Chances are you’ve seen the dread-inducing headlines about security lines pouring out past the entry doors at ABIA.
It practically starts next to the line at Franklin BBQ. With the advised time you should arrive at the airport getting longer and longer, you basically need to come the day before to be safe. Having to panic while you pack goes against the laid back culture that brought everyone to Austin in the first place. Here's our guide on how to get out of town like a pro.
Contributed by Deven Wilson
_______________________________
BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT
The majority of what you can do to prevent your own personal performance of panic at the terminal can be done before your flights are booked. From choosing the right flight times to finally committing to getting TSA PreCheck, we have advice to make sure all your future flights are a breeze.
Skip the TSA lines, forever.
This advice is more of a moot point if your flight is tomorrow, but you should absolutely consider making the line switch to TSA PreCheck in the future. Offering expedited security with wait times way less than the normal lines, it’s worth it to look into ditching the crowd for good. It's only $78 for 5 years or free with certain credit cards. If you travel abroad frequently, look into Global Entry, which gives you the same perks as PreCheck as well as expedited entry back into the US. The process is a little more rigorous, but worth it for $100 for a 5-year membership.
How to get TSA PreCheck
There are three simple steps to getting TSA PreCheck. First, fill out their application online here, then go to a TSA interview (which usually takes less than 10 minutes), and finally get your new Known Traveller Number and say goodbye to taking off your shoes in public.
Keep in mind before going through security: In May 2024 the Austin airport updated their checkpoint system for TSA PreCheck and Clear. Use the map ahead to make sure you go to the right spot!
photo via @AUStinAirport
Keep your ID in your pocket.
You will still have to take your shoes off but you can jump ahead in line by signing up for Clear. By utilizing Biometric authentication, your ID can stay in your wallet as you breeze past everyone waiting to show off their least favorite photos. If you’re also enrolled in PreCheck, you are crowned the king/queen of security by the TSA agents.
Sleep in.
Book your departure after the morning rush.
We know you’re looking at your flight price more than the departure times, but it is absolutely worth seeing if you can avoid the swarm of sweatpants and sleepy-eyed morning flyers. Aim for times around noon to see the crowd shrink and roll up to your gate without wasting hours in line.
Also, try to get out before 7 pm, as that’s when most of the food stalls close up shop for the day, leaving late-night travelers with few options to eat before their flight.
_______________________________
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
If you weren't able to get the better departure times and are coming in at peak times, don’t worry, we still have you covered.
Arrive at the correct terminal.
Currently, our airport has two very different terminals. The main one, where most airlines fly out of, is called the Barbara Jordan Terminal. This is where you’ll find Aeromexico, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Vacation Express, and Virgin Atlantic.
Not flying them? You’re departing from the South Terminal, my friend.
One does not simply walk from Barbara Jordan to the South Terminal. They are located just far enough away from each other that it’s a common headache for anyone traveling out of it to find their way to it. So if you’re flying Allegiant Air or Frontier Airlines, make sure to go to the South Terminal. Otherwise, you’ll be waiting for the shuttle to come and take you, burning away your precious pre-flight time.
Arrive early.
If you’re stuck on that 6 am boarding time with no TSA PreCheck to save you, make peace with your alarm clock and set it for an even earlier wake-up call than you normally would. Security doesn't open up until 3:30 am so don’t go wild, but if you’re not willing to spend hours just waiting to take your shoes off, go ahead and arrive as early as you can.
If your flight is domestic (within the U.S and its territories) try to arrive at least 2.5 hours before boarding. If your flight is international (need your passport) bump that arrival to 3 hours before boarding to be safe.
Drop off at arrivals.
Yes, it’s finally allowed. During peak times, the airport is letting passengers be dropped off at the Arrivals pick-up spot. Simply ask your driver or very caring friend to drive down to arrivals. Once you’re inside, you only need to take the escalator or elevators up to Departures.
Curb check your bag.
This is not a scam. We promise. Your airline likely offers a bag check before you go inside, which might sound more like a step down depending on the heat outside, but it is a major time saver compared to going into the AC. Skip the long check-in lines and get rid of your (physical) baggage before you step inside. Or just travel like a pro and only bring a carry-on.
Join the kiosk cult.
You’ve seen them, they might even intimidate you, but those futuristic screens are your travel friend, not foe. Practically everything you wait hours to do at the check in counters, the kiosks can do in seconds. Check-in, change your flights, upgrade your seats, and even check your bags. The kiosks do it all and with a far shorter wait time.
_______________________________
AFTER SECURITY
If you followed our advice, you’re now past security with time to spare before you’re cattle called at your gate. Now what? Forget the days of stuffing your mouth at a Chili's To-Go and remember you're in Austin. The love for local breezes past security every day, with local offerings dotting the entire terminal from east to west. So pick your favorite and finally try something iconic that’s only found this side of TSA like Hut's Hamburgers.
