CLEAR: Consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR for expedited security screening. With these programs, you can save time by keeping your shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and you don't need to remove laptops and liquids from your carry-on bags.
• Parking: Parking fills up quickly during the holidays. Check ABIAParking.com for real-time parking availability and to book a spot in advance.
• Pick-up and Drop-off: With an increased number of passengers, there will also be more vehicles for drop-off and pick-up. Drivers and passengers are encouraged to use whichever level has the least congestion.
• Food and Shopping: If you have time before your flight, you can grab a bite to eat or do some last-minute shopping at the airport.

What to Keep in Mind

• Air Traffic Controller Shortage: There have been concerns about potential flight delays during the holiday season due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. Keep an eye on the 'Flight Delay Information' section of the FAA's website for updates.
• Busiest Times: The busiest times for security at AUS are typically 5 a.m. to 8 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Keep Valuable Items Secure: AUS has had issues with items going missing at TSA checkpoints and in checked baggage. Be sure to keep valuable items with you at all times.
• COVID-19 Impact: After the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel, AUS recovered faster and stronger than any other airport in the country, based on airline seat increases between 2019 and 2022.

Frequently asked questions