Sun rays and sound waves here at AUS! During the summer travel season, I want you to sweat it out on the beach instead of at the terminal. So I installed some big fans in the terminal. Between new nonstop service and new air conditioning systems, our airports are only getting cooler.
Now, if you're running to catch a flight… there's no point in sweating. However, we can provide you with some useful travel tips to avoid the race to the gate. Last summer, it set a record for 2,040,981 passengers in a single month. So while we advise arriving early as the terminal can be busy, it's better to give yourself extra time than miss your flight.
This is a marathon, not a sprint – arrive early!
Go through security with ease – pack properly!
Starting May 8, the following updates will be made to TSA checkpoints: Checkpoint 3 is closed as of February 2024 and will remain closed while construction of the West Infill Project is underway (estimated completion date is 2026). Travelers can track construction activity by visiting the Journey With AUS Construction page.
TSA PreCheck and cleared passenger screening is available at Checkpoint 2 West.
Travelers without PreCheck or Clear should use East Checkpoint 1 or 2 for general testing.
Global Entry kiosks will also be available.
For more information on security, please visit our travel tips page or see the image below.
If you're not sure whether carry-on or checked baggage is acceptable, TSA.gov is a great source of information on how to properly pack. To find out if you can bring an item to the airport, use TSA's searchable “What Can I Bring?” list.
Firearms are prohibited at TSA security checkpoints. Double-check your carry-on baggage before heading to the airport to make sure you don't accidentally go through his TSA with a firearm. For more information on how to travel with a firearm, please visit our Know Before You Go – Traveling with a Firearm page.
Even if approved, additional reviews will be conducted. If the item raises an alarm during screening, the TSA will make the final decision on whether to bring the item on board. For more packing tips, watch our How to Pack videos.
Know your game plan – park or drop off passengers
Want to park in AUS? Visit ABIAParking.com to check real-time availability of parking options. Starting May 19, the option to reserve parking spaces in Red Garage, Blue Garage, and Economy Parking will be temporarily unavailable until August 10, 2024. This allows all garage parking to be available to all guests during peak summer travel.
If you plan on using the shuttle service to the terminal, we recommend giving additional consideration to your arrival time. Shuttle service runs approximately every 15-20 minutes.
You can use the upper level for departures and the lower level for dropping off passengers on arrival. Keep in mind that if you are picking someone up and the lower arrivals level is quite busy, you can have the passenger picked up on the upper level.
Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Airlines customers are encouraged to park on-site in the South Terminal.
Looking to rent a car? Exit the Barbara Jordan Terminal, cross the marked crosswalk, and follow the hollow concrete path to the rental car facility. You can also track rental car facilities using the AUS digital map and find detailed instructions in this digital document.
Vacations can start in Australia…
After passing through security, celebrate by enjoying food from a local restaurant while listening to the soothing sounds of live music echoing throughout the terminal. Whether you're looking for retail therapy or art therapy, there are plenty of options available to guide you through the AUS digital wayfinding map at airportmaps.flyaustin.com.
With an average of about 30 shows per week, AUS is excited to feature great music from Austin's talented artists. A detailed schedule of the eight music stages can be skimmed on his webpage for the Live Music in the Air at AUS program.
Of course, AUS plans to schedule additional Department of Aviation staff during busy periods to assist with line management, TSA support, and passenger navigation within the terminal. We want everyone to have a comfortable and safe experience at the airport. Please remember to be patient, kind, and considerate of those around you and AUS staff. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact airport staff.
