killing time

Austin's airport is the 4th best in the U.S. for a layover, report finds

Holiday traveling can be messy.

Courtesy of ABIA/Facebook

If there was one word to describe traveling for the holidays, “hectic” is a suitable definition. Layovers are an unfortunate aspect behind stressful traveling, and it can be even more exhausting to have a layover at an airport with few accommodations.

However, a new report says travelers with connecting flights at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport are killing time at one of the best airports in the country for layovers.

The data study by travel experts Upgraded Points ranked AUS the No. 4 airport out of a total 50 of the busiest airports in the U.S., earning a total score of 67.8 out of a possible 100 points.

The factors that earned AUS its top five rank include the percentage of on-time departures and arrivals (76 percent and 75 percent, respectively), the average departure and arrival delays (69 and 61 minutes), the percentage of canceled flights (less than two percent), and more.

The average TSA wait time – which the study says is less than 10 minutes – seems optimistic in theory rather than in practice during the busy holiday season. At the time of this article's publishing, using the same source listed in the report, the average wait time at AUS is 16 minutes. Users can contribute by reporting their wait time when arriving at TSA. It seems that things were moving particularly fast when Upgraded Points compiled its data.

"AUS boasts 51 off-site restaurants nearby per 10,000 passengers and an average TSA wait time of just six minutes — ensuring you can leave, dine, and re-enter on time," the report said.

Even inside the airport, AUS maintains a culinary advantage. It is well-known for its commitment to local food; Travelers can get barbecue, tacos, fried chicken, and more Texas staples from local businesses without straying far from their gates.

Austin-Bergstrom's two onsite hotels – the Hilton Austin Airport and Hyatt Place Austin Airport – and other nearby lodging options helped AUS earn its No. 4 rank in a separate category for the best U.S. airports for long layovers. AUS' score was less than two points off from the No. 1-ranking San Diego International Airport.

The overall best U.S. airports for layovers are:

No. 1 – San Diego International Airport
No. 2 – Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport
No. 3 – Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
No. 4 – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
No. 5 – John Wayne Airport
No. 6 – Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
No. 7 – Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
No. 8 – Nashville International Airport
No. 9 – Pittsburgh International Airport
No. 10 – Chicago Midway International Airport

Outside the top 10, Dallas Love Field Airport ranked No. 13 overall, with the second-shortest departure wait times out of all 50 airports (49.9 minutes), and Houston's William P. Hobby Airport earned No. 5 in the category of best airports for short layovers. HOU also earned nods for having the fourth-shortest departure wait times: 50.7 minutes.

The study analyzed the 50 busiest U.S. airports using data from each airport's website and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to determine the rankings. Factors that were included in the study include the number of restaurants per mile, on-site hotels, the percentage of on-time arrivals and departures, the average delay times, TSA wait times, and more.

The full report can be found on upgradedpoints.com.

austin airport reports

hottest headlines of 2024

Hill Country escapes beckon in Austin's top 10 travel stories of 2024

Photo by Jeff Jones

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Editor's note: As 2024 comes to a close, we're looking back at the stories that defined Austin this year, and that includes travel — in and out of the Texas capital. Austinites were most interested in escaping to the Hill Country and exploring San Antonio. To fuel your wanderlust, here are the top 10 travel headlines of 2024.

1. Texas has 2 of the country's top 10 state parks, says new list. Palo Duro Canyon State Park came out as the No. 2 best state park in the country. Travelers who don't want to make a drive to the Texas Panhandle can head to the Hill Country to visit Garner State Park, which landed at No. 9.

2. San Antonio rodeo rounds up Jon Pardi and Pesado for 2025 lineup. Austinites have a few key reasons to travel to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo each year, such as seeing big music stars like Nelly, Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes, Turnpike Troubadours, and more.

3. New downtown San Antonio hotel debuts with 4 bar and dining concepts. Overnight visitors to Alamo City may remember the Wyndham San Antonio River Walk, but things are looking very different now. After a transformation that has been in the works for at least three years, the InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel opened for visitors in August.

A rooftop pool 21 stories up completes the new InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel. Photo courtesy of InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel

4. Texas predicted to be No. 1 destination tourists will hit for the eclipse. Great American Eclipse predicted Texas would see over a million tourists during April's solar spectacle — the highest number out of the 48 continental states.

5. Hill Country resort inflates its 10th annual hot air balloon festival. The annual Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay Resort includes more than balloons, with live music, tastings, and more.

6. Self-flying air taxis to take flight at airports in major Texas city. Keep an eye on the sky in 2025 — maybe you'll spot one of the new electric and autonomous air taxis expected to take flight in Houston.

7. New Hill Country treehouse resort tops Texas travel ideas for October. Our October monthly roundup of travel tips highlighted the recently opened Onera resort in Wimberley, which features 28 treehouses and "earth home-style units" with panoramic views of the Hill Country.

8. Stunning Hill Country resort lodge gets a chic update. TheAntlers Lodge at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio got a major makeover that also included a new chef and updated menu.

9. 15 best eclipse watch parties and events across Central Texas on April 8. Central Texas and the Hill Country were the hottest destinations for eclipse-watchers, and we compiled the ultimate list of viewing parties and events for the occasion.

10. Buzzy Hill Country hotel featuring VIP Austin chef sets opening date. Located right on the main street of charming Fredericksburg, the Albert Hotel is officially accepting reservations as of January 3, 2025.