The holiday travel season is here, and though you’ve probably heard it a thousand times, it bears repeating: Don’t take a chance. Plan, get to the airport early and follow airport travel tips.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has released its holiday travel guidance, and while it was designed for the Austin airport, most of the tips apply to our airports in Dallas, San Antonio and Houston, etc.
AUS said airlines are operating 5% more flights this November than last year. That means there are 6% more airline seats for sale.
The busiest stretch this week is Friday through Monday, Nov. 27.
Getting to the airport
AUS said to expect extra traffic around the airport over the holidays. It’s recommended you have a backup travel plan in the case of severe traffic congestion, a breakdown or a collision. You can check real-time traffic info at drivetexas.org.
Best arrival times
AUS says you should arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure for a domestic flight. Have an international flight? Make it three hours.
Security screening checkpoints open at 3:30 a.m.
If you need to check luggage, return a rental vehicle or complete other activities before getting in the security queue, arrive even earlier.
Packing for security
Leave your firearm at home. Seriously. There has been a record number of guns found at security checkpoints this year. The TSA prohibits firearms in carry-on luggage.
Also, don’t take liquids or aerosols exceeding 3.4 ounces through security. That will hold up the line. To see what will fly with the TSA, visit TSA.gov.
If you’re arriving at your destination with gifts, the TSA recommends waiting until you get there to wrap them.
Parking and passenger drop-off
If you’re planning to park at the Austin airport, visit ABIAParking.com or call 512-530-3300 to make sure there are spots available. Reservations for Nov. 23 and 24 are already sold out.
If you’re going to use the economy lot, add extra arrival time. Shuttle service to the terminal runs every 15-20 minutes.
Use either the upper level for departures or the lower level for arrivals. If the lower level for arrivals is backed up, use the upper level to pick someone up.
Mobility assistance and accessibility
Passengers who need a wheelchair should contact their airline prior to travel to set up service. AUS has a Mobility Assistance Zone, which provides access for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, taxis and rideshares to collect passengers with limited mobility. It’s on the lower-level curbside one lane across from the G and H pickup areas.
You can also request TSA Cares Assistance. It’s a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances obtain additional help during the security screening process. Call 72 hours before departure. The number is 855-787-2227.
Flight check-in
Use a mobile boarding pass instead of the airline ticket counters. You can also access a self-service kiosk to print your boarding pass. Some airlines offer curbside check-in on the upper level. Passengers without checked luggage can bypass airline ticket counters and head right to the TSA screening checkpoints.
Allegiant and Frontier travelers
If you’re flying Allegiant or Frontier, you will depart from the South Terminal, which is near U.S. 183 and Burleson Road, at 1000 Logistics Lane. There is shuttle service available from the Barbara Jordan Terminal, but Allegiant and Frontier passengers are encouraged to park at the South Terminal.
If you need any help, you’re encouraged to call the Airport Operations Center at 512-530-2242.