Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is set to make life a little easier for travelers, with revamped TSA checkpoints kicking off May 8. In a bid to simplify the pre-flight grind, Austin airport officials have teamed up with the TSA and CLEAR to consolidate security screenings.
These changes made in collaboration between TSA, AUS officials, and CLEAR are designed to speedily guide passengers through the necessary security measures without compromising safety. Starting early morning, flyers will have to navigate to newly assigned checkpoints, as Checkpoint 3 will be out of commission until 2026, according to an official announcement from the City of Austin. However, the same number of lanes will remain available, ensuring the traffic flow remains consistent amidst changes.
Checkpoint 1 will cater to general screening, including Known Crew Members and priority/premium passengers, along with ADA Screening. Checkpoint 2 East is slated exclusively for general screening, and Checkpoint 2 West will handle those signed up for TSA PreCheck and CLEAR, offering ADA Screening for eligible passengers as well. Travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, or even both, should make their way to Checkpoint 2 West in order to make full use of their privileges.
For the many who need a helping hand, there are Passenger Support Specialists available to make the check-in hustle as painless as possible. These specialists can be booked – at least 72 hours in advance – by filling out the TSA Cares form or dialing (855) 787-2227. This service, tailored to those who are not frequent flyers or have specific accessibility requirements, is a boon for less experienced travelers navigating the AUS Barbara Jordan Terminal. In the meantime, passengers are encouraged "to familiarize themselves with checkpoint locations before their departure using the AUS digital interactive map" to help ensure nothing but smooth sailing, the City of Austin advised.
With an upgraded Checkpoint 3 expected to fling open its doors in 2026, boasting 6 to 8 additional lanes, the future looks bright for Austin's air-bound travelers. For now, as these changes take effect, flyers traversing Austin's skies should perhaps arrive a tad earlier to familiarize themselves with the new checkpoint configurations, steering clear of any potential time crunches. A little preparation can go a long way to ensure that the journey to the final destination begins on a smooth and stress-free note.
