Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is preparing for a busy holiday travel period, with increased passenger numbers expected from Friday, November 21 through Monday, December 1. Last year, nearly 370,000 passengers departed during the Thanksgiving travel window, with the Sunday after the holiday being the busiest day.
To manage the anticipated crowds, AUS has coordinated with its partners to enhance staffing and streamline operations. Additional staff will be present throughout the terminal to assist travelers with directions and line management.
Travelers are advised to plan ahead due to expected congestion on roads near the airport. Checking current road conditions at DriveTexas.org before leaving home is recommended. CapMetro’s Route 20 also provides public transportation to AUS.
Passengers should allow extra time if they need to check bags, return rental cars, or complete other pre-security tasks. The airport recommends not arriving more than four hours before departure but notes that both pre- and post-security areas will be crowded. AUS operates three security checkpoints leading to all gates; travelers without PreCheck or Clear should use Checkpoints 1 or 2 East, while those with TSA PreCheck and Clear can use Checkpoint 2 West.
Parking at AUS may be limited during this period. While parking spaces in garages and economy lots can typically be reserved online at ABIAParking.com, reservations will not be accepted from November 25 through December 1. On-site parking is expected to fill quickly, so travelers are encouraged to have backup plans such as off-site lots or rideshare services.
For check-in, passengers without checked luggage can save time by using mobile boarding passes or self-service kiosks inside the terminal. Some airlines also offer curbside check-in on the upper level.
Security procedures have changed recently; passengers no longer need to remove shoes during screening. Travelers are reminded not to pack prohibited items or liquids over 3.4 ounces in carry-on bags. Solid foods are allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage, but items like mashed potatoes are not permitted through checkpoints unless packed according to guidelines regarding ice packs.
Accessibility services are available for those who need them. Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance should contact their airline in advance. The TSA Cares program offers support for travelers needing help during security screening if arranged at least 72 hours before departure. Mobility trams and a dedicated lounge for passengers with mobility limitations are also available at AUS.
Passengers flying Allegiant or Frontier will depart from The South Terminal at a separate location near US 183 and Burleson Road. Shuttle service connects this terminal with the main Barbara Jordan Terminal every 15–20 minutes.
Ongoing construction projects may affect passenger movement within the Barbara Jordan Terminal, where construction walls and scaffolding are present for safety reasons. Construction activity may occur between midnight and 8 a.m., and updates can be found on AustinTexas.gov/AUSConstructionUpdates.
Once inside the terminal, travelers can access local dining options, art installations, live music stages, and an interactive map for navigation assistance within AUS.
Airport representatives will be available alongside TSA officials on Monday, November 24 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Baggage Claim 1 in the Barbara Jordan Terminal to provide travel tips and answer questions from local media outlets. “MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Date: Monday, November 24, 2025 Time:  9 a.m.–11 a.m. Place: Barbara Jordan Terminal, Baggage Claim 1 Who: David Fitz, TSA Media Relations Manager Jacquelyn Eckmann, AUS Public Information Specialist Sr.; Sydney Edwards; Samantha Rojas – Interviews in English and Spanish RSVP preferred by Friday November 21 at ausmedia@flyaustin.com or (512)715-4287.”
Media attending should park marked vehicles in designated areas on the upper-level Departures curbside; unmarked vehicles require prior registration of vehicle details for security purposes.
