What does Austin-Bergstrom International Airport have to offer you?
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AUS is a dynamic and evolving airport, with ongoing developments aimed at enhancing the passenger experience. While it's home to 2 terminals, most air travel is concentrated in the main Barbara Jordan Terminal, with a second, smaller terminal dedicated to a select number of carriers. The airport's strategic location and diverse services reflect Austin's unique blend of technology, music, and cuisine, creating an atmosphere that's both efficient and uniquely Texan.
Airlines operating at the airport
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is a major hub for a wide array of airlines, offering a vast network of non-stop destinations. The airport is a critical base for Southwest Airlines, which operates a significant number of routes from AUS. Other major domestic carriers with a strong presence include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, providing extensive connectivity across the United States. For international travel, passengers can choose from airlines like British Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Lufthansa, connecting Austin to major global hubs. The airport also serves a variety of other carriers, such as Alaska Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Spirit Airlines, ensuring a broad range of options for travelers. The airport's diverse portfolio of airlines, which also includes Aeroméxico, Copa Airlines, and WestJet, caters to a multitude of travel needs, from budget-conscious domestic trips to luxurious international escapes.
Operating terminals
Austin-Bergstrom is structured around 2 distinct terminals that aren't physically connected. The primary and much larger facility is the Barbara Jordan Terminal. This terminal is a modern, semi-oval-shaped building that houses the majority of the airport's operations, including ticketing, security, baggage claim, and most of the departure and arrival gates. It's where you'll find most domestic and international flights. The terminal is designed for a streamlined passenger flow, with a split-level roadway for easy drop-off and pick-up on both the departures and arrivals levels. Extensive modernization projects are underway, promising enhanced gate capacity and an even more seamless experience for travelers in the near future.
The second terminal is the South Terminal, a smaller facility that serves Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines exclusively. It's located on the southern perimeter of the airport campus and can only be accessed via a separate entrance from the main airport area. This terminal has a more intimate feel and is known for its quirky, Austin-centric decor, including an outdoor patio area. A courtesy shuttle bus provides transportation between the Barbara Jordan Terminal and the South Terminal, ensuring passengers can transfer between the 2 facilities if needed.
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Airport lounges
For travelers seeking a more relaxed and exclusive airport experience, AUS offers a selection of premium lounges. These havens provide a quiet escape from the bustle of the main terminal, complete with comfortable seating, complimentary food and beverages, and essential amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi. The main Barbara Jordan Terminal is home to several such spaces.
- Admirals Club. Located on the mezzanine level near gate 22, the American Airlines Admirals Club offers a sophisticated environment for its members and eligible passengers. The lounge provides a full-service bar, light snacks, and business services.
- Delta Sky Club. Situated on the mezzanine level near gate 4, the Delta Sky Club is a stylish retreat featuring a covered outdoor deck, a full-service bar, and a selection of hot and cold food options.
- United Club. Also on the mezzanine level across from gate 22, the United Club is another excellent choice for a pre-flight break. It offers a variety of buffet snacks, salads, and a bar serving a wide range of beverages.
- Chase Sapphire Terrace. This unique lounge space, while not a full-fledged club, provides a comfortable and modern environment for eligible cardholders, often featuring local food and drink partnerships.
On-site and off-site parking options
Finding a convenient parking spot at or around Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is straightforward, with a variety of options to suit every budget and travel plan. The airport itself provides several on-site choices. The Red and Blue Garages are the most convenient, located directly across from the Barbara Jordan Terminal, offering covered parking for a short walk to the terminal doors. For a more economical on-site solution, the Economy Parking lot is a great choice. It's the closest surface lot to the terminal and offers a complimentary shuttle service that runs 24/7.
Beyond the airport's direct offerings, numerous off-site parking facilities provide competitive rates and reliable services. These lots are often located just a few minutes from the terminal and operate their own continuous shuttle services, making for a hassle-free transition. Many offer covered or uncovered options, and some even include additional services like car washes or oil changes.
