AUS Airport TSA Security Wait Times

Q: What is the best way to get to SEA?

The airport is accessible via Interstate 5 (I-5) and State Route 518 . For public transit, the Link Light Rail provides a direct connection from downtown Seattle to SEA. There are also options for taxis, rideshares , and airport shuttles .

Q: How early should I arrive at SEA before my flight?

It’s recommended to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights to ensure ample time for check-in, security screening, and other procedures.

Q: Is there Wi-Fi available at SEA?

Yes, SEA offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Simply connect to the "SEA Free Wi-Fi" network.

Q: Can I bring food through security at SEA?

Yes, you can bring food through security, but it must be screened . Liquid and gel food items must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a quart-sized plastic bag .

Q: What are the options for dining and shopping at SEA?

SEA features a variety of restaurants, cafes , and shops throughout the terminal.

Q: Where can I find lost and found services?

The Lost & Found office is located in the Arrivals Hall on the lower level . You can also report lost items online through the SEA airport website.

Q: Are there charging stations available at SEA?

Yes, SEA has charging stations and power outlets located throughout the terminal for passenger use.

Q: What should I do if I have a layover at SEA?

If you have a layover, you can explore the airport amenities , including lounges, shops, and dining options. SEA also provides sleeping pods and relaxation areas for comfort during long waits.

Q: Is there a hotel at SEA?

Yes, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Marriott is located adjacent to the airport and provides convenient accommodation for travelers.

Q: Can I check my luggage early at SEA?

Yes, SEA offers early luggage check-in services at the airport, allowing you to check your bags up to 24 hours before your flight.

Airport Guide

TSA wait times at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and traffic volumes. Generally, AUS is known for being efficient, but during peak times, lines can extend up to 30-45 minutes, especially during holidays or major events in Austin.

Typical TSA Security Wait Times at AUS

The time it takes to clear security at SEA varies depending on factors such as the day of the week, time of day, and season. On average, here’s what you can expect:

Timing	Time Frame	Wait Time
Mornings	5 AM - 9 AM	30-45 minutes
Afternoons	11 AM - 2 PM	15-25 minutes
Late Afternoons & Evenings	3 PM - 8 PM	20-35 minutes
PreCheck	-	5-10 minutes

Peak Travel Times and Seasons

Weekends vs. Weekdays: Fridays and Sundays are typically the busiest days, especially in the afternoons and evenings, due to business travelers and weekend getaways. Expect wait times to be on the longer end during these days.
Holiday Seasons & Events: Special occasions like Christmas, Thanksgiving, SXSW (South by Southwest), and ACL (Austin City Limits) Music Festival can cause significant increases in wait times, sometimes exceeding 45 minutes to an hour at peak moments.

TSA Security Checkpoints at AUS

At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, security screening is managed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at multiple checkpoints located in the Barbara Jordan Terminal. The checkpoints are well-distributed and serve different gates in the terminal:

Main TSA Security Checkpoint: Located on the upper level of the Barbara Jordan Terminal near the central entrance. It serves most travelers.
East and West Checkpoints: These checkpoints may be open during peak travel times to accommodate the increased passenger flow.

Note: The South Terminal (for budget airlines like Allegiant) has a separate, smaller security checkpoint.

Checking Real-Time TSA Wait Times

Before heading to the airport, it’s a good idea to check real-time TSA wait times. There are several ways to do this:

MyTSA App

The TSA offers the MyTSA app, which provides real-time updates on security wait times at various airports, including AUS. The app allows you to view wait times based on crowd-sourced data from travelers.

AUS Airport Website

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has a real-time TSA wait time tracker on AUS official website. You can view current estimated wait times for each security checkpoint, helping you plan accordingly.

Flight Tracking Apps

Many flight tracking apps, such as FlightAware or Hopper, offer real-time airport wait time information.

Google Search

Simply searching “TSA wait times AUS” often brings up recent wait time estimates, powered by Google’s real-time data.

