City of Austin

Passengers are advised to arrive in the terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at least two hours prior to departure time from March 6-20, 2013, and at least 90 minutes early for all other days. 

Ticketing and security lines will be longer than normal with thousands of extra passengers through the airport attending events such as South by Southwest, Spring Break, Grand-AM of the Americas, UIL state basketball tournaments, and Rodeo Austin.  

This will be the first March that the airport’s new, fourth security checkpoint will be operational in East Ticketing to help reduce security wait times. The checkpoint, operational only during peak travel times, provides four additional screening lanes, increasing maximum screening capacity from 11 lanes to 15. 

Austin-Bergstrom’s Cell Phone Lot offers free parking to those waiting to pick-up arriving passengers with the recent addition of Twist of Spice. The food trailer serves wraps, Panini’s, salads, and Mexican food from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The free lot also has real-time flight information monitors on site displaying arrival status. Drivers wait in the cell phone lot until their passenger is waiting curbside and calls for pick up. The cell lot is located at 2801 Spirit of Texas Dr., accessible via the “Airport Cargo” exit off of Hwy 71.

Travel Tips

Getting through the airport is smoother for travelers who come prepared. The following is recommended:

• Allow ample time to get to the airport. Traffic and weather could add to commute time.
• Before leaving for the airport, check www.abia.org, for real-time flight status updates.
• Real time ABIA On-Airport Parking information is available by calling 512-530-3300.
• 24-hour airport information available at 512-530-ABIA (2242) or at www.abia.org.

Security

Be prepared for security screening, dress smart and pack smart:

• Carry-on luggage is restricted to one bag and one personal item such as a laptop, purse, backpack, or briefcase. 
• Avoid wearing jewelry and accessories that contain metal.
• Shoes, coats, jackets, hats and other such garments must be put through x-ray screening.
• 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.  
• While packing, check luggage to ensure no prohibited items are in the bag or its pockets. For a comprehensive list of banned and permitted carry-on items, visit www.tsa.gov.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport generates a $2.4 billion economic impact to the Austin area annually. Austin’s airport has nonstop service to 39 destinations in the U.S. and Mexico and served a record 9.4 million passengers in 2012. The airport is growing to meet the future needs of Austin with improvements ranging from terminal expansion to parking. Austin-Bergstrom is entirely self-sustaining, generating its own revenue to cover its operating costs. For more information, visit www.abia.org.