How early should I get to AUS?
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Austin, TX · Checked Oct 24, 2026
The short answer
AUS says passengers should arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure for all domestic flights
AUS says to arrive 3 hours before international flights
Those are blanket rules. Your real number depends on your terminal, the time of day, traffic from your door, and whether you have PreCheck or a bag. Leave By works out your exact leave time.
Source: flyaustin.com
Security lines at AUS
AUS officials said in March 2026 that TSA checkpoints are busiest from about 3 to 7am, with departures peaking 6-7am. AUS calls a day with more than 35,000 departing passengers high-volume. In spring 2026, Sundays and Mondays were its busiest days. Lines stretched outside the terminal on the peak Friday of spring break 2026.
Busiest times: 3:00-7:00am (TSA), 6:00-7:00am (departures), Sundays and Mondays during busy seasons.
Nationally, TSA checkpoints are busiest from 5 to 7 AM local time. See TSA's hourly numbers and the busiest days to fly.
TSA PreCheck: As of October 20, 2026, PreCheck lanes are at Checkpoints 1 and 2 only. Checkpoints 3 and 4 are general screening. AUS did not publish PreCheck lane hours.
CLEAR: Available at this airport (see terminals below for which checkpoints).
Touchless ID: AUS lists TSA PreCheck Touchless ID at Checkpoint 1. A March 2026 airport list shows it at AUS for American. You opt in through your airline profile.
Terminals and checkpoints
Barbara Jordan Terminal
American, Southwest, Delta, United, Alaska, Allegiant, Frontier, JetBlue, Sun Country, Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Aeromexico, Viva Aerobus, Copa Airlines, Cayman Airways
- All airlines now fly from the Barbara Jordan Terminal. The South Terminal closed March 31, 2026, and Allegiant and Frontier moved over on April 1.
- All four checkpoints lead to all gates
- The first checkpoints typically open at 3am daily
- AUS says travelers with a REAL ID can use dedicated lanes at all checkpoints
- Curbside check-in is offered by select airlines on the upper level
Between terminals: Single terminal. All four checkpoints lead to all gates, so you can reach any gate after screening.
Terminals are connected after security, so you can walk between them without re-screening.
Getting to AUS
Rideshare and taxi: Drop-off is at the upper level (departures) curb. Rideshare and taxi pickup is on the ground level under the Consolidated Rental Car Facility, just north of (behind) the Red Garage. Mobility trams run from the garages and terminal to the rideshare area.
Transit: CapMetro Route 20 stops on the lower level just outside baggage claim. It runs every 15-30 minutes, seven days a week, and takes about 35 minutes to downtown. A single ride is $1.25.
Driving and parking: Both the upper and lower roadways are open for drop-off; AUS says to use whichever is less crowded. On-site parking can sell out, so book ahead at ABIAParking.com. Economy Lot shuttles run every 15-20 minutes. The free cell phone lot at 2901 Spirit of Texas Drive is open 24/7.
Construction and changes in 2026
- Atrium Infill between Checkpoints 2 and 3 in the Departures Hall: construction walls, adjusted queue lines and a different flow when busy. It adds screening, bag check and processing space and is planned to finish in 2026.
- West Gate Expansion (August 2023 to late 2026) is past security on the west side, with temporary walls and barriers. It replaces 12 boarding bridges and adds 3 gates.
- Yellow Garage construction next to the Blue Garage (finish expected early 2027): shifting traffic around the Blue Garage exits, flaggers and lower speeds. The Blue Garage exit ramp closes at times from 1am to 8am, and drivers exit through the Red Garage toll booth.
- AUS says Journey With AUS construction continues across the campus; check flyaustin.com/construction-updates before you go
Checking a bag
American: check-in and bag deadline is 45 minutes before domestic departure. Southwest: bags checked less than 45 minutes before a domestic departure may not be accepted (60 minutes for international); bags are accepted no earlier than 4 hours ahead. Delta: check bags at least 45 minutes before domestic departure, no more than 6 hours ahead.
AUS tips first-timers miss
- AUS asks for 2.5 hours before domestic flights, more than most US airports. Plan for that, especially before 7am.
- Pick your checkpoint by your lane type. PreCheck is only at Checkpoints 1 and 2, and CLEAR is at 1 (with PreCheck) and 3 (general).
- Checkpoint 4 on the far west side is general screening only and is closest to Gates 22 and up
- Allegiant and Frontier no longer use the South Terminal. Go to the Barbara Jordan Terminal for every airline.
- Garages can sell out on busy days. Book parking ahead and allow for Economy Lot shuttle time.
Leaving for AUS?
Pick your flight and where you're starting. Leave By checks live traffic, security lines and your terminal, and tells you the minute to walk out the door.
Free. No account.
Questions travelers ask
How early should I get to Austin airport?
AUS recommends at least 2.5 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. Allow more if you are checking bags or returning a rental car.
Which checkpoint has TSA PreCheck at AUS?
As of October 20, 2026, Checkpoints 1 and 2 have PreCheck. Checkpoint 1 also has CLEAR with PreCheck and Touchless ID. Checkpoints 3 and 4 are general screening.
Is the South Terminal at Austin airport still open?
No. The South Terminal closed March 31, 2026. Allegiant and Frontier now fly from the Barbara Jordan Terminal with all other airlines.
Where do I get an Uber or Lyft at AUS?
Drop-off is at the upper level curb. Pickup is on the ground level under the Consolidated Rental Car Facility, behind the Red Garage. Trams run there from the terminal and garages.
Sources
- AUS - Travel & Security (checkpoints, arrival advice)
- AUS - Airlines at the Barbara Jordan Terminal
- AUS - Ground Transportation
- AUS - Construction Updates
- AUS - Formula 1 high-volume travel advisory (Oct 20, 2026)
- AUS - Navigating AUS During Construction (Jul 22, 2026)
- AUS - West Infill expansion complete, new checkpoint (Feb 6, 2026)
- AUS - Spring break travel advisory (Mar 10, 2026)
- AUS - South Terminal closure
- AUS - Travel Tips & FAQ
- CapMetro - Airport service (Route 20)
- CBS Austin - AUS expects 30,000+ departing passengers (Mar 26, 2026)
- CBS Austin - Long lines for TSA continue at Austin airport (Mar 14, 2026)
- AP via MyNorthwest - United narrows check-in window; airline comparison (May 2025)
- Southwest - How long before departure can I check bags
- Delta - Check-In Times at U.S. Airports
- The Bulkhead Seat - TSA PreCheck Touchless ID airport list (Mar 16, 2026)
Airport conditions change. Always follow your airline's check-in and bag-drop deadlines.