Austin-Bergstrom International Airport fountain at night

October 20, 2026

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Advises Passengers to Prepare for High-Volume Travel for Formula 1 Race

AUSTIN, Texas – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is revving up to welcome Formula 1 race fans to Central Texas for race weekend. Get ready to start your engines! With the United States Grand Prix set to take the spotlight at Circuit of The Americas, AUS is shifting into high gear to handle the expected high volume of passengers.

As October is notably a lively travel month for Austin, AUS asks passengers to plan for possible record-breaking busy days at the airport. High-volume passenger days are those with more than 35,000 departing passengers.

Busy travel days are expected from Thursday, Oct. 22, through Tuesday, Oct. 27. The single busiest day—potentially a record-breaking single day at AUS—is anticipated to be Monday, Oct. 26, due to the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on Sunday, Oct. 25.

To prepare for this record-breaking busy travel period, AUS has teamed up with partners across the airport to ensure adequate staffing and operations are tuned for peak performance. Additional AUS staff will be on-site to provide support to travelers throughout the terminal.

To help travelers avoid delays and reduce stress, AUS encourages passengers to arrive early, plan ahead, and use the following resources:

Other important AUS travel tips include:

Prepare for arrival: Timing, parking, and terminal access

Arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure for domestic flights and 3 hours before departure for international flights.
Allow extra time for checking luggage, returning rental cars, or completing other activities before joining the TSA security line.
Plan your route and travel time to the airport accordingly, as highways near the airport are expected to be busy during the days surrounding the festival.
Visit ABIAParking.com if you're parking at AUS. On-site parking can sell out, so travelers should plan ahead, arrive early, and have backup options.
Shuttle services run every 15–20 minutes but may be delayed due to festival traffic, especially from the Economy Lot.
Use either the upper level for departures or the lower level for arrivals when dropping off passengers. Choose the least congested to save time and reduce traffic backups.

Streamline your check-in: Use time-saving options

Expect busy airline ticket counters, especially for carriers offering free or discounted checked luggage.
Passengers without checked bags can skip the counter by using mobile boarding passes, self-service kiosks inside the terminal, and curbside check-in (available with select airlines on the upper level).

Follow screening guidelines: Pack smart and travel safe

AUS has four security checkpoints leading to all gates. The first checkpoints open at 3 a.m.
Starting October 20, 2026, the following services are available at our four AUS TSA checkpoints:
- Checkpoint 1 – TSA PreCheck, TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, CLEAR with TSA PreCheck, Known Crew Member, ADA screening, Priority/Premium screening
- Checkpoint 2 – TSA PreCheck
- Checkpoint 3 – General screening, CLEAR for General screening, ADA screening, Priority/Premium screening
- Checkpoint 4 – General screening
Passengers with a Real ID can use dedicated lanes at all checkpoints.
Avoid packing prohibited items such as firearms or liquids exceeding 3.4 ounces in carry-on bags.
If you are traveling with a firearm, review the TSA guidelines to learn how to travel properly with a firearm and avoid a penalty. Visit TSA.gov for guidance on how to pack and to check what items are allowed in carry-on luggage.
Event promotional items, bulky souvenirs, and giveaways should be packed in carry-on bags instead of checked luggage. These items often trigger security systems in checked baggage and may delay outbound luggage.

Access support services: Navigate AUS with ease

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.
ADA-compliant shuttles are available for passengers traveling between the terminal and Economy Lots.
Wheelchair assistance should be coordinated directly with your airline.
TSA Cares offers additional assistance for travelers who may want more help during the security screening process at AUS. Contact TSA 72 hours before your trip to set this up.
The Mobility Assistance Zone (MAZ) located on the lower level of the terminal accommodates rideshares, taxis, and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs).
Mobility trams are available to transport passengers from the garages and terminal to the rideshare pick-up area and Rental Car Facility.
AUS’s Mobility Lounge, near the Southwest Airlines ticket counters, offers a comfortable space for departing passengers with mobility limitations or assistive devices.
AUS participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program; passengers with non-visible disabilities can request a lanyard ahead of their trip for additional support and time while at AUS.

Explore the terminal: Savor local flavor and live music

Once inside the Barbara Jordan Terminal, enjoy food from local Austin restaurants, discover new art installations, listen to live music at one of our stages, and more.
Use the AUS interactive map for step-by-step directions to food, shopping, gates, and amenities.

Expect construction: Stay informed about AUS improvements

Journey With AUS airport improvement construction projects are ongoing throughout the airport campus and Barbara Jordan terminal.
Visit flyaustin.com/construction-updates for a list of scheduled and active construction activities.

Passengers needing assistance at any point during their time at AUS are encouraged to call the Airport Operations Center at 512-530-2242 or to ask any Austin Aviation staff member for assistance.