Navigating Austin-Bergstrom International Airport during the busy holiday season requires planning and patience for a smoother experience.
After two consecutive record-setting years, airport personnel expect this holiday season to be hectic at the airport. Nearly 2 million passengers departed from Austin last December, according to the airport’s website.
The busiest holiday travel period is Dec 14-28, with the most passengers typically departing two to three days before Christmas Day, said Lesly Ramirez, the airport’s public information specialist. About 34,000 passengers departed on Dec. 22, 2023, and the airport anticipates that many, if not more, around the same time this year, she said.
Arrive early: The holiday rush means longer lines at security and check-in, so arrive at least 2½ hours before a domestic flight and three hours before international flights. Book one of the earliest flights of the day to avoid delays, recommends flight attendant Mikey Pendon, who lives in Austin.
Parking options: With the holiday surge, airport parking fills up quickly. On-site options include economy lots, parking garages and valet services. All parking lots and garages are $5 per hour, and daily parking rates range from $12 to $32, with the economy parking lot being the most cost-effective. To avoid parking headaches, spots can be reserved for any lot up to 24 hours in advance through the airport's website. Other options include off-site parking with a shuttle service or taking an Uber or Lyft.
Use mobile check-in: Most major airlines offer mobile check-in services, which allow you to skip the lines. These services let you check in 24 hours before your flight, select your seat and get your boarding pass electronically. iPhone users can add their boarding pass to Apple Wallet, and Android users can add it to Google or Samsung Wallet. If you don't have bags to check, you can head straight to security.
Know your terminal: The airport has two terminals. Most airlines operate out of the main Barbara Jordan Terminal. Allegiant and Frontier Airlines operate out of the South Terminal, which is separate. To avoid confusion, make sure you know which terminal your flight departs from.
TSA security tips: To expedite your time at security, have your boarding pass and ID ready, and remember to follow guidelines on liquids, gels and electronics, which can be found on the airport's website. Although wrapped gifts aren't prohibited, the Transportation Security Administration encourages you to leave them unwrapped in case they are inspected, Ramirez said. Dress comfortably and wear shoes that are easy to slip off, Pendon recommended.
Stay informed: Check your flight status regularly through your airline's app or the airport's website. Weather delays and cancellations are common during the holidays, so stay flexible with your plans.
Austin-Bergstrom offers a variety of local flare for holiday travelers, including favorites like Salt Lick BBQ and Eastside Pies and live musical performances by longtime Austin musicians, such as Barbara Nesbitt and Guy Forsyth. While you wait to board your flight, you can view multiple exhibits by local artists, such as Mila Sketch and Yasmin Yousef. Most importantly, having a plan and keeping a calm mindset can help reduce stress and improve your overall holiday travel experience.