Austin-Bergstrom Airport Security Wait Times & AUS Queue Guide 2026
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS/KAUS) security wait times by checkpoint and time of day. Queue estimates for all checkpoints inside the Barbara Jordan Terminal, TSA PreCheck and CLEAR pricing, the new Checkpoint 4 that opened February 2026, CT scanner deployment status, peak hours and the quietest windows at Austin’s airport, which serves approximately 20 million passengers annually and is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States.
Austin-Bergstrom Airport Security Wait Times Today
The Austin-Bergstrom Airport security wait time estimates below show the typical AUS queue at each main checkpoint for this hour and day of week. Since April 1, 2026, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport operates entirely from a single building: the Barbara Jordan Terminal at 3600 Presidential Blvd. The South Terminal has permanently closed, and every airline now checks in and departs from the Barbara Jordan Terminal. There are four TSA checkpoints inside the terminal, all of which lead to all departure gates. Security wait times vary significantly by time of day, day of week, and whether a major Austin event is underway. The official airport guidance asks passengers on general TSA screening to arrive at least 2.5 hours before domestic departures, a reflection of how heavily congested AUS can become during peak windows.
How Long Is Security at Austin-Bergstrom Airport?
Security wait times at Austin-Bergstrom Airport depend primarily on which time of day you arrive and whether a major Austin event is generating additional passenger volume. During quiet weekday midday windows from 10:00 to 15:00, most passengers clear the standard lane in 10 to 15 minutes. During the morning peak from 05:00 to 09:00 and the afternoon and early evening peak from 16:00 to 19:00, standard lane waits of 25 to 40 minutes are common. Austin-Bergstrom has historically been one of the more congested mid-size airports in the US during peak periods: the airport has grown faster than security infrastructure over the past several years, and the official guidance to arrive 2.5 hours before domestic departures reflects that reality directly. The new Checkpoint 4, opened February 23, 2026 as part of the West Infill expansion, provides additional lane capacity on the far west side of the Barbara Jordan Terminal and is accessible to all passengers.
TSA PreCheck members at AUS typically clear the dedicated PreCheck lane in under 10 minutes at most hours. CLEAR members benefit from biometric identity verification at a kiosk at Checkpoints 1 and 2 West, allowing them to skip the document check queue and go directly to the physical screening area. Combining CLEAR with TSA PreCheck gives the fastest possible security experience at Austin-Bergstrom: CLEAR handles identity verification and PreCheck handles the physical screening with no shoe removal, no laptop removal and no liquid bag removal required. The CLEAR enrollment center at AUS is located at Checkpoint 1, where you can sign up without an appointment by bringing a photo ID and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
A critical operational change at Austin-Bergstrom in 2026 that affects how you plan your security experience is the closure of the South Terminal. Since April 1, 2026, all airlines operate exclusively from the Barbara Jordan Terminal. Passengers who previously flew Allegiant or Frontier from the South Terminal at 10000 Logistics Lane need to note that the address has changed entirely: all check-in, security and departures are now at 3600 Presidential Blvd. There is no shuttle between terminals to factor in any more. All checkpoints inside the Barbara Jordan Terminal lead to all gates, so your choice of checkpoint depends on your gate location and which lane types are available at each point.
Austin-Bergstrom Airport Security and the West Infill Expansion
Austin-Bergstrom Airport is in the middle of the largest expansion program in its history, known as Journey With AUS. The program is responding to record-breaking passenger growth that has consistently outpaced forecasts since 2021. The most significant security-related development within this program in early 2026 was the completion of the West Infill project, a 75,000-square-foot addition to the Barbara Jordan Terminal that delivered Checkpoint 4 to the traveling public on February 23, 2026. The new checkpoint is on the far west side of the terminal, near gates 22 and up, and features up to eight screening lanes built with CT scanner technology. An upgraded Outbound Baggage Handling System, operational since December 2025, processes up to 4,000 bags per hour via a 1.5-mile conveyor belt, which has reduced delays feeding into the terminal check-in queues that back up during peaks.
Beyond the West Infill, the Journey With AUS program includes the planned new Concourse B, which will add approximately 18 Southwest Airlines gates and additional United Airlines gates and connect to the Barbara Jordan Terminal via an underground tunnel. The Yellow Garage, which broke ground in early 2025, will add approximately 3,000 parking spaces in 2026 with the full 7,000-space facility completed by 2027. The space vacated by the South Terminal is being cleared for the New Midfield Taxiways project, which is an enabling step for the longer-term gate expansion. The overall program will roughly double the airport’s gate count from 34 to approximately 66 gates over the coming years.
