Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) – Live TSA Wait Times & Traveler Updates

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.