Gregory D. Evans | Ex-Hacker | TV Personality | Author

Only a month after throngs swarmed Austin’s airport en route to the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the U.S. Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas, the air travel hub will welcome another influx of passengers crowding the concourses and gates.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport officials are asking travelers to plan ahead and prepare for busy times over the next few days.

“In addition to unprecedented demand for air travel, this year, airlines are offering 35% more seats compared to November 2019,” airport officials said in a statement.

The airport has provided answers to some frequently asked questions:

What are the crowds at Austin’s airport going to be like?

The airport’s busiest days typically see at least 30,000 travelers.

Passenger numbers usually start climbing the Friday before Thanksgiving as Central Texas travelers begin to head out of town, with Sunday and the Wednesday before Thanksgiving often its busiest days.

“Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is preparing for a busy Thanksgiving season on the heels of a record-breaking October and nearing the end of a year that saw unprecedented demand for air travel,” airport officials said in their statement.

More:Stressed about holiday travel? Pack like a pro with these tips to make things easier

How is the airport gearing up for crowds?

The airport is starting a new service for passengers this holiday travel season called SkySquad, which will pair up ticketholders with a trained airport assistant.

The goal is “to provide an extra pair of hands from the curbside to their gate (from ticketing, checking bags, loading items onto the security belt, keeping an eye on travel items when they go to the restroom and more),” airport officials said.

Interested passengers will need to book the service 24 hours in advance. Visit the SkySquad.com website or call 877-359-2256.

When should I arrive at the airport?

Airport officials urge passengers using general Transportation Security Administration screening to arrive at least 2½ hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours before departure for international flights.

Passengers who need to check luggage or return a rental car before getting in the TSA security line should arrive even earlier.

Texas 71 and U.S. 183, which intersect near the airport, are expected to be busy with holiday road-trippers, so travelers should plan for heavy traffic and build in more time to get to the airport.

More:My flight was canceled but I got most of my costs covered (after 3 months)

What’s the best way to check in for my flight?

Travelers without checked luggage can bypass the ticket counter and head straight to the TSA screening checkpoint with these time-saving options:

Use a mobile boarding pass to skip the airline ticket counters.
Use a self-service kiosk inside the terminal to print boarding passes.
Some airlines offer curbside check-in on the upper level.

How do I get through security without trouble?

The good news: Austin-Bergstrom has four security screening checkpoints, which lead to all gates.

The bad news: “The TSA has reported that AUS passengers continue to bring a record number of guns to security checkpoints this year,” airport officials said. “Bringing prohibited items, such as firearms and liquids exceeding 3.4 ounces, will cause delays for passengers.”

The website TSA.gov has guidance on how to pack and a list of items that are allowed in carry-on luggage.

Can I bring home Thanksgiving leftovers?

Passengers are allowed to travel with food — including meat, seafood, vegetables and other non-liquid items — in carry-on and checked bags. But liquids such as gravy or dips must stick to the 3.4-ounce limit.

“If the food is packed with ice or ice packs in a cooler or other container, the ice or ice packs must be completely frozen when brought through screening,” airport officials said. “If the ice or ice packs are partially melted and have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they will not be permitted.”

Are there any security line shortcuts?

Departing passengers can now use on-site TSA PreCheck enrollment, which you can learn more about at austintexas.gov/AUS-PreCheck.

The TSA PreCheck program is open to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, as well as members participating in Trusted Traveler Programs such as Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI. Enrolled members can travel without removing shoes, laptops, belts or light jackets. They also use dedicated screening lanes at participating U.S. airports.

TSA PreCheck and Clear are available at Checkpoints 1 and 2 West in the main terminal.

What are my parking options at the airport?

At ABIAParking.com, you can reserve a space and check for real-time parking availability before going to the airport.

The airport urges travelers to allow extra time for shuttle service to the terminal as the shuttles run roughly every 15 to 20 minutes.

Drivers can use either the upper or lower level for both arrivals and departures.

What if I need wheelchair assistance?

“Passengers who require wheelchair assistance need to contact their airline prior to their travel date to set up the service,” airport officials said.

More information about accessibility services at the airport, including TSA screening procedures, parking options, terminal curbside ride-hailing service pickup from the airport’s Mobility Assistance Zone, and other travel tips are available at austintexas.gov/page/accessibility.

A new Mobility Lounge for passengers using wheelchairs and other mobility-assistive devices is on the ticketing/departures level. The Mobility Assistance Zone provides access to wheelchair-accessible vehicles, taxis and ride-hailing services.

“It is located on the lower level curbside one lane across from the G and H pick-up areas; it is free and open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.,” airport officials said.

The TSA Cares Assistance helpline, at 855-787-2227, provides more help for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special needs during the security screening process.

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