Red, White & Ready to Fly: What to Expect at AUS This Fourth of July Holiday Weekend

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is gearing up for a busy Fourth of July travel period as folks hit the road (and the skies ✈️) for fireworks, BBQs, family time, and some well-earned summer getaways.

From Thursday, July 2, through Monday, July 6, we’re expecting a big wave of Independence Day travelers across the AUS campus. That means a little more hustle and bustle than usual — with longer wait times on roadways, at ticket counters, and at security checkpoints, especially during peak busy travel times.

Several days are expected to see 30,000+ departing passengers, with the busiest travel days projected to be:

📅 Thursday, July 2
📅 Friday, July 3
📅 Monday, July 6

🧭 Security Checkpoints for Your Holiday Travel

All four TSA checkpoints inside the Barbara Jordan Terminal lead to all gates, helping get you through security and on your way to your Fourth of July trip.
Most checkpoints open around 3:00 a.m. daily.

Checkpoint 1
✔️ General Screening
✔️ Known Crew Member
✔️ Priority/Premium Screening
✔️ ADA Screening
✔️ CLEAR (General Screening)
Checkpoint 2
✔️ TSA PreCheck
Checkpoint 3
✔️ TSA PreCheck
✔️ TSA PreCheck Touchless ID
✔️ CLEAR with TSA PreCheck
Checkpoint 4
✔️ General Screening
 

⏰ Before You Head Out for the Fourth

A little planning goes a long way when you’re flying out for a “Party in the USA”:
•    ✈️ Arrive early: We recommend getting to the terminal 2.5 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights
•    🎒 Expect holiday crowds: Activities like parking on site, airline bag check, rental returns, and TSA security lines may take longer than usual 
•    🌤️ Stay in the loop: Check with your airline for the latest flight updates and keep an eye on summer weather nationwide 
 

🚗 Parking, Pickups & Drop-Offs During the Holiday Rush

Holiday travel means busy roads and busy parking lots and garages—so a little planning ahead helps:
•    🚗 Check parking before you arrive at ABIAParking.com or call 512-530-3300 
•    ⚠️ Heads up: Advance parking reservations are paused through August 16, but real-time availability is still online 
•    📍 Pick your lane when dropping someone off: upper departures or lower arrivals, choose whichever looks less crowded 
•    🚦 Expect traffic: Roadways will be busy, so give yourself extra time and stay alert in active construction zones
 

♿ Accessibility and Passenger Support

We’re excited to welcome nearly 3,000 visitors to Austin for the National Federation of the Blind National Convention from July 3–8, 2026! If you’re joining us, we want your journey through AUS to feel streamlined, supported, and easy to navigate from the moment you arrive.

Travelers who are blind or have low vision can use the Aira Explorer app for on-demand visual interpreting assistance to help navigate the airport, read signs, and receive real-time support from trained agents during their journey.
•    Download Aira Explorer in the iOS App Store, on Google Play, use the web app, or Meta’s AI glasses.
•    Watch this video to learn about the new service at AUS: https://youtube.com/shorts/WTE6PlfvKaU?si=81UaUjGPwjnvJ96R

The GoodMaps app offers accessible wayfinding for travelers who are blind, low vision, deaf, or hard-of-hearing.
•    Download Goodmaps for free via the iOS App Store or Google Play Store
Wheelchair assistance should be coordinated directly through your airline

Mobility Assistance Zone (MAZ)
Rideshares, taxis, and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) can pick up passengers with mobility needs at the MAZ. To use the free service, after arriving at AUS, passengers can submit a request for pick up at the MAZ in the following ways:
•    Request assistance from a wheelchair attendant
•    Visit the Airport Information Desk in front of baggage claim 3 or 5
•    Call the AUS Customer Service line at (512) 530-2242
•    Use a white paging phone located throughout the Barbara Jordan Terminal

Service Animals and Pet Relief Areas
Pet relief areas are available before and after security. Our post-security pet relief area is near Gate 9. Pre-security pet relief area is outside on the lower-level east and west sides

TSA Cares provides additional screening support (call 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel)

AUS participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, which allows travelers to discreetly signal they may need additional time or support.

We’ll have additional AUS staff throughout the terminal on peak travel days to help welcome attendees of the National Federation of the Blind National Convention and assist with questions, directions, or anything else you might need.

Visit our website for more information about the various accessibility services at AUS: https://www.flyaustin.com/aus-all-accessibility-services

🎆 Packing Tips for Your Fourth of July Trip

Before you head out for fireworks, BBQ, and summer fun, here’s your quick holiday packing checklist:
•    ✔️ Follow TSA packing rules for all luggage (including strollers, car seats, and diaper bags) 
•    ✔️ Remember the 3-1-1 rule: liquids must be 3.4 ounces or less and fit in one quart-sized bag per passenger
•    ✔️ Firearms must be unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, and declared at check-in (checked baggage only) 
•    ✔️ Replica or toy weapons that look like real firearms or knives are not allowed through security 
When in doubt, TSA.gov is your go-to before you fly.

📲 Stay Connected This Holiday Weekend

Follow AUS on X for real-time Fourth of July travel updates, airport alerts, and passenger tips throughout the holiday rush.

And for more travel info, construction updates through Journey With AUS, and summer travel tips, visit FlyAustin.com.