Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is gearing up for a busy holiday travel period and is urging passengers to plan ahead as traffic through the terminal increases from December 19 through December 28. While projections for this year are not yet available, last year’s holiday season saw nearly 357,000 travelers screened by TSA, with December 20 marking the single busiest day at just under 35,000 screeningsmail.google.com.

To support the expected crowds, Austin Aviation has coordinated with airport partners to increase staffing and streamline operations. Additional personnel will be stationed throughout the terminal to assist passengers during peak times.

Passengers checking bags, returning rental cars, or traveling in groups are encouraged to arrive early, though AUS recommends not arriving more than four hours before departure due to anticipated congestion inside the terminal. Three security checkpoints serve all gates, with specific lanes designated for TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and combined services. TSA checkpoints open daily at 3 a.m.

Parking demand is expected to be high. While garage and economy lot reservations are available, they will not be accepted from December 23 through January 2. Travelers are encouraged to check real-time availability, consider off-site parking, or arrange drop-offs or rideshare options. Shuttle services typically run every 15–20 minutes.

TSA reminds travelers to pack carefully: liquids over 3.4 ounces are prohibited in carry-on bags, and food packed with ice must remain fully frozen. Unwrapped gifts are recommended to avoid delays at checkpoints. AUS Guest Services will offer complimentary gift wrapping near Gate 13 from December 18–24.

Passengers flying with Allegiant or Frontier will depart from the South Terminal, located separately from the main terminal. Shuttle service between the two terminals operates every 15–20 minutes, and on-site parking is recommended for South Terminal travelers.

Ongoing airport improvement projects may result in construction noise or temporary barriers in certain areas. Updates are available at AustinTexas.gov/AUSConstructionUpdates. . Passengers needing assistance can contact the Airport Operations Center at (512) 530-2242 or speak with airport staff on-site.