When planning your trip, consider making Austin Airport parking reservations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure you have a spot and lock in the best rate. Services like ParkingNearAirports.io, for instance, specialize in providing affordable and convenient off-site parking. These providers often offer a simple park and fly Austin TX experience, where you park your car and are quickly shuttled to your terminal. It's a great way to save money and reduce the stress of finding parking on the day of your flight. Whether you're looking for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport parking on-site or a more budget-friendly off-site option, a little planning can go a long way.
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Hotels nearby
For travelers with early morning flights or late-night arrivals, there are numerous hotels in close proximity to the airport that offer convenience and comfort. Many of these establishments provide complimentary shuttle services to and from the terminals, making them an ideal choice for a stress-free travel experience.
- Hilton Austin Airport. This hotel is located directly on the airport grounds, offering the ultimate in convenience. It's a full-service hotel with modern amenities, an outdoor pool, and extensive meeting spaces, perfect for both business and leisure travelers.
- Hyatt Place Austin Airport. Just a short distance from the terminal, the Hyatt Place provides spacious rooms, a 24/7 gym, and a complimentary breakfast. It's a popular choice for its contemporary design and comfortable atmosphere.
- Hilton Garden Inn Austin Airport. This hotel offers a relaxed environment with a restaurant and bar, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. It's a great option for those who want a comfortable stay with all the necessary amenities.
Other notable options include the Holiday Inn Express & Suites and the Best Western Plus, both offering a reliable and pleasant stay near the airport with shuttle services and free breakfast to help you start your day.
Dining and shopping options
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport prides itself on offering a taste of Austin's renowned culinary and retail scene. Rather than generic airport chains, you'll find a wealth of local favorites. This focus on local businesses makes waiting for a flight a much more enjoyable experience.
In the Barbara Jordan Terminal, foodies can indulge in everything from classic Texan barbecue to contemporary Japanese cuisine. For a quintessential Austin experience, grab some authentic barbecue at The Salt Lick BBQ or a taco from Tacodeli. Other local gems include Amy's Ice Creams, known for its super-premium, hand-churned ice cream, and Jo's Coffee, a beloved local coffee shop offering beverages and pastries. The airport also features a variety of other dining options, including Salvation Pizza for New Haven-style pizza, Second Bar + Kitchen for a more upscale gastropub experience, and Mad Greens for healthy salads and wraps. The airport recently welcomed Half Moon Empanadas, a fast-casual eatery, and a new location of the legendary blues club, Antone's, which celebrates its 50th anniversary, adding to the city's unique flavors and sounds.
The shopping at AUS is also designed to reflect the city's unique character. You can find local gifts and souvenirs at stores like Jetset and Tyler's Austin Warehouse. The airport also features a bookstore, BookPeople, where you can pick up a new read for your flight. For travelers needing electronics or last-minute essentials, there are various newsstands and retail outlets, including InMotion, that carry everything from headphones to travel accessories. The international arrivals area also recently underwent significant improvements, adding more space and upgraded facilities to support the growing number of international flights.
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Conclusion
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is more than just a place to catch a flight; it's an integral part of the Austin experience. With its unique blend of local culture, diverse dining, and thoughtful amenities, AUS has created a travel hub that's both highly functional and deeply rooted in its community. The airport's ongoing expansion and modernization efforts, part of the "Journey with AUS" program, demonstrate a commitment to serving the growing demands of Central Texas while maintaining a high-quality, memorable experience for all passengers. The recent introduction of new airline routes and terminal enhancements further solidifies its position as a top-tier travel destination. These strategic improvements are designed to accommodate a greater volume of passengers and provide a world-class travel environment. From the moment you arrive, whether you're utilizing the convenient on-site parking or a reliable shuttle from a nearby hotel, to the time you board your flight after enjoying some local music and food, AUS ensures your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Happy travels!
