Travelers flying into or out of Austin‑Bergstrom International Airport now experience a streamlined layout after the permanent closure of the South Terminal. Effective April 1, 2026, all passenger traffic uses the Barbara Jordan Terminal, a single‑level facility that consolidates ticketing, security, baggage claim, and arrivals under one roof. This change simplifies navigation but also concentrates demand during busy periods, making advance planning for ground transportation especially valuable. The following guide walks you through the terminal’s structure, airline gate assignments, how peak events affect operations, and what to consider when arranging a ride to or from the airport. Austin to DFW shuttle
The New Single‑Terminal Reality at AUS
Before the South Terminal shut down, Austin‑Bergstrom operated two distinct buildings: the original Barbara Jordan Terminal and the smaller South Terminal that housed several low‑cost carriers. The South Terminal’s final day of operation was March 31, 2026, after which it was closed permanently. From April 1 2026 onward, every flight—including those previously operated by Allegiant and Frontier—departs and arrives at the Barbara Jordan Terminal. This unification eliminates the need for shuttle buses between terminals and reduces walking distances for most passengers, though it also means that all flights share the same security checkpoints, baggage claim halls, and curb space. Austin to IAH shuttle
The consolidation was driven by the airport’s long‑term master plan to optimize facilities as passenger volumes continue to grow. While the single‑terminal design improves operational efficiency for airlines and ground crews, it also places greater emphasis on managing peak‑time crowds. Travelers should be aware that during high‑traffic windows, the terminal can feel busier than before, and curb‑side demand for taxis, rideshares, and pre‑booked shuttles can spike quickly. Dallas to Houston shuttle
Navigating the Barbara Jordan Terminal Layout
The Barbara Jordan Terminal is designed to be walkable from end to end, with no people‑mover or automated guideway required. The terminal is divided into three main concourse areas:
- East Concourse – Gates 1 through 13, primarily used by several domestic carriers.
- Central Gates – A compact cluster of gates situated between the east and west wings, often assigned to flights that require quick turnarounds.
- West Concourse – Gates 24 through 34, serving a mix of domestic and international flights.
Ticketing and security checkpoints occupy the upper level of the terminal. After clearing security, passengers descend to the lower level where baggage claim carousels and international arrivals processing are located. Because the terminal is a single, contiguous structure, moving from the ticketing hall to any gate or to baggage claim involves a straightforward walk, typically lasting only a few minutes depending on gate location.
Signage throughout the terminal reflects the new layout, with clear overhead indicators directing travelers to the appropriate concourse, baggage claim, and ground‑transportation curb. Elevators and escalators are available for those who need assistance with luggage or mobility, but the majority of passengers can navigate the terminal on foot.
Airlines and Gate Allocation
All airlines now operating at Austin‑Bergstrom use the Barbara Jordan Terminal. The carrier mix includes major legacy airlines, low‑cost providers, and several international operators. The current lineup, as reflected in airport publications, consists of:
- Southwest Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Alaska Airlines
- Aeroméxico
- Air Canada
- British Airways
- Lufthansa
- Viva Aerobus
Gate assignments are not fixed permanently; they vary day‑to‑day based on flight schedules, aircraft size, and operational needs. However, certain patterns have emerged since the consolidation. Southwest, which operates a high frequency of short‑haul flights, frequently utilizes gates in the East Concourse (1‑13) and the central gate area. American and Delta often occupy gates in the West Concourse (24‑34) for both domestic and select international services. International carriers such as Aeroméxico, Air Canada, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Viva Aerobus typically use the West Concourse gates, which provide direct access to the lower‑level international arrivals processing area.
Travelers should verify their gate information on the airport’s flight‑information displays or via their airline’s app shortly before departure, as last‑minute changes can occur, especially during periods of high demand.
Peak Travel Periods and Operational Impact
The Barbara Jordan Terminal’s single‑terminal design means that all passenger flows converge in the same spaces during busy times. Several recurring events are known to push the terminal toward its operational limits:
- South by Southwest (SXSW) – Held each March, the festival draws tens of thousands of visitors to Austin, resulting in elevated passenger volumes and heightened demand for curb‑side transportation.
- Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at COTA – The October race weekend brings a surge of domestic and international travelers, many of whom arrive or depart through AUS.
- Year‑end holidays – Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New York periods traditionally see increased travel as families reunite and vacationers head to destinations across Texas and beyond.
