Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Where should I park to pick-up an arriving passenger?

Answer: Picking up friends or family at the airport? Rather than circling the loop and wasting gas, park in the ABIA Parking Garage, where parking less than 30 minutes is free. Afterwards, there is an hourly parking fee structure (0-30 minutes is free; 31-60 minutes is $2; each additional hour is $2, up to a daily maximum of $18.48 plus tax). Meeters and greeters should also know their arriving passenger’s airline, place of origin, and arrival time. For more information, view the parking page on the airport's Web site.

Question: What time should I arrive at the airport before my scheduled departure?

Answer: Airport and airline officials encourage travelers to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before scheduled departure. This time will allow the traveler to find parking, catch the shuttle bus from the lot, check in at the ticket counter or curbside, and go through security. Officials also encourage travelers to call their airline directly regarding the status of the flight.

Question: Do I have to get a boarding pass prior to entering the security checkpoint?

Answer: All passengers, including E-ticket holders and those not checking luggage, must have a boarding pass or a security document to proceed through security. Boarding passes may be obtained either from the ticket counter or from an airline self-serve kiosk. Some airlines Web sites offer boarding documents which travelers may print themselves. For travelers not checking bags, these boarding documents can save a trip to the ticket counter.

Question: What is the new process for checking and screening checked baggage?

Answer: Luggage may be checked at the ticket counter or at curb side and left with the airlines representative. Checked bags are screened by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and may be opened. Passengers are asked not to lock their luggage. Cable or zip ties are recommended for securing luggage. Any luggage opened by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners will be resealed and a notice of inspection placed inside the luggage.

Question: Where do I pick up arriving passengers in the airport?

Answer: You can meet your arriving passenger in the baggage claim area or on the balcony between ticket counter lobbies.

Question: Can I meet my arriving passenger at the gate?

Answer: Only ticketed passengers are permitted through the security checkpoints. Meeters/greeters can meet arriving passengers in the baggage claim area or on the balcony between ticket counter lobbies.

Question: Can I pick up someone at the curb?

Answer: Yes. The passenger must be waiting curbside with all their luggage waiting to load into a vehicle. There is no waiting or no parking at the curb for arriving passengers. If a vehicle is left unattended for any reason, the vehicle will be towed at the owners' expense.

Question: Where can I find food and drinks if I'm not a ticketed passenger?

Answer: On the upper level across from the Southwest Airlines ticket counter is Fara Café and Sports Bar. Fara Café offers delicious, aromatic coffee and gourmet sandwiches. The upstairs sports bar offers a variety of beer and wine and a full service bar. In the baggage claim area there are vending machines with beverages and snacks.

Question: Can luggage be checked in at the curb?

Answer: Some airlines at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport have curbside check in of luggage. Single occupant vehicles cannot use curbside check in since this leaves the vehicle unattended. Check with your airline for availability.

Question: My son/daughter will be flying alone. What are the procedures?

Answer: Children flying alone are permitted to be escorted by one parent through the security checkpoints to the gated area. At the ticket counter, the ticket agent will issue the parent a "concourse pass" with all the flight information on it. This is also the same for a parent picking up a child flying alone.

Question: How many carry-ons can I bring on board the plane?

Answer: Passengers are permitted to bring one carry-on and one personal item, such as a briefcase or purse.

Question: What items can I no longer carry on the plane?

Answer: For a comprehensive list of banned items, visit the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Web site at www.tsa.gov.

Question: Can I bring a beverage through the security checkpoint?

Answer: Remember 3-1-1 for liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on luggage. Three ounces per container, in a clear, one-quart bag, one per passenger. These bags should be placed in bins going through x-ray like other personal belongings such as keys. This will speed up the process as TSA will not have to search through carry-ons for liquids. For a comprehensive list of exempted liquids and banned items, visit the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Web site at www.tsa.gov.

Question: Will I have to put my laptop, pager or cell phone through the x-ray machine?

Answer: Yes. Security screeners may ask travelers to turn on all electronic devices to show they are operational.

Question: Do I still check in at the ticket counter if I have an E-ticket?

Answer: All passengers must receive a boarding pass to go through the security checkpoints and enter the concourse. Passengers traveling with E-tickets may either get their boarding pass from the ticket counter or from their airline's self-serve kiosks in the ticket lobby.

Question: What type of identification do I bring to the airport?

Answer: Passengers need to bring a government-issued photo ID to the airport. A drivers license is one such form of ID.

Question: I am a diabetic and carry syringes. Will I be able to carry this on board a plane?

Answer: Yes. Persons carrying special medications that require needles or syringes need to make sure the medication is clearly marked with the pharmaceutical label.

Question: I have a complaint or a question regarding the security checkpoints. Who do I call?

Answer: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for the security checkpoints and deploys the federal screeners operating checkpoints. In order to protect your rights, passengers must file a written claim with TSA. Passengers can also call the TSA Consumer Hotline at (866) 289-9673.

Question: What hotel accommodations are nearest to the airport?

Answer: The Hilton Austin Airport. Tel: (512) 385-6767

Question: What can I expect when flying internationally from AUS?

Answer: Because of existing regulations for passport and visa controls customers may experience some or all of the following:

primary passport inspection
registration for further processing
and/or secondary screening

For tips to make your international travel through AUS easier, please see International Travel (PDF, 20 KB).

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Source: City of Austin