AUSTIN, Texas — As Austin's spring festival season starts to take off, so do more travelers at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).
The airport has issued travel alerts for March 7 and 8 in preparation for South by Southwest (SXSW) and Rodeo Austin. Both events start Friday, March 8, and bring thousands of tourists to Austin.
In total, more than 36,000 travelers are expected to fly to and from the airport on March 7 alone. The airport is preparing to remain busy through the end of the month, with March 7, 8, 10 and 11 expected to be particularly crowded.
"We're looking forward to helping passengers reach their spring destination this travel season," Ghizlane Badawi, the interim CEO of the airport, said. "Our staff has been working hard to prepare the airport for an increase of travelers and will continue to work hard throughout this busy travel period."
To help manage high demand, the airport has provided a number of tips for a more manageable flying experience.
The airport recommends travelers arrive approximately two and a half hours ahead of national flights and three hours ahead of international flights.
Those with checked bags and rental cars should allow for even more time when planning their arrival.
Additionally, the airport noted TSA Checkpoint 3 is currently closed until 2026 for an expansion project. For the time being, Checkpoint 1 is open for screening, TSA PreCheck and CLEAR; Checkpoint 2 East is open for PreCheck; and Checkpoint 2 West is open for general and CLEAR.
Recently, the airport also announced parking reservations will not be allowed through the rest of March. All spots in the airport's three main parking areas are currently first come, first served.
The airport said travelers flying with Allegiant Airlines and Frontier Airlines should park at the South Terminal, located at 10000 Logistics Lane, near U.S. Hwy 183 and Burleson Road.