The most significant recent security policy change at AUS and across US airports generally was the TSA shoe removal rule update in July 2025. Passengers at checkpoints equipped with newer imaging technology capable of scanning footwear in place can now keep their shoes on during screening. This capability is present at selected lanes within the Barbara Jordan Terminal, including at the new Checkpoint 4. TSA officers at the checkpoint direct passengers on which lanes permit shoes to remain on; follow their instructions as not all lanes have this capability. The TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule continues to apply at all AUS checkpoints regardless of scanner type.
Austin-Bergstrom Airport Security Wait Times by Checkpoint
All four TSA checkpoints inside the Barbara Jordan Terminal lead to all departure gates at Austin-Bergstrom. Your choice of checkpoint can affect your wait time, particularly during peak hours when some checkpoints are more congested than others. Checkpoint 2 West is the only checkpoint confirmed to stay open until the last flight of the day. Checkpoint 4, on the far west side near gates 22 and up, is the newest addition and may have shorter queues during peak periods as more passengers are still unfamiliar with its location. CLEAR is available only at Checkpoints 1 and 2 West.
Checkpoint 1 Security (East Side, CLEAR Enrollment)
10 to 16 minutes off-peak on weekdays. CLEAR availability (04:00 to 06:30) and TSA PreCheck help keep the dedicated lanes moving. Standard lane waits of 22 to 35 minutes are typical during the 05:00 to 09:00 morning peak. Holiday travel periods and major Austin events push waits above 40 minutes.
Checkpoint 1 is located on the east side of the Barbara Jordan Terminal and serves all passenger types. It is the designated CLEAR+ enrollment center at AUS, where passengers can sign up for CLEAR without an appointment by bringing a photo ID and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. CLEAR+ lanes at Checkpoint 1 operate from 04:00 to 06:30 daily, which means CLEAR is only available here during the very early morning window before most passengers arrive. After 06:30 at Checkpoint 1, CLEAR members should use Checkpoint 2 West where CLEAR operates until 07:30. TSA PreCheck lanes are available throughout the checkpoint’s operating hours. Global Entry kiosks for arriving international passengers are available at AUS; a Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck at no additional cost for departures. Checkpoint 1 is a good choice for passengers departing from gates in the eastern section of the terminal and for very early morning travelers using CLEAR before the main rush begins.
Checkpoint 2 Security (Central Zone, West and East)
10 to 18 minutes off-peak on weekdays. Checkpoint 2 is the central checkpoint zone and the busiest at AUS during peak windows. Expect 25 to 40 minutes in the standard lane during the 05:00 to 09:00 morning peak and during the 16:00 to 19:00 afternoon push. Checkpoint 2 West stays open until the last flight and is the only checkpoint guaranteed to be staffed for late-night departures.
The Checkpoint 2 zone consists of two adjacent checkpoints: Checkpoint 2 West and Checkpoint 2 East. Checkpoint 2 West has TSA PreCheck and CLEAR+ lanes and is the checkpoint that stays open until the last scheduled departure of the day, making it the default option for passengers on very late flights when other checkpoints have closed. CLEAR+ is available at Checkpoint 2 West from 04:00 to 07:30, giving CLEAR members the longest daily window for biometric identity verification at AUS. Checkpoint 2 East is a standard-lane checkpoint that opens during peak travel periods to absorb additional passenger volume. The Checkpoint 2 zone is centrally located within the terminal and well-positioned for passengers departing from the mid-terminal gate areas. During the morning peak, lines at Checkpoint 2 tend to be the longest at AUS due to its central visibility and familiarity among regular travelers; if the queue appears very long, consider walking to Checkpoint 4 on the far west side, which may have a shorter wait.
Checkpoint 4 Security (Far West, New February 2026)
8 to 14 minutes off-peak on weekdays. Checkpoint 4 is the newest checkpoint at AUS, opened February 23, 2026, and benefits from lighter passenger volumes as many travelers are still gravitating toward the central Checkpoint 2 zone out of habit. During the morning peak it may offer noticeably shorter waits than Checkpoint 2. If you are departing from gates 22 and above, Checkpoint 4 is both the closest and typically the fastest option.
Checkpoint 4 opened on February 23, 2026 as the central deliverable of the West Infill project, a 75,000-square-foot expansion on the far west side of the Barbara Jordan Terminal. The checkpoint is designed with up to eight screening lanes all equipped with CT scanner technology, automated bin return and the infrastructure for automated screening lane operations. It is located near Vino Vino, TacoDeli and Antone’s on the concourse level. Because it is a significant walk from the main terminal entrance and is positioned near the western gate areas (gates 22 and up), it naturally draws passengers heading to those gates and tends to be quieter than the central checkpoint zone even when the rest of the terminal is busy. CLEAR is not confirmed available at Checkpoint 4 as of April 2026; check clearme.com for any updates to CLEAR lane availability at this checkpoint before your travel date. TSA PreCheck is available throughout its operating hours. Checkpoint 4 opens daily at 03:00 along with all other AUS checkpoints.
