Planning your trip from AUS starts with an easy Austin-Bergstrom Airport check-in process. Whether you’re flying Southwest, American, Delta, or any of AUS’s 20+ airlines, knowing your check-in options saves time and stress.
This guide outlines the essentials of Austin-Bergstrom Airport check-in, including online check-in times, kiosk locations, TSA PreCheck lines, and terminal layout. From early morning Southwest animal arrivals to international departures, we’ve got your AUS check-in sorted.
What Check-In Options Are Available at Austin-Bergstrom Airport?
Austin-Bergstrom Airport features several check-in options catering to different travel needs. Passengers may choose a convenient way to start their trip, including self-service kiosks and online check-in.
- Airport Check-In Counters
When you get to Austin-Bergstrom, the ticket counters are easy to find. They are within the terminal. These are your go-to options if you need to drop off a suitcase, print a physical boarding pass, or speak with a representative about your flight. They usually start buzzing early in the morning to make sure everyone on those first flights is taken care of.
- Self-Service Kiosks
If you want to avoid waiting in the long lines, spot the self-service kiosks near the airline desks. They are user-friendly and allow you to print your tags and passes quickly, making the morning rush less painful.
- Online and Mobile Check-In
Of course, the smoothest way to handle things is to check in on your phone or computer before you even leave for the airport. If you aren’t checking any bags, having that mobile boarding pass ready lets you bypass the counters and head straight to the security line, saving you a decent chunk of time.
Airline Check-In Counters and Locations at AUS
Here is a quick guide to the Austin-Bergstrom Airport Check-In counters and their locations, which will help travelers to find the right desks without getting confused. When you know exactly where to go, it is quicker and more comfortable to go through the check-in process.
- Where to Find Airline Counters
Finding your airline’s desk is straightforward once you enter the main terminal. Most counters are grouped by airline name, so keep an eye on the overhead signs throughout the Barbara Jordan Terminal. They’ll point you exactly where you need to go for bag drops or a bit of face-to-face help.
- Peak-Hour Considerations
Things can get a bit hectic during the morning and afternoon rushes, or whenever there’s a big event or holiday happening in Austin. To save yourself the headache of standing in a long line, it’s usually a smart move to show up early or just handle your check-in through your phone before you even get to the curb.
Recommended Check-In Times at Austin-Bergstrom Airport
Here is a handy guide to the recommended check-in times at the airport that can help you stay relaxed and stress-free without delays at the last moment.
- Domestic Flight Check-In Timing
For domestic flights, passengers are generally recommended to arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure so that they can check in, drop bags if they want, clear security, and get to their gate on time.
- International Flight Check-In Timing
Travelers flying internationally should expect to be at the airport for check-in and boarding at least 3 hours prior to departure because there are more check-in requirements and pre-boarding clearance procedures.
Baggage Check-In Guidelines At the AUS Airport
Here is a concise, clear summary of baggage check-in instructions to help prevent delays and ensure a more convenient trip.
- Checked Baggage Process
Once you’ve sorted your check-in at a kiosk or the desk, just head over to the designated bag-drop area to hand over your suitcases. It is always a good idea to double-check your airline’s weight and size limits at home so you don’t incur any surprise fees at the scale.
- Carry-On Rules
For your carry-on, ensure everything inside complies with TSA rules. Every airline has slightly different space allowances for overhead bins, so a quick check of their specific rules can save you from having to gate-check your bag at the last minute.
- Oversized and Special Luggage
If you’re traveling with something bulky, like a bike, surfboard, or other oversized gear—it usually needs a bit of extra care. It’s best to give your airline a shout before you head to AUS so you know exactly where to take those larger items for screening.
Security Screening After Check-In at AUS
Once you complete the Austin-Bergstrom Airport Check-In, the next step for passengers is to go through the security screening process before they can go to their departure gates. Below is a quick guide to the security screening procedure to help you get through it easily.
- TSA Screening Process
After you’ve dropped off your bags and have your pass ready, proceed to the TSA checkpoint. Austin-Bergstrom has several screening stations spread across the terminal, where they’ll verify your ID and boarding pass before allowing you through to the gates.
- TSA PreCheck Availability
If you’re a member of TSA PreCheck, you’re in luck. AUS is fully set up for it. Using the expedited lanes usually means a much faster trip through the metal detectors, without the usual hassle of removing your shoes or taking out your laptop.
- Security Wait-Time Tips
Keep in mind that security lines can be unpredictable. They tend to back up during the holidays or when Austin hosts major festivals or races. It’s always a lifesaver to check the live wait times on the airport’s website before you leave the house, so you aren’t stuck racing against the clock.
Security Checkpoints at AUS Explained
Security screening at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is done at the Barbara Jordan Terminal, which links all passengers leaving the airport to the gates. It is very helpful to know in advance your checkpoint if you want to save time, especially during peak hours when there are many travelers.
Which Checkpoint Should You Use?
The first lanes usually open at 3:00 a.m. daily, but your choice of checkpoint depends on the “status” of your boarding pass:
- If you have both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR, head straight to Checkpoint 2 West. This is the dedicated lane for travelers seeking the fastest experience.
- If you have CLEAR but not PreCheck, use Checkpoint 1.
- Standard Travelers (No PreCheck or CLEAR) should use Checkpoint 1 or Checkpoint 2 East.
- Late Night Flyers: If you’re catching a red-eye, Checkpoint 2 West stays open until the very last flight of the day, even after the other stations have closed up.
Construction Alert: As of early 2024, Checkpoint 3 is closed for the West Infill project. It’s expected to stay closed until 2026, so don’t look for it on your way in!
Accessibility and Special Assistance at Check-In
Find out about the range of services that have been put in place to help you have a more relaxing and stress-free time at the airport.
- Services for Passengers with Disabilities
Austin-Bergstrom is well-equipped to assist individuals with disabilities or those needing extra support.
Whether it’s mobility help, visual or auditory assistance, or even just someone to escort you from the curb to your seat, the airport has you covered.
The best way to set this up is to give your airline advance notice, but you can also speak with the guest services team upon arrival.
- Family and Infant Travel Support
If you’re flying with little ones, you can ask for assistance at the check-in desk with items like strollers and car seats, or with getting the family through security without the usual chaos. These services are designed to make the travel day easier, ensuring both children and parents have a comfortable trip.
Conclusion
Knowing the Austin-Bergstrom Airport check-in procedure is very helpful for travelers in that it allows them to save time and prevent unnecessary tension.
It is always a good idea to be well-informed so you can have a smooth start to your trip; therefore, you should choose the appropriate check-in method and know how to prepare for security screening, etc.
FAQs
It is recommended that travelers get to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at least 2.5 hours prior to their flight departure.
Security wait times at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport typically last between 15 and 30 minutes; however, they may be longer during the rush hours, holidays, or early morning times.
Yes, the terminal has self-service kiosks for many airlines that allow you to print your boarding pass and baggage tags conveniently.
Check-in counter opening times depend on the airline; however, most counters open a few hours before the first flight of the day.