Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is bracing for a significant influx of travelers this month as Spring Break and the city's Spring Festival Season surge into high gear. Given the uptick, the hub is advising passengers to prep for the airport's busier-than-usual stretch running from March 6 through the end of March, with particular emphasis on specific dates expecting over 30,000 departing passengers each—specifically March 9, 10, 30, and 31, according to a recent statement released from City of Austin official website.
Those with plans to take to the skies are encouraged to arrive 2.5 hours ahead of domestic departures and 3 hours prior for international jaunts. For those checking bags, especially with carriers that offer free or discounted bag check, an additional buffer time is recommended. A heightened sense of punctuality is also advised for travelers needing to return rental cars before their flights. In an effort to streamline the security process amidst the traveler tsunami, Austin's airport boasts three security checkpoints all leading to the gates, with TSA PreCheck and CLEAR available at Checkpoint 2 West, and intermittently at Checkpoint 2 East during high-traffic periods as noted in the city's press release.
Airport authorities are keen to point out common mishaps that can add kinks to the security line flow. Travelers should double-check their carry-ons for liquids or aerosols above the 3.4 oz. limit and ensure that weapons, particularly firearms—126 of which were intercepted just last year—are left at home and not inadvertently packed. Festival goers are also warned to stash giveaway items and hefty souvenirs in checked luggage rather than carry-ons. For anyone unclear about what's permitted, TSA.gov and the 'AskTSA' feature, available via text at 275-872, should offer clarifications.
Weary about where to leave your car? The counsel from AUS is to book parking spaces online a minimum of 24 hours in advance, with real-time availability accessible at ABIAParking.com. Both parking on-site and shuttle services that run every 15-20 minutes have been highlighted as pertinent options. When it comes to either dropping off or picking up passengers, flexibility is key—using the arrivals or departures levels interchangeably can be a savvy move if one is congested. Nonetheless, passengers of Frontier & Allegiant should be mindful of the recommendation to park at the South Terminal, separate from the main terminal, as detailed in the official communication.
Accessibility doesn't get sidelined in the hustle; AUS is trialing the GoodMaps application to assist travelers with various accessibility and functional needs. This app delivers haptic, visual, and textual navigation through smartphones. Wheelchair assistance arrangements continue to be funneled through respective airlines and TSA extends helping hands with TSA Cares for those requiring additional support at security—a heads up call 72 hours before the flight is the starting point for setting this up. For further assistance, the Department of Aviation staff will be visible on high traffic days and can be reached directly at their Airport Operations Center.
Plugging into the digital-friendly wave of travel, passengers are encouraged to use mobile boarding passes and check-in kiosks to bypass lines. Once inside, the Barbara Jordan Terminal offers a little more breathing space, with local Austin eateries, art, and live music to temper the chaos of travel. And amidst all this, construction projects loom—passengers may witness the ongoing upgrades, part of the airport's improvement efforts. Updates on this front can be tracked via the construction page on the city's website, or through AUS's social media channels for those needing the latest intel. Assistance numbers and detailed info on airport services can be found online for those needing a quick reference guide during this bustling travel period.
