AUSTIN, Texas — With big projects underway at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, travelers can expect changes.
Starting Wednesday, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints are now consolidated with TSA Checkpoint 3 closed through 2026.
Officials said TSA PreCheck and CLEAR screening have been merged into one checkpoint to streamline and simplify the process regardless of which screening service they use.
"It does add to passenger convenience to be able to know that they have one spot to go," Elizabeth Ferrer, a spokesperson with the airport, said.
Checkpoint 1 will be for general screening, known crew member screening, priority and premium screening, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) screening.
Checkpoint 2 East will be used for general screening. Meanwhile, Checkpoint 2 West will be for TSA PreCheck and CLEAR for passengers with PreCheck and CLEAR or CLEAR with no PreCheck. It will also accommodate ADA screening for those with PreCheck and individuals using general screening in need of accessibility accommodations.
On the first day of the change, travelers were split on whether they liked it or not.
"I prefer to have the options of that side and this side, just in case one side is busier than the other," Rob Torres said.
"We're thrilled. It's never been this easy at the Austin airport," Rachel Jonas said. "It saved us an hour, so we're happy."
Other travelers said they just want more consistency in the security checkpoint process.
"They keep switching where it goes. It used to on that side, then it's here, it's like, it's just back and forth. And it would be nice to just keep it in one area, then so everybody knows to always go there," Marianne Ebbay said.
Airport officials said the same number of checkpoint lanes are still available as before Checkpoint 3's closure. Once the Checkpoint 3 expansion is completed, six to eight new lanes will be available to the public.
“We have all experienced those hectic days when lines stretch beyond the terminal doors,” Ghizlane Badawi, the CEO of Austin's airport, said. “With this project, we are adding over 70,000 square feet of terminal space."
The $241 million project is called the West Infill and TSA Checkpoint 3 Expansion Project. Austin airport spokesperson Sam Haynes said its goal is to keep up with Austin's massive growth.
The expansion project includes a new baggage handling system and more ticket counters. Haynes said airport officials are working as fast as possible to make it all happen.
Before heading out to the airport, they suggest checking out their interactive map, so there is no confusion with which security checkpoints to go to.