City of Austin Seal

City of Austin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: Sep. 29, 2025

AUSTIN, Texas – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is preparing for a busy October as the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL) returns to center stage, bringing live music and large crowds. With hundreds of thousands of attendees expected, AUS anticipates several high-volume travel days with more than 35,000 departing passengers on:

  • Weekend One: Friday, Oct. 3; Sunday, Oct. 5; Monday, Oct. 6; and Tuesday, Oct. 7
  • Weekend Two: Friday, Oct. 10; Sunday, Oct. 12; Monday, Oct. 13; and Tuesday, Oct. 14

To help travelers avoid delays and reduce stress, AUS encourages passengers to arrive early, plan ahead, and use the following resources:

Other important AUS travel tips include:
 
Prepare for arrival: Timing, parking, and terminal access

  • Arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure for domestic flights and 3 hours before departure for international flights.
  • Allow extra time for checking luggage, returning rental cars, or completing other activities before joining the TSA security line.
  • Plan your route and travel time to the airport accordingly, as highways near the airport are expected to be busy during the days surrounding the festival.
  • Visit ABIAParking.com if you're parking at AUS. While on-site parking is not expected to sell out, parking spaces can be reserved for the Blue Garage, Red Garage, or Economy Lots. You can also check for real-time availability on the website before arriving at the airport.
  • Shuttle services run every 15–20 minutes but may be delayed due to festival traffic, especially from the Economy Lot and South Terminal.
  • Use either the upper level for departures or the lower level for arrivals when dropping off passengers. Choose the least congested to save time and reduce traffic backups.

Streamline your check-in: Use time-saving options

  • Expect busy airline ticket counters, especially for carriers offering free or discounted checked luggage.
  • Passengers without checked bags can skip the counter by using mobile boarding passes, self-service kiosks inside the terminal, and curbside check-in (available with select airlines on the upper level).

Follow screening guidelines: Pack smart and travel safe

  • AUS has three security screening checkpoints leading to all gates. The first checkpoints open at 3 a.m., with TSA PreCheck and Clear, and active-duty military (in or out of uniform) lanes available at Checkpoint 2 West. Screening for passengers with CLEAR only and not TSA PreCheck should use Checkpoint 1.
  • Recent TSA changes mean passengers no longer need to remove shoes during screening.
  • Event promotional items, bulky souvenirs, and giveaways should be packed in carry-on bags instead of checked luggage. These items often trigger security systems in checked baggage and may delay outbound luggage.
  • Avoid packing prohibited items or liquids exceeding 3.4 ounces in carry-on bags.
  • If you are traveling with a firearm, review the TSA guidelines to learn how to travel properly with a firearm and avoid a penalty. Visit TSA.gov for guidance on how to pack and to check what items are allowed in carry-on luggage.

Access support services: Navigate AUS with ease

  • ADA-compliant shuttles are available for passengers traveling between the terminal and Economy Lots.
  • Wheelchair assistance should be coordinated directly with your airline.
  • TSA offers a passenger assistance program, TSA Cares, which connects passengers with a Passenger Support Specialist to accompany them during the security screening process (this service must be booked 72 hours in advance of the flight). Learn more about or request assistance through TSA Cares online or reach them at (855) 787-2227.
  • The Mobility Assistance Zone (MAZ) located on the lower level of the terminal accommodates rideshares, taxis, and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs).
  • Mobility trams are available to transport passengers from the garages and terminal to the rideshare pick-up area and Rental Car Facility.
  • AUS’s Mobility Lounge, near the Southwest Airlines ticket counters, offers a comfortable space for departing passengers with mobility limitations or assistive devices.
  • AUS participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program; passengers with non-visible disabilities can request a lanyard ahead of their trip for additional support and time while at AUS.

Explore the terminal: Savor local flavor and live music

  • Once inside the Barbara Jordan Terminal, enjoy food from local Austin restaurants, discover new art installations, listen to live music at one of our stages, and more.
  • Use the AUS interactive map for step-by-step directions to food, shopping, gates, and amenities.

Know your terminal: Information for travelers using Allegiant and Frontier

  • Allegiant or Frontier flights depart from The South Terminal, which is a separate terminal located at 10000 Logistics Lane, near US 183 and Burleson Road.
  • This terminal is not connected to the Barbara Jordan Terminal. Allegiant and Frontier passengers are encouraged to park onsite at the South Terminal to save time.

Expect construction: Stay informed about AUS improvements

  • Journey With AUS airport improvement construction projects are ongoing throughout the airport campus and Barbara Jordan terminal. Construction walls and scaffolding are in place on the Departures and Arrivals levels of the Barbara Jordan Terminal to ensure passenger safety.
  • Passengers may hear construction activity between midnight and 8 a.m.
  • Visit AustinTexas.gov/AUSConstructionUpdates for a list of scheduled and active construction activities.

Passengers needing assistance at any point during their time at AUS are encouraged to call the Airport Operations Center at 512-530-2242 or to ask any Department of Aviation staff member for assistance.
 
AUS representatives will be on-site and available on the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 1, to share travel tips with local media. 
 
MEDIA AVAILABILITY:

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Place: Barbara Jordan Terminal, Baggage Claim area
Who: Kimmie Hey, Public Relations Manager
           Samantha Rojas, PIO Sr.
RSVP: Preferred by Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 5 p.m.
AUSMedia@FlyAustin.com | 512-715-4287
 
Information for Media
The AUS Public Information Office aims to make it simple and easy for media to access and cover the airport. View our media guide here for information and resources. Prior to arriving to the airport, please call the on-call PIO at 512-715-4287 or email us at AUSMedia@FlyAustin.com to arrange to park in media parking. All vehicles in media parking will require a brief security inspection prior to leaving the vehicle unattended.

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