Austin-Bergstrom Airport Security Peak Hours and Best Times to Fly
The two busiest windows at Austin-Bergstrom Airport security are 05:00 to 09:00 in the morning and 16:00 to 19:00 in the afternoon and early evening. Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Mondays carry the highest overall passenger volume at AUS. The airport serves a blend of business travelers heading to Texas cities and leisure travelers connecting onward, with a strong base of point-to-point leisure routes that contributes to heavy Sunday evening departure loads. Holiday travel periods add substantially to baseline wait times: Thanksgiving week, Christmas and New Year travel, Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend all generate waits well above the daily average across all checkpoints.
Beyond these standard busy windows, Austin-Bergstrom has three major annual event peaks that are specific to the city and can push security wait times to exceptional levels. SXSW in March is the most significant, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to Austin over a two-week period and generating some of the longest single-day queues recorded at AUS. The ACL Music Festival in October creates a similar surge across its two festival weekends. UT Austin graduation in May produces a shorter but noticeable spike. During any of these events, standard lane waits of 45 to 60 minutes or more are plausible and TSA PreCheck or CLEAR is strongly recommended.
The quietest windows at Austin-Bergstrom are 10:00 to 15:00 on weekdays and after 20:00 on any day. Tuesdays and Wednesdays during midday in non-holiday, non-event periods represent the most relaxed combination available at AUS. Early morning before 05:00 is also quiet but builds sharply once the first major departure bank begins.
| Time of Day | Typical AUS Security Wait (Standard Lane) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 03:00 to 05:00 | Under 8 min | Quiet |
| 05:00 to 06:00 | 12 to 18 min | Moderate |
| 06:00 to 09:00 | 25 to 40 min (longer during events) | Peak |
| 09:00 to 10:00 | 16 to 24 min | Busy |
| 10:00 to 15:00 | 10 to 15 min | Quiet |
| 15:00 to 16:00 | 14 to 20 min | Moderate |
| 16:00 to 19:00 | 22 to 38 min | Busy |
| 19:00 to 20:00 | 14 to 20 min | Moderate |
| 20:00 to 23:00 | 8 to 14 min | Quiet |
| 23:00 to 02:59 | Under 8 min | Quiet |
Austin-Bergstrom Airport Priority Security: TSA PreCheck and CLEAR
Priority security at Austin-Bergstrom runs through two programs: TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. There is no airport-specific paid priority pass at AUS equivalent to the B-Fast system at some other airports. Business class and first class ticket holders who are not enrolled in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR queue in the standard lane. Given that AUS recommends 2.5 hours for domestic general screening, the value of TSA PreCheck here is particularly high relative to other airports.
Recommended Arrival Times at Austin-Bergstrom Airport
The official guidance from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is to arrive at least 2.5 hours before domestic departures when using general TSA screening. This is higher than the standard two-hour recommendation at many US airports and reflects AUS’s history of extended peak queues. For international flights, the airport recommends checking in at the airline ticket counter at least 3 hours before departure. AUS handles international nonstop services to London (British Airways), Amsterdam (KLM) and Frankfurt (Lufthansa), as well as seasonal international routes. Road access to AUS from downtown Austin via TX-71 and SH 130 is unpredictable during morning and afternoon rush hours: a 15-minute midday drive can take 40 to 50 minutes at 07:30. Capital Metro bus Route 20 connects downtown Austin to the airport but journey times are variable. During major Austin events, add a minimum of 30 to 45 minutes to both the domestic and international recommendations.
When Should I Leave for Austin-Bergstrom Airport? Calculator
Enter your flight details below to get a recommended time to be inside the terminal at Austin-Bergstrom. The calculator factors in the typical AUS security wait at your departure hour, gate walk time, bag drop time and a safety buffer.
Tips to Beat Austin-Bergstrom Airport Security Queues
A few practical decisions can significantly reduce your time in the AUS security queue regardless of which checkpoint you use.
- Try Checkpoint 4 when Checkpoint 2 looks long. Checkpoint 4 opened February 23, 2026 on the far west side of the Barbara Jordan Terminal, near gates 22 and up. Because many passengers still default to the central Checkpoint 2 zone out of habit, Checkpoint 4 can have noticeably shorter queues during peak hours. All checkpoints lead to all gates, so walking the extra distance to Checkpoint 4 is often worth it during busy periods.
