Austin Airport Braces for Surge in Spring Break, SXSW Travelers

TSA wait times expected to spike again on Tuesday as over 32,000 passengers are set to depart

Mar. 17, 2026 at 7:30am

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Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is anticipating a major influx of travelers on Tuesday, with over 32,000 passengers expected to depart the airport. This surge comes during spring break and the final days of the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festival, which has driven heavy traffic through the airport's security checkpoints in recent days. Airport officials are encouraging passengers to arrive early, but not too early, to navigate the busy terminal and long TSA lines.

Why it matters

The continued high volume of travelers passing through Austin-Bergstrom could lead to extended wait times at TSA security checkpoints, potentially causing delays and frustration for passengers. This highlights the challenges airports face in managing spikes in passenger traffic, especially during peak travel seasons and major events.

The details

Austin airport officials expect more than 32,000 passengers to fly out of the airport on Tuesday, thousands more than a typical Tuesday. This surge is driven by spring break travel and the end of the SXSW festival. While Tuesday's numbers are not expected to break records, the continued influx of travelers could cause longer-than-normal wait times at TSA checkpoints for the fifth consecutive morning. The busiest time is typically between 3 a.m., when TSA opens, and 7 a.m. The airport is increasing staffing to help passengers navigate the busy terminal and find the fastest security line.

  • The South by Southwest Conference and Festival kicked off last Thursday.
  • From Friday to Sunday, 112,154 passengers checked into Austin-Bergstrom Airport.
  • Departures could eclipse 30,000 on March 22-23, March 29-30, and April 5-6, airport officials predicted.

The players

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

The main airport serving the city of Austin, Texas, which has seen a surge in passenger traffic due to spring break and the South by Southwest festival.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for security screenings at U.S. airports, which is currently operating with limited staffing due to the partial government shutdown.

Lloyd Doggett

A U.S. Representative from Texas's 35th congressional district, who stated that Austin's airport is not experiencing significant impacts from TSA officers calling in sick during the government shutdown.

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What they’re saying

“Our airport is not experiencing any significant impact from the few TSA officers who aren't arriving for their shifts.”

— Lloyd Doggett, U.S. Representative (Statement)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This surge in passenger traffic at Austin-Bergstrom Airport highlights the challenges airports face in managing spikes in travel, especially during peak seasons and major events. While the airport is taking steps to mitigate the impact, the continued high volume of travelers could lead to extended wait times at TSA checkpoints, causing delays and frustration for passengers.