As many of us know, Labor Day isn’t just an extra day off to relax. If my “American math” is correct, that extra day is equivalent to a long weekend. A long weekend is the perfect opportunity to travel and enjoy that vacation you’ve been dreaming of.
One thing we’ve noticed at the Austin airport is that when American math happens, everyone jumps on a plane. So we want to prepare our travelers for a busy terminal with the best travel tips around Central Texas. Read on for tips on how to plan accordingly, pack properly, and arrive early!
If you're not early, you're late – Arrive early!
- Sorry to repeat yourself, but if you don’t arrive 2.5 hours in advance, you may miss your flight! We strongly recommend that travelers arrive at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) at least 2.5 hours prior to departure for domestic flights and 3 hours prior to departure for all international flights. Travelers who need to check baggage, return rental cars, or complete additional tasks prior to security should allow additional time.
- Before arriving, check your flight status on this page and make sure you know your departure terminal. Note that Allegiant and Frontier are located in the South Terminal, which you cannot access from the main Barbara Jordan Terminal. For more information, visit the official South Terminal webpage at austintexas.gov/page/south-terminal-aus. All other airlines operate from the main terminal at Barbara Jordan.
- AUS is currently conducting improvement and modernization projects to meet the needs of increased passenger and airline activity through the Journey With AUS airport improvement program. You may notice construction in the terminal. For a list of planned construction that may be visible to passengers, visit AustinTexas.gov/AUSConstructionUpdates.
Safety is no joke – pack properly! Since February 2024, Checkpoint 3 has been closed and will remain closed for the duration of the West Infill Project construction (expected completion in 2026). Travelers can visit our Journey construction page with AUS to follow construction updates.
Not sure what items will be accepted between carry-on and checked baggage? Don't worry! TSA.gov contains all the rules you need to know to properly pack your luggage. To check whether or not an item can be taken with you to the airport, use the TSA search function What can I bring? List.
- Firearms are prohibited at TSA security checkpoints. Check your carry-on bag before entering the airport to make sure you are not accidentally carrying a firearm. For more details on how to travel with a firearm, see our Know Before You Go – Traveling with Firearms Page.
- All items are subject to additional screening. If an item sets off an alarm during screening, TSA will make the final decision on whether it will be allowed on board. For additional packing tips, see our Video on how to pack.
Make Parking a Breeze – Parking or Dropping Off Passengers
Planning to park your vehicle at AUS? Visit ABIAParking.com to check real-time availability of our parking options. Currently, the option to reserve a parking space for the Red Garage, Blue Garage and Economy Parking is temporarily unavailable until August 10, 2024. This is to ensure that all garage parking is open to all customers during peak summer periods.
- Planning on using our shuttle service to get to the terminal? Keep in mind that the shuttle runs approximately every 15-20 minutes, so be careful and allow extra travel time.
- You can drop off passengers either on the upper level for departures or on the lower level for arrivals. Pro tip: If you are picking someone up and the lower level for arrivals is particularly busy, you can ask your passenger to meet you on the upper level for pickup.
- Passengers traveling with Frontier and Allegiant are recommended to park on-site at the South Terminal.
- Looking to rent a car? Exit the BarbaraJordan Terminal, take one of the marked pedestrian crossings and follow the floating concrete path to the car rental center. The AUS digital map at airportmaps.flyaustin.com is also a great tool to locate car rental agency or try this digital document for detailed instructions.
Finding peace at the airport is definitely possible, try it!
Good news! Once you get through security, the Labor Day fun can really begin. No, we're not being sarcastic. Between the two of us XpresSpa locations, many therapeutic shopping stores and various comfort food classicsDiscovering stress-free experiences is a breeze at AUS. Discover the best options by reading our blog, Savor the Best: The Delights of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's West Terminal.
- Additionally, we have several fantastic art exhibits in the terminal that can be discovered using our digital orientation map at airportmaps.flyaustin.com. Want to rock out like a true Austinite? Stroll through the terminal, check out one of our music stages, and enjoy the opportunity to hear local talent perform! AUS averages about 30 shows per week with the excitement of showcasing exceptional music from a range of Austin artists. Want a specific schedule of our 8 music stages? No problem, check out our AUS Live Music in the Air program webpage.
AUS wants to assure travelers that additional Department of Aviation personnel will be provided during peak periods to assist with line management, TSA support, and navigation assistance. Our goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable airport experience for everyone. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask a nearby airport employee. Please remember to bring your patience, kindness, and respect for those around you and AUS employees.