During these windows, security lines can lengthen, baggage claim carousels may experience higher usage, and the curb area can become congested with taxis, rideshares, hotel shuttles, and private vehicles. The airport’s management coordinates with airlines and ground‑transportation providers to allocate additional staff and open extra lanes where possible, but travelers are advised to allow extra time for check‑in, security, and reaching their ground‑transportation pickup point.
Understanding these patterns helps passengers make informed decisions about when to arrive at the airport and how to schedule their return trip. Booking a private door‑to‑door service in advance can mitigate the uncertainty of curb‑side availability and provide a predictable pickup window.
Ground Transportation Options After the Closure
With the South Terminal no longer in service, all ground‑transportation activity—pick‑ups, drop‑offs, and curbside waiting—occurs at the Barbara Jordan Terminal’s lower‑level curb. The terminal’s layout provides clearly marked zones for different vehicle types, including designated areas for taxis, rideshares, hotel shuttles, and pre‑arranged private services.
Private door‑to‑door shuttles offer a distinct advantage during peak periods. Unlike shared‑ride options, a private vehicle travels directly from the passenger’s residence, hotel, or office to the airport terminal without intermediate stops. This model eliminates the variability associated with waiting for other passengers to board or alight, and it avoids surge pricing that can affect app‑based services during high‑demand windows. Texas Shuttle operates on a private door‑to‑door basis, providing 24/7 booking, real‑time flight tracking for airport pickups, and service to major Texas airports such as DFW, Love Field, IAH, Hobby, and numerous cities across the state.
Because the Barbara Jordan Terminal is walkable end to end, passengers can exit the baggage claim area and proceed straight to the curb without navigating multiple levels or terminals. This direct path reduces the time between luggage retrieval and vehicle loading, which is especially beneficial when flights arrive late or when travelers have tight connections to ground transportation.
When planning a ride, consider the following:
- Confirm your pickup address and provide any specific instructions (e.g., building entrance, parking lot location).
- Share your flight number so the provider can monitor for delays or early arrivals and adjust the pickup time accordingly.
- Allow a reasonable buffer for baggage claim and customs processing if you are arriving on an international flight.
- Communicate any special needs, such as assistance with luggage or wheelchair accessibility, when booking.
By arranging a private door‑to‑door shuttle in advance, travelers gain certainty about their transportation logistics, allowing them to focus on their journey rather than the uncertainties of curb‑side availability during busy travel seasons.
Plan Your Ride
Whether you are heading to Austin‑Bergstrom for a business meeting, a leisure weekend, or a connecting flight, arranging your ground transportation ahead of time helps ensure a smooth start and end to your trip. With the Barbara Jordan Terminal now the sole point of entry and exit for all flights, the curb area is centralized but can become congested during peak events. A pre‑booked private door‑to‑door service offers a reliable way to avoid the variability of shared rides and surge‑based pricing, giving you a predictable pickup window and direct service to your destination. Texas Shuttle’s model—no shared rides, no surge pricing, 24/7 booking, and flight‑tracked airport pickups—fits naturally into this approach, providing a dependable option for travelers across Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the closure of the South Terminal affect which airlines operate at AUS?
No. All airlines that previously used either the Barbara Jordan Terminal or the South Terminal now operate exclusively from the Barbara Jordan Terminal. The carrier roster remains the same, including Southwest, American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Alaska, Aeroméxico, Air Canada, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Viva Aerobus.
How long does it typically take to walk from the ticketing counter to a gate in the East Concourse?
Walking times vary by gate location, but because the terminal is designed to be walkable without a people‑mover, most passengers can reach any gate in the East Concourse within a few minutes after clearing security.
What should I do if my flight arrives during a major event like SXSW or the Formula 1 race?
Allow extra time for baggage claim and curb‑side pickup, as both areas can experience higher volumes during these periods. Pre‑booking a private door‑to‑door service and sharing your flight number with the provider helps ensure the driver is aware of any delays and can adjust the pickup time accordingly.
Are there designated zones for private shuttles at the Barbara Jordan Terminal curb?
Yes. The lower‑level curb includes clearly marked areas for different vehicle types, including a dedicated zone for pre‑arranged private door‑to‑door shuttles. Signage directs travelers to the appropriate lane upon exiting baggage claim.
Can I modify or cancel a private shuttle reservation if my plans change?
Reservation policies vary by provider. When booking, review the terms for changes or cancellations and provide any updated flight or pickup details as soon as possible to avoid confusion.
