AUS Security: Checkpoints, TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, Arrival Time

AUS asks general screening passengers to arrive at least 2.5 hours before a domestic flight. For international flights, it says to be at your airline counter at least 3 hours before departure.

Add time if you are checking a bag, returning a rental car, flying with small children or in a large group, or have not flown out of AUS in a while. PreCheck and CLEAR members can expect shorter lines than general screening, but the airport gives no minutes.

All checkpoints are in the Barbara Jordan Terminal and lead to all gates. The first checkpoints typically open at 3:00 a.m. daily. The airport does not publish a closing time for each checkpoint.

Checkpoint 2 West stays open until the last flight and takes all passengers once the other checkpoints close.

The airport's two pages list the lanes differently, so treat this as a guide and follow the signs:

• Checkpoint 1: general screening, Known Crew Member, priority/premium screening, ADA screening and CLEAR.
• Checkpoint 2 (East and West on one page): general screening at 2 East. TSA PreCheck, CLEAR with PreCheck, priority/premium and ADA with PreCheck at 2 West.
• Checkpoint 3: one page lists TSA PreCheck, CLEAR with PreCheck and TSA PreCheck Touchless ID. The other says it is closed through 2026.
• Checkpoint 4: general screening and ADA screening, on one page only.

The airport's enrollment page says PreCheck screening is available at Checkpoint 2 West. The travel and security page also lists PreCheck at Checkpoint 3, but another airport page says Checkpoint 3 is closed through 2026. Plan on Checkpoint 2 West.

Global Entry members can use TSA PreCheck lines, according to the airport.

CLEAR is at Checkpoint 1 for general screening and at Checkpoint 2 West for travelers who also have PreCheck. One airport page also lists CLEAR with PreCheck at Checkpoint 3, which another page says is closed through 2026.

CLEAR has an enrollment center at Checkpoint 1 that does TSA PreCheck enrollments and renewals too. It is open 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, and no appointment is needed.

AUS does not publish live security wait times or a program to reserve a security time slot. Use the airport's recommended arrival times above.

The Atrium Infill project is adding space for security screening, bag check and passenger processing on the Departures and Arrivals levels. Expect construction walls and scaffolding, and construction noise between 12 a.m. and 8 a.m.

Adults 18 and over need valid ID at the checkpoint, such as a driver's license. International travelers need a passport.

AUS says that since May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license, enhanced license or other acceptable ID is needed to fly within the U.S. Since February 1, 2026, travelers 18+ without one can use TSA ConfirmID, which costs $45. Check tsa.gov/tsaconfirm-id for current details.

You get one carry-on and one personal item. Liquids follow the 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 ounces or less per container, in one clear quart bag per passenger.

Firearms are not allowed at checkpoints. The airport says TSA keeps finding record numbers of guns at AUS, and prohibited items slow down the line. Bring an empty water bottle and fill it after security.

Private screening areas are available on request at every checkpoint. If you need a companion past security, ask your airline for a gate pass. Ask your airline for wheelchair service before you arrive.

Things left at a checkpoint: call TSA Lost and Found at 512-386-2015, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed Saturday and Sunday.

Concourse M is a midfield gate area reached by shuttle bus. The airport says there are no Concourse M-specific TSA checkpoints, so you go through the same checkpoints as for the Barbara Jordan Terminal.