For some travelers, the perfect preflight experience means enjoying a cold drink and listening to live music. For others, it's grabbing a bite to eat, browsing local shops or arriving at their gate hours before takeoff.
At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), there's something for every kind of traveler.
That's the idea behind "The Early Arrivers," AUS's new commercial that follows a fictional Central Texas family as they make their way through Austin's airport. Inspired by classic family sitcoms, the commercial introduces a cast of relatable characters, each with their own idea of the perfect preflight experience.
There's the dad keeping everyone on schedule, the mom searching for the perfect travel pillow, the kids enjoying french fries and the fun-loving in-law relaxing with a cold beer and live music.
Featuring the recognizable voice of Austin-based musician Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel, the commercial delivers a simple message: Arrive early, grab a bite and enjoy your flight.
Why should travelers arrive early at AUS?
Nobody wants to start their journey feeling rushed.
Between finding parking, checking bags, navigating security and locating a departure gate, there are several steps to complete before boarding the plane.
The airport recommends arriving at least two hours before departure for all flights. On particularly busy travel days, when the airport expects 40,000 or more departing passengers, travelers are encouraged to arrive 2.5 hours before departure. The airport shares busy-day travel recommendations about a day in advance on its social media channels and the FlyAustin.com homepage, so be sure to check before heading out!
"When you go on a vacation or a business trip, you want it to be smooth," Marketing and Communications Consultant Weston Warner said. "So, getting there early allows you enough time to do all the things necessary to get through security and not have to rush or worry."
AUS also offers multiple parking options and four security checkpoints. All checkpoints provide access to every gate, giving passengers flexibility when navigating the terminal.
Once travelers make it through security, they can settle in, find their gate and enjoy everything the airport has to offer.
What is there to do while waiting for a flight at AUS?
The Austin experience doesn't have to end when travelers enter the terminal.
Through its “Beats, Bites & Flights” concessions campaign, AUS highlights the dining, shopping and entertainment experiences passengers can enjoy before their flights:
Grab a bite: Enjoy a meal at one of AUS’s restaurants, pick up a breakfast taco or find a quick snack before boarding.
Explore local shopping: Browse airport retail shops for Austin-themed souvenirs, travel essentials or last-minute items.
Enjoy live music: Experience Austin's renowned live music scene right inside the airport terminal.
Relax and recharge: Grab a coffee, find a comfortable spot to unwind or take a break before boarding.
For visitors, the airport offers a first or final taste of Austin's unique culture. For residents heading out of town, it's one last opportunity to enjoy a little Austin hospitality.
Together, friendly airport staff and AUS's dining, shopping and entertainment offerings help create a welcoming atmosphere that reflects Austin's vibrant culture.
What is AUS's digital wayfinding map?
Travelers have plenty of ways to make the most of their time at AUS, and with so many options throughout the terminal, the airport's interactive digital wayfinding map makes it easy to discover what's available and plan ahead.
Whether they are looking for a place to grab a meal, browsing local shops or searching for amenities near their departure gate, passengers can use the map to find exactly where they want to go, see how far it is from their gate and plan their time before boarding.
Especially helpful for first-time visitors or those unfamiliar with the airport, the map allows travelers to spend less time searching and more time enjoying their preflight experience.
Make the most of your next trip through Austin
As the holiday travel season approaches, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport reminds passengers that a little extra planning can go a long way.
Just like "The Early Arrivers," every traveler has different priorities. Whatever their travel style, arriving early gives passengers more flexibility to enjoy the airport on their own terms.
Travelers can visit www.flyaustin.com to explore travel tips, airport amenities and resources to help plan their next visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early does the airport recommend passengers arrive before their flights?
Plan to arrive at AUS at least 2 hours before your flight. Checking a bag, returning a rental car or haven't flown out of AUS in a while? Give yourself a little extra time to get where you need to go.
Some days are busier than others, especially during major events like Formula 1 or three-day holiday weekends. When the airport expects 40,000 or more departing travelers, it recommends arriving at least 2.5 hours before your flight. Keep an eye out for busy-day travel updates before heading to the airport!
How can passengers find specific restaurants, shops and amenities inside the terminal?
Passengers can use the airport's interactive digital wayfinding map to locate restaurants, retailers and other amenities throughout the terminal.
This digital map is designed to help travelers, especially first-time visitors or those unfamiliar with the airport, plan ahead and spend less time searching for what they need near their departure gates.
How many security checkpoints does the airport offer for passengers to navigate the terminal?
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport offers four security checkpoints for passengers.
All of these checkpoints provide access to every gate, which gives travelers flexibility when they are navigating the terminal.
Where can I find travel tips and resources for planning my next visit to the airport?
Passengers can visit www.flyaustin.com to explore travel tips, airport amenities and resources to help plan their next visit.