Located just southeast of downtown Austin, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is the beating heart of Central Texas air travel — a gateway known for its efficiency, live music, and Austin spirit. Serving more than 22 million passengers annually, AUS connects travelers to over 90 nonstop destinations across the U.S., Mexico, and Europe.

Originally a military air base, AUS has grown into one of the fastest-expanding airports in the U.S., with major carriers like Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American, and United operating extensive domestic networks. The airport’s Barbara Jordan Terminal houses most flights, while the smaller South Terminal services budget airlines such as Allegiant and Frontier.

From local BBQ joints and live bands to art installations by Texas creatives, AUS embodies the “Keep Austin Weird” culture — offering a travel experience that feels distinctly local, even before takeoff.

Security operations at AUS are overseen by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), with multiple checkpoint lanes located in the Barbara Jordan Terminal. Travelers benefit from both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus lanes, making it one of the more efficient mid-sized airports during peak times.

Security screening opens at 3:30 a.m. daily, serving early morning departures, and remains open until the final late-night flights. The busiest times tend to be 5:00–8:30 a.m., midday (11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.), and again around 5:00–7:00 p.m.

AUS frequently experiences surges during major Austin events like SXSW, ACL Fest, and F1 weekends, so travelers are encouraged to arrive two hours early.

Austin’s laid-back vibe extends to the airport, but mornings can still be intense. If your flight departs before 9 a.m., plan to arrive early and check TSA wait times in real-time. If you’re leaving after sunset, grab a drink at the Flyrite Bar — it’s one of the few airports in the country where you can enjoy live music before boarding.

How do I get to the South Terminal?

Does AUS offer international flights?

Is TSA PreCheck or CLEAR available at AUS?