Photo via Facebook
Gate 15 & 16
Most airports have taught you to settle for “express” versions of fast-casual food chains. Not the ABIA, baby. You can still have dining dignity even if you’ll shamelessly eat the leftover salt from those tiny pretzel bags on your flight. Sip a real cocktail, eat something you’d actually go downtown to enjoy, and forget that next door is a Southwest flight to Sacramento. Take your time, breathe, and feast without shame at Second Bar and Kitchen.
_______________________________
Photo via Facebook
Gate 14
No, you’re not seeing a ghost, that really is Hut’s Hamburgers. The legendary burger joint may have left its art deco haven on West 6th, but you can still get your fix once past security. Fast food at an airport isn’t groundbreaking, but getting to taste an Austin staple is a truly cheesy experience.
_______________________________
Photo via Facebook
Gate 24
Drown out the imaginary fights with the family you're heading home to see while you wait for your flight with actual live music at Haymaker! Pick up some poutine and immerse yourself in live music with your gate just a few brisk steps away. With a wide selection of comfort food, beer, and cocktails you can turn that extra hour delay into a happy hour.
_______________________________
Photo credit: Deven Wilson
Gate 19
Right behind the Jo’s Coffee stand is a slice of Austin’s bar scene: Saxon Pub. With plenty of actual seating, a stage, and a freaking food truck, no space in the terminal feels more alive than this. Find a seat, order a cold airport beer (arguably the best beer experience), grab a Taco from Earl Cambell’s Taco Truck, and forget the fact you’re stuck with the middle seat this time.
_______________________________
Photo via Facebook
Food Courts
Gate 16-17, 21
Nothing can kill time like eating, and there is no better way to have an impromptu feast quite like a food hall. With two locations in the terminal, there is a never-ending selection of amazing local choices to keep your spirit up that Spirit won’t cancel this time. With choices like Peached Tortilla, East Side Pies, Hippies & Hops, and Flyrite Chicken Sandwiches, you’ll be beyond full before your flight.
_______________________________
Photo via Facebook
Gate 10
If you think the candy selection at an airport is lackluster, brace yourself for the technicolor delight of a candy/toy store found at Gate 10. Voted one of the top ten toy stores in the world by USA Today, you can get lost exploring the variety of toys and get a sugar-high preflight at Toy Joy/Yummi Joy. Also, it's a great place to grab that last-minute gift when you remember your sister has three kids and not two.
_______________________________
Near Gates 16 and 22
Those strange airport benches aren’t doing much for your bad back, and you know that the economy seat is getting ready to wreck your lumbar for the next 3 hours. Break the cycle of flight pain, and choose between a massage, a facial, or even some chiropractic work. It’s too late to upgrade, so let someone downgrade your stress.
_______________________________
Delta Sky Club | Photo via Facebook
Airline Lounges
If you think this airport privilege is only for the one percent flying first class, you’re wrong! Depending on which airline you’re flying, what credit card you carry, or if you’ve served the country, you can literally be above the chaos in style. Filled with luxuries fit for a traveler, you’ll find plush seats, a plethora of outlets, exclusive wifi, and unlimited snacks. Access does vary for each lounge, but if you really just need some peace and outlets, it’s worth looking into.
American Admirals Club (Upstairs, Gate 22)
- Day Passes for $79. (Must have an AA ticketed flight)
- Military ID
- Citi/AAdvantage executive credit card
United Club (Upstairs, Gate 22)
- One Day Pass for $59 via United App or at the club. Must have UA ticketed flight
Delta Sky Club (Upstairs, Gate 4)
- No Day Passes
- Centurion Card and Platinum American Express credit card
- Delta Reserve credit card Members
- Gold and Platinum SkyMiles credit card
Chase Sapphire Terrace (Upstairs Near Gate 1 & Delta Sky Club)
- Sapphire Reserve Cardmembers + 2 guests
- Convenient grab-and-go-bites and local beverages
- games and indoor and outdoor seating on the terrace
_______________________________
SOUTH TERMINAL
Made it to the correct terminal? Congratulations! You get to enjoy the tiny delight of the South Terminal. The mid-century look’s inspired by our former airport where the Mueller neighborhood stands today. Complete with a lounge-like environment, patio seating, a taco truck by De Nada Tacos, you’ll consider flying out from down south more often.
For the summer, the South Terminal offers an air-conditioned tent in case of crowding in the terminal complete with food, bathrooms, and a full bar to enjoy while you wait.
_______________________________
MISSED YOUR FLIGHT?
So, it all fell apart huh? You tried your best, but you missed your flight.
If your rebooked flight isn’t for an impossible amount of time, or you’re now stuck in Austin, you’re legally entitled to grab a drink. Thankfully, there is a brewery right by the airport called Live Oak Brewing. Hop over to sip some hops, play a round of disk golf, and de-stress as you try to figure out if you can use points to get home tomorrow. You'll be more prepared next time.
_______________________________
How do you survive the airport, aside from a giant craft beer?
Give us the deets.