- Enroll in TSA PreCheck before your next AUS flight. Austin-Bergstrom officially recommends arriving 2.5 hours before domestic departures for standard screening. PreCheck members consistently clear in under 10 minutes at all four checkpoints. At $78 for five years, the math for any regular Austin traveler is straightforward. Apply at tsaprecheck.com or at an enrollment center.
- Use the MyTSA app before you leave for the airport. Austin-Bergstrom does not publish a live security dashboard, so the MyTSA app is the best real-time source of passenger-reported queue data for AUS. Checking it before you leave home lets you decide whether to depart earlier and which checkpoint may be moving fastest.
- Add extra time during SXSW, ACL Festival and UT graduation. These three annual events generate the heaviest single-day queues at AUS outside of major holidays. Standard lane waits of 45 to 60 minutes or more are possible during peak departure days for SXSW (March) and ACL (October weekends). Arrive earlier than you think necessary and have CLEAR or PreCheck enrolled before these events if at all possible.
- Pack liquids in your checked bag where you can. The 3-1-1 rule applies at all AUS checkpoints regardless of CT scanner availability. Removing the liquid step speeds up the tray conveyor and reduces the chance of your bag requiring secondary screening.
- Allow extra time for Austin road access. TX-71 and the approach roads to AUS from downtown Austin are heavily congested during morning and afternoon rush hours. A 15-minute midday drive from the city center can take 45 to 50 minutes at 07:30. Build this variability into your departure time from home, not just your airport arrival buffer.
- Use mobile boarding passes and self-service check-in. Southwest, American, Delta, United and most other airlines at AUS support mobile boarding passes via their apps. Passengers without checked bags can skip the ticket counter entirely and go straight to security, which saves significant time during peak check-in windows when airline queues can be long.
- Avoid the 05:00 to 09:00 window at Checkpoint 2 if possible. The central checkpoint zone is the most familiar to regular AUS travelers and absorbs the heaviest morning departure load. If you have a 07:00 departure and no PreCheck or CLEAR, arriving by 04:30 to get ahead of the main wave is a practical strategy. If that is not possible, consider walking to Checkpoint 4 to check its queue length before committing to the Checkpoint 2 line.
Austin-Bergstrom Airport Layout and Terminal Overview
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS/KAUS) is located approximately 7.5 miles southeast of downtown Austin, Texas, on the site of the former Bergstrom Air Force Base. It is operated by the City of Austin and is one of the fastest-growing major airports in the United States, having recorded a passenger count of over 22 million in 2023. The airport serves approximately 20 million passengers annually and provides nonstop service to over 75 domestic and international destinations.
Since April 1, 2026, Austin-Bergstrom operates entirely from a single building: the Barbara Jordan Terminal at 3600 Presidential Blvd. The South Terminal at 10000 Logistics Lane has permanently closed and its structure is being removed as part of the Journey With AUS expansion program. The Barbara Jordan Terminal is a semi-oval building with two concourses extending from a central ticketing and baggage hall. Ticketing is split into east and west areas on the upper level. Four TSA security checkpoints serve the terminal, all of which lead to all departure gates. There is no airside people mover or train connecting concourse areas; gate walks within the terminal are measured in minutes. The terminal features eight live music stages, over 40 local dining and retail options, and free Wi-Fi throughout. For the full terminal layout and gate guide, see our Austin-Bergstrom Airport map and terminal guide.
Austin-Bergstrom Airport Security: FAQ
How long is security at Austin-Bergstrom Airport in 2026?
Security wait times at Austin-Bergstrom vary by checkpoint, time of day and season. All airlines now depart from the single Barbara Jordan Terminal following the April 2026 closure of the South Terminal. During quiet weekday midday windows from 10:00 to 15:00, most passengers clear the standard lane in 10 to 15 minutes. During the morning peak from 05:00 to 09:00 and the afternoon peak from 16:00 to 19:00, waits of 25 to 40 minutes are common in the standard lane. Austin-Bergstrom officially recommends arriving at least 2.5 hours before domestic departures for general TSA screening. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR members typically clear in under 10 minutes. SXSW in March and the ACL Music Festival in October can push standard lane waits to 45 to 60 minutes or more during peak departure days. Use the MyTSA app for current AUS checkpoint conditions.
What are TSA PreCheck and CLEAR at Austin-Bergstrom Airport and how do they work?
TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a five-year membership and gives access to dedicated express lanes at all AUS checkpoints where you keep on shoes, belt and light jacket and leave laptops and liquids in your bag. Most PreCheck members clear in under 10 minutes. CLEAR costs $189 per year with discounts for Delta SkyMiles members and certain credit card benefits. CLEAR uses biometric identification to verify your identity at a kiosk, letting you skip the document check queue and go straight to physical screening. CLEAR is available at Checkpoint 1 (04:00 to 06:30) and Checkpoint 2 West (04:00 to 07:30). The CLEAR enrollment center is at Checkpoint 1, no appointment needed. The two programs can be combined for the fastest experience. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck at no extra cost and covers all AUS checkpoints.
When is Austin-Bergstrom Airport security busiest?
The two busiest windows at Austin-Bergstrom are the morning peak from 05:00 to 09:00 and the afternoon and early evening peak from 16:00 to 19:00. Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Mondays are the most congested single days. Beyond standard peak patterns, SXSW in March and the ACL Music Festival in October generate exceptional congestion at all checkpoints, with standard lane waits of 45 to 60 minutes or more on peak departure days. UT Austin graduation in May is a smaller but noticeable spike. Holiday periods including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year travel, and Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends all push waits well above average. The quietest windows are 10:00 to 15:00 on weekdays and after 20:00 any day.
What time should I arrive at Austin-Bergstrom Airport?
Austin-Bergstrom officially recommends arriving at least 2.5 hours before domestic departures for passengers using general TSA screening, and at least 3 hours before international departures. These are higher than the standard guidance at many US airports and directly reflect AUS’s history of peak congestion. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR members can comfortably reduce the domestic recommendation to 90 to 120 minutes during off-peak periods, though Austin road access and bag drop time are unaffected by security program status. During SXSW, ACL Festival, UT graduation and major holidays, add 30 to 45 minutes to both recommendations. Use the MyTSA app to check current conditions before you leave.
Are CT scanners in use at Austin-Bergstrom Airport?
Yes. Austin-Bergstrom Airport has CT scanner technology deployed across its security checkpoints. The new Checkpoint 4, which opened February 23, 2026 as part of the West Infill expansion, was built with CT scanners across all of its up to eight screening lanes. CT scanners allow passengers to leave laptops in their carry-on bags at equipped lanes. The TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule still applies at all four AUS checkpoints regardless of scanner type: containers must be 3.4 ounces or 100ml or less and fit in a single clear quart-sized resealable bag. TSA PreCheck members can leave liquids and laptops in their bag regardless of scanner type. A July 2025 TSA policy change allows passengers to keep their shoes on at lanes equipped with newer footwear imaging technology. Follow TSA officer instructions at the checkpoint as requirements vary by lane.
What happened to the South Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom Airport?
The South Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom Airport permanently closed on March 31, 2026. From April 1, all airlines that previously operated from the South Terminal, including Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines, moved to the Barbara Jordan Terminal at 3600 Presidential Blvd. AUS now operates as a single-terminal airport. The South Terminal structure is being permanently removed to make way for the New Midfield Taxiways project, which is an enabling step within the broader Journey With AUS expansion program that will eventually support the new Concourse B and its underground connecting tunnel. Passengers who last flew from AUS before April 2026 and previously used the South Terminal at 10000 Logistics Lane should note that all check-in, security and departures are now at the Barbara Jordan Terminal address.
Does Austin-Bergstrom Airport have a live security wait time dashboard?
Austin-Bergstrom Airport does not currently publish a dedicated real-time security wait time dashboard in the same format as some larger hub airports. General security and travel guidance is available at flyaustin.com. The MyTSA mobile app, available on iOS and Android, aggregates passenger-reported wait times for AUS and is the most useful real-time source for current checkpoint conditions. Individual airlines including Southwest, American Airlines and Delta display estimated AUS security wait times on their own apps for their passengers. Third-party tools and checkpoint data aggregators also compile historical and current data for AUS and can be helpful for planning around typical peak windows.
How do SXSW and ACL Festival affect Austin-Bergstrom Airport security?
SXSW in March and the ACL Music Festival in October are the two events with the greatest impact on security wait times at Austin-Bergstrom. Both events bring tens of thousands of visitors to Austin in a short window, compressing departures into a small number of days and creating exceptional congestion at all checkpoints that goes well beyond typical peak patterns. Standard lane waits of 45 to 60 minutes or more have been documented at AUS during peak SXSW and ACL departure days. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR members experience shorter waits during these events but dedicated lanes also see higher than usual volume. The airport strongly advises all travelers to arrive well beyond the standard 2.5-hour domestic recommendation during these periods. UT Austin graduation in May and major University of Texas football weekends also generate noticeable spikes at AUS. Check the MyTSA app before leaving for the airport during any of these periods.