Tips to Minimize TSA Security Wait Times

Here are short tips to minimize TSA security wait times at SEA:

Arrive early: 2 hours for domestic, 3 for international flights
Enroll in TSA PreCheck for faster screening
Check real-time wait times online via apps or SEA’s website
Travel during off-peak hours: early morning or late evening
Be prepared: Have documents ready and follow TSA screening rules

TSA PreCheck at AUS

TSA PreCheck Lane: Located near the main security checkpoint in the Barbara Jordan Terminal. It’s clearly marked and usually has much shorter lines.
Wait Times: Typically, TSA PreCheck passengers can expect to wait 5 to 10 minutes, even during peak hours.
TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center: If you’re not yet enrolled, AUS has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center located at the airport. It’s best to book an appointment ahead of time online if you wish to enroll.

With TSA PreCheck, you don’t need to remove your shoes, belt, jacket, or electronics, which significantly speeds up the screening process.

What is Clear at AUS?

For an even faster and more streamlined security experience, AUS also offers CLEAR. CLEAR uses biometric scanning to verify your identity, allowing you to skip the main ID check and go directly to security screening.

CLEAR Lane: Available at the main security checkpoint in the Barbara Jordan Terminal. CLEAR members have a separate queue that bypasses the regular lines.
Wait Times: CLEAR members can usually expect to wait less than 5 minutes to get through the security ID check.
Clear + TSA PreCheck: If you have both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR, you can experience the fastest security process possible, typically breezing through in 3 to 5 minutes.

Peak Travel Times to Avoid

To minimize TSA wait times, try to avoid peak travel hours. Here’s when AUS tends to be most crowded:

5 a.m. – 8 a.m. on Weekdays: Business travelers often flood the airport during this time, leading to longer security lines.
Late Fridays and Sundays: The weekends attract leisure travelers, especially during holiday weekends or festival seasons in Austin.
Special Events (SXSW, ACL): Major events like South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits (ACL) bring thousands of visitors to the city, significantly impacting wait times.

Best Times to Travel: If possible, aim for mid-morning or mid-afternoon flights on weekdays, outside of busy travel days, to enjoy the shortest TSA lines.

Navigating TSA security at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) can be quick and painless if you plan ahead. Knowing the typical wait times, checking real-time data, and utilizing programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR can drastically reduce the time you spend in line. Arrive early, stay prepared, and enjoy a smooth start to your travel from AUS!

Happy travels from Travel Teasers!😇

FAQs

What is the best way to get to SEA?

The airport is accessible via Interstate 5 (I-5) and State Route 518. For public transit, the Link Light Rail provides a direct connection from downtown Seattle to SEA. There are also options for taxis, rideshares, and airport shuttles.

How early should I arrive at SEA before my flight?

It’s recommended to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights to ensure ample time for check-in, security screening, and other procedures.

Is there Wi-Fi available at SEA?

Yes, SEA offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Simply connect to the “SEA Free Wi-Fi” network.

Can I bring food through security at SEA?

Yes, you can bring food through security, but it must be screened. Liquid and gel food items must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a quart-sized plastic bag.

What are the options for dining and shopping at SEA?

SEA features a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops throughout the terminal.

Where can I find lost and found services?

The Lost & Found office is located in the Arrivals Hall on the lower level. You can also report lost items online through the SEA airport website.

Are there charging stations available at SEA?

Yes, SEA has charging stations and power outlets located throughout the terminal for passenger use.

What should I do if I have a layover at SEA?

If you have a layover, you can explore the airport amenities, including lounges, shops, and dining options. SEA also provides sleeping pods and relaxation areas for comfort during long waits.

Is there a hotel at SEA?

Yes, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Marriott is located adjacent to the airport and provides convenient accommodation for travelers.

Can I check my luggage early at SEA?

Yes, SEA offers early luggage check-in services at the airport, allowing you to check your bags up to 24 hours before your flight.

Are there any services for travelers with disabilities?

SEA provides a range of accessible services, including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and specialized services for passengers with disabilities. Contact your airline or the airport’s customer service for specific needs.