Austin-Bergstrom International Airport officials continue to advise travelers to arrive well ahead of their scheduled flights as passenger traffic remains consistent. As of this morning, March 18, airport representatives reported typical steady traffic, with security screening lines contained within the terminal.
Authorities anticipate that the lines will remain manageable throughout the day. Travelers are recommended to arrive two and a half hours prior to domestic flights and three hours before international departures to allow sufficient time for pre-security tasks, such as parking, checking bags, and returning rental vehicles. The airport expects approximately 28,000 passengers to depart today.
The Backstory
On March 16, travelers at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport faced significant delays, with many waiting in long lines for security and check-in. That day, the airport saw a record-breaking 38,000 passengers, leading to unusually lengthy queues that extended outside the terminal.
This surge in traffic was partly attributed to the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival and the spring break season, which have placed additional demands on airport personnel. The situation is further complicated by a partial government shutdown, as Congress remains in a deadlock over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This has resulted in over 100,000 federal employees, including TSA officers, working without pay.
What You Can Do
<pTravelers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with available checkpoints and to verify their flight status prior to arriving at the airport. More detailed information can be found on the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s website.
