AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport wants passengers to prepare for larger-than-normal airport crowd sizes in October as the city hosts big events including Austin City Limits and Formula 1.

According to AUS, more crowds are expected in 2023 because approximately 5% more airline seats are for sale compared to last year, and new international destinations and airlines have popped up at the airport in 2023.

“That 5% increase in ticket sales means a lot of airlines are bringing in larger planes so that they can bring in more people,” AUS spokeswoman Elizabeth Ferrer said.

AUS said passengers should plan for extra crowds on the following days:

  • Sunday, Oct. 8; Monday, Oct. 9; and Tuesday, Oct. 10 for ACL Weekend One
  • Sunday, Oct. 15; Monday, Oct. 16; and Tuesday, Oct. 17 for ACL Weekend Two
  • Thursday, Oct. 19; Friday, Oct. 20; Sunday, Oct. 22; and Monday, Oct. 23; Tuesday, Oct. 24 for Formula One

Two days from this month already rank among the busiest days of all time. More than 36,000 passengers flew out of AUS on Friday, Oct. 6, making it the third-busiest day ever. Oct. 5 currently ranks as the eighth-busiest day in airport history.

Airport officials expect a record-breaking passenger total for October. The current record of just over 2 million passengers was set in 2022.

To keep up with this sky-high demand, AUS officials have shifted their staff to take on temporary passenger-facing roles during these peak travel days.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens all bags, so passengers can get familiar with the TSA’s packing guidelines to avoid delays for themselves and fellow passengers.

Firearms are strictly prohibited at security checkpoints; use the TSA’s guidelines for how to travel properly with a firearm and avoid a penalty.

All passengers using General TSA Screening should arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure for domestic flights and at least 3 hours before departure for international flights.

AUS said it was expecting a high volume of departing visitors that will need to return rental cars and check luggage the Sundays – Tuesdays after each weekend of events.