Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is gearing up for an exceptionally busy period, and if you’re a Georgia Bulldogs fan heading to or from Austin, or any traveler passing through, it’s crucial to prepare for potential travel hurdles. October in Austin is always vibrant, but this year, the confluence of major events means record-breaking passenger numbers are anticipated at AUS. Specifically, with the University of Georgia facing off against the University of Texas at Austin, a significant influx of Georgia Bulldogs Fans Travel Austin Airport is expected alongside the usual Formula 1 Grand Prix attendees.
The airport is forecasting peak travel days from Thursday, October 17th, through Tuesday, October 22nd. This timeframe brackets both the highly anticipated college football game on Saturday and the United States Grand Prix on Sunday, creating a travel surge unlike any seen before at AUS. Monday, October 21st, the day following the Grand Prix, is predicted to be the single busiest day in the airport’s history, with approximately 44,000 departing passengers.
To manage this extraordinary volume, the City of Austin Department of Aviation is collaborating closely with all airport partners – airlines, TSA, concessions, and more – to ensure sufficient staffing and smooth operations. You’ll also find additional airport staff on the ground, ready to provide assistance and guidance throughout the terminal. For Georgia Bulldogs fans travel austin airport for the big game, or anyone flying during this period, understanding how to navigate the airport efficiently will be key to a stress-free journey.
Plan Your Airport Arrival Time Strategically
Knowing when to arrive at the airport can significantly impact your travel experience, especially during peak times when Georgia Bulldogs fans travel austin airport. Here’s a breakdown of recommended arrival times:
- Domestic Flights (General TSA Screening): Aim to arrive at the terminal at least 2.5 hours before your scheduled departure. This buffer allows for check-in, security lines, and navigating to your gate.
- International Flights: Increase your arrival time to 3 hours before departure. International travel often involves more extensive check-in procedures and potential customs processes.
- Additional Time Considerations: If you need to check luggage, return a rental car, are traveling with a large group, or require pre-security screening activities, factor in extra time beyond the standard recommendations.
It’s important to note that while arriving early is crucial, AUS advises against arriving more than 4 hours before your flight. The terminal, both pre- and post-security, will be busy, and arriving excessively early may lead to unnecessary wait times without added benefit.
For those with a significant gap between hotel check-out and flight departure, Visit Austin offers a convenient luggage storage center at their Visitor Center. This allows you to explore downtown Austin without luggage burdens before heading to the airport.
Expect longer lines at airline ticket counters, particularly for airlines with generous checked baggage policies. Also, be mindful of traffic congestion on highways leading to the airport. Use resources like DriveTexas.org to check real-time traffic conditions and plan your route accordingly.
Streamline Your Security Screening Process
Efficient security screening is vital when the airport is bustling, especially for Georgia Bulldogs fans travel austin airport eager to get home or onto their next destination. AUS has three security checkpoints, all leading to all gates.
- Checkpoint 2 West: This checkpoint offers dedicated lanes for TSA PreCheck and Clear, potentially speeding up the process for eligible travelers. Notably, Checkpoint 2 West remains open overnight between Sunday and Monday, which can be helpful for very early or late departures.
- Checkpoint Hours: All TSA checkpoints open daily at 3:00 a.m.
To further expedite your security experience, visit TSA.gov for guidelines on packing correctly and understanding restrictions on carry-on items. Proper packing minimizes delays during screening and ensures a smoother passage through security.
Parking and Passenger Drop-off/Pick-up
Navigating parking and passenger drop-off/pick-up areas requires planning during peak travel times. If you intend to park at AUS, pre-booking is highly recommended.
- Pre-Book Parking: Visit ABIAParking.com to reserve parking spaces in the Blue Garage, Red Garage, or Economy Lots. The website also provides real-time parking availability updates.
- Shuttle Services: If using a shuttle to the terminal, allow extra time, as shuttle frequencies can be around 15-20 minutes.
- Drop-off/Pick-up Levels: Utilize the upper level for departures and the lower level for arrivals to drop off or pick up passengers, or vice-versa, to potentially find less congested areas.
Accessibility Services at AUS
Austin Airport is committed to providing accessible services for all passengers, including those with mobility needs.
For Arriving Passengers:
- Trams: Trams connect the terminal to the rideshare pick-up area and the Rental Car Facility, aiding mobility within the airport complex.
- ADA-Compliant Shuttles: Accessible shuttles are available from the terminal to the Economy Lots.
- Mobility Assistance Zone: Passengers with mobility assistive devices can be picked up by rideshares, taxis, and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) at the designated Mobility Assistance Zone on the lower Arrivals level.
For Departing Passengers:
- Wheelchair Assistance: Contact your airline directly to arrange wheelchair assistance services.
- TSA Cares: TSA offers TSA Cares, a passenger assistance program for travelers who may require extra support during security screening. Contact TSA 72 hours prior to your flight to coordinate assistance.
- Mobility Lounge: Located near the Southwest Airlines ticket counters, the Mobility Lounge provides a dedicated space for departing passengers with mobility limitations to rest and wait comfortably before their flights.
- Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program: AUS participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program; passengers with non-visible disabilities can request a lanyard in advance for discreet identification and additional support at the airport.
Efficient Flight Check-In Options
To bypass potentially long lines at ticket counters, especially relevant for Georgia Bulldogs fans travel austin airport with game day luggage, consider these time-saving check-in methods:
- Mobile or Self-Service Kiosks: Utilize mobile boarding passes or print boarding passes from self-service kiosks to avoid ticket counter queues if you don’t have checked luggage.
- Curbside Check-In: Some airlines offer curbside check-in on the Departures level, providing an alternative to the main ticket counters.
- Baggage Claim Waiting Area: Passengers with significant wait times before check-in may be directed to wait in the Baggage Claim area due to space constraints in the Ticket Counter area.
Terminal Information for Allegiant and Frontier Passengers
It’s crucial to know your departure terminal, particularly if flying with Allegiant or Frontier.
- South Terminal: Allegiant and Frontier operate from The South Terminal, a separate facility located at 10000 Logistics Lane, near US 183 and Burleson Road.
- Separate Location: The South Terminal is not connected to the main Barbara Jordan Terminal. Passengers flying Allegiant or Frontier are advised to park directly at the South Terminal to save time and avoid confusion.
For any assistance needed during your journey through AUS, don’t hesitate to call the Airport Operations Center at (512) 530-2242 or ask any Department of Aviation staff member for help. By planning ahead and utilizing these tips, Georgia Bulldogs fans travel austin airport and all passengers can navigate Austin Airport more smoothly during this peak travel season.
