TEXAS — Memorial Day weekend is kicking off the start of peak travel season this summer, and airports across the Lone Star State are gearing up to prepare for the influx of travelers.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport predicts a record-breaking travel season, beginning mid-May and lasting until the end of summer.

Just last May, AUS saw more than 2 million passengers come and go through the airport, making it the busiest month in the airport's history. The airport has already seen five of its top 10 busiest days this year alone, and peak travel season has not even arrived yet.

To ensure the smoothest travel experience when flying out of AUS, the airport has some tips:

• Arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure if flying domestically, and three hours before an international flight. TSA checkpoints open at 3:30 a.m. every day.
• Passengers who need wheelchair assistance can contact their airline prior to flying out to set up services.
• Reserve a parking space and check for real-time availability before arriving at the airport.
• Budget in extra time for shuttle services to the terminal.
• Use upper and lower level for both departures and arrivals depending on whichever one is least congested.

For those flying Allegiant or Frontier, passengers will depart from the South Terminal. While a shuttle service is provided, passengers are encouraged to park on-site at the South Terminal to save time.

While waiting at the airport this summer, AUS will be offering special summer music lineups every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. There are eight music stages.

Dallas-Fort Worth Airport is expecting the same amount of chaos this summer. It predicts more than 22.3 million passengers throughout the summer, so travelers are encouraged to arrive early and prebook parking.

Just Memorial Day weekend alone, DFW Airport predicts about 216,000 passengers each day, with 1.1 million travelers to use the airport from Friday, May 26, through Tuesday, May 30. This is a 1.7% increase from the same time in 2019.

The total number of expected passengers this season is a 7% increase compared with 2019. Passengers are encouraged to arrive at least two hours before their departure time. Parking garages and lots are expected to be busy as well, with Terminal C and D the quickest to fill up.

“With more than 22.3 million passengers expected to pass through DFW Airport this summer season, we are encouraging all our guests to plan ahead in order to have a seamless and enjoyable travel experience,” said Ken Buchanan, Executive Vice President of Revenue Management and Customer Experience. “By offering the latest technology for our customers, travelers can easily pre-book their parking, check security wait times and order food for pickup or delivery to the gate – all from their phone.”

For those flying American Airlines, if the parking is full, travelers are able to park, check in and check in their luggage at any of the five terminals. They can then use Sky Link to get to any of the other terminals.

San Antonio International Airport anticipates a record-breaking weekend as well for the holiday, with close to 190,000 travelers from Thursday to Memorial Day. There is an estimated 14% increase in scheduled seats, to and from SAT in comparison to 2019, and a 19% increase from last year. The airport encourages their passengers to pay attention to signage when they are parking at the airport and to prepare extra time to find a parking spot.

“We’re expecting the busiest Memorial Day weekend travel in our airport’s history,” said Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports, San Antonio Airport System. “People want to fly and it’s getting more affordable to do so. We are seeing more competitive fares with the addition of Spirit Airlines over the last year – and that’s helping our travelers find better deals on flights that are too good to pass up. We’re also expecting our busiest summer ever, but right now we’re focused on making sure everyone has a smooth experience in the days ahead.”