Austin Airport Braces For 250K-Plus Visitors For Upcoming U.S. Grand Prix

AUSTIN, TX — With more than a quarter-million race fans descending to Austin later this month for the Formula One U.S. Grand Prix, Austin airport officials are poised to accommodate the throngs and make their visit more pleasurable upon their arrival.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport officials on Tuesday said they will add more customer service representatives and book special music performances in welcoming fans. They also issued a series of tips for other travelers in light of what's expected to be even more hustle and bustle at the airport than usual.

First, officials advise all passengers to be in the Austin airport terminals two hours before departure time during the annual race scheduled for the Oct. 20-22 weekend. The busiest days during the event are expected to be Sunday evening on Oct. 22 and the following Monday, when airport traffic increases with post-race departing passengers, airport officials said in a press advisory.

In addition to new air service, five charter flights – arrivals from F1 Japanese Grand Prix and departures from Austin to the next race, F1 Grand Premio De Mexico in Mexico City – were added. ABIA officials noted that AeroMexico, partnering and code-sharing with Delta Air Lines, offers year-round daily service to Mexico City with a recently introduced larger jet, the Embraer EMB-190, with Premium Class seats for those fans traveling from Latin America who have yet to book their flights. Visit www.aeromexico.com or call 1-800-237-6639 for more information.

Special post-race live music performances start Sunday night, 5:30 p.m., Oct. 22, with a performance from Candace Bellamy on the airport’s main stage, officials said. Also on Sunday, James Bullard plays a solo show at the airport’s Saxon Pub at 5:30 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 23, features six shows from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information on which artists will be performing during this time, click here.

Given added security before, during and after the race, ABIA officials urged travelers to dress and pack smart:

• Monitor security wait times and speeds at http://aus.tsa.iinside.com.
• While packing, check luggage to ensure no prohibited items are in the bag or its pockets. For a comprehensive list of banned and permitted items in carry-on baggage, visit www.tsa.gov.
• TSA’s Pre-Check is available at Checkpoints 1 and 2. To enroll, visit www.tsa.gov.
• Remember 3-1-1 for liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage. Three ounces per container, in a clear, one-quart bag, one per passenger, and place this in a bin for X-ray.
• Departing fans are encouraged to pack large or bulky souvenir and promotional materials in carry-on bags and place in a bin at the security checkpoint for faster screening.

Airport officials provided even more airport travel tips:

• Know your terminal. Allegiant, Sun Country and Via Air depart and arrive from the South Terminal. Visit www.austintexas.gov/page/terminals-austin-bergstrom-international-airport. South Terminal gates are listed on monitors as S1, S2 or S3.
• Highway construction near the airport, traffic and weather could add to commute time. Allow ample time to get to the airport.
• Check real-time flight status before arriving at the airport, www.abia.org or with your airline.
• The first passenger screening checkpoint opens at 3:30 a.m. in the Barbara Jordan Terminal. Terminal can be accessed from Spirit of Texas Dr., at 9340 Rental Car Lane.
• Call for real-time, 24/7 parking updates at 512-530-3300 before arriving.
• For airport information 24 hours a day, call 512-530-ABIA (2242) or visit www.abia.org.

Last year, U.S. Grand Prix in Austin had its highest attendance since the event launched in 2012, with more than 269,889 visiting the city for the event, according to NBC Sports.

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