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Austin airport sees busiest Thanksgiving holiday travel week ever
29 November 2021
The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport saw record Thanksgiving passenger numbers as the airport continues to recover from the pandemic. (Claire Partain)
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport saw 284,198 passengers checked through TSA security over the Thanksgiving holiday, marking the busiest Thanksgiving travel season on record.
The airport saw around 40,000 more passengers than its peak holiday week in 2019 and nearly triple the traffic of 2020 as the airport continues to bounce back much more quickly than was originally projected.
Those numbers weren't quite reflected nationwide—air travel on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving more than doubled when compared to the same 2020, with 2.3 million people passing through TSA checkpoints on that day. That's higher than any other pandemic day but about 88% of the levels from that day in 2019.
But the record numbers, which ABIA public information officer Bryce Dubee said are usually reserved for Formula 1's U.S. Grand Prix and both weekends of ACL fest, indicate that travel in Austin may have done more than just recover from the pandemic.
Dubee said the airport's crew was already gearing up for several 30,000+ passenger days by Friday, Nov. 19. Then the first Sunday of the holiday alone saw 32,175 passengers, the second-busiest day on record after this year's USGP race weekend.
Travel from Friday through Wednesday saw 188,168 passengers during the holiday week, already passing the threshold for the busiest Thanksgiving travel season on record.
Since last Friday, 188,168 passengers have chosen to #FlyAUStin, making this our busiest Thanksgiving travel season on record.
As we pause today to give thanks, we're grateful for all those who fly with us, as well as our incredible staff and partners who make this all possible. pic.twitter.com/kqgtV7Ypp1
— Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) (@AUStinAirport) November 25, 2021
And as travelers returned home with full bellies and weeklong visits behind them, the airport saw 96,030 passengers from Thanksgiving through Sunday. The final Sunday saw just over 30,000 passengers—which still broke 2019 records and obliterated 2020's numbers—but notably, the Sunday before Thanksgiving was the busiest travel day of the period, something that hasn't been seen in years past.
ABIA recommended that travelers arrive three hours early for their flights and find other ways to make the screening process easier as record numbers piled into the airport. But after a record-breaking F1 weekend and other high-traffic days serving as "stress tests" this October, Dubee said the team was prepared for the unprecedented weekend as travelers went to see their family, some for the first time since an 18-month travel ban was lifted.
And the airport is prepping for even more foot traffic in the future with its 2040 master plan. Even as travel dwindled and fewer passengers than ever crossed through TSA checkpoints in peak pandemic times, the airport saw significant expansion: American Airlines added 10 flights to the airport in March, Southwest Airlines announced in September that it would add nine flights in March 2022, and Allegiant, Delta and Hawaiian all tacked on new flights in 2020-21.
While this Thanksgiving week, which normally just scrapes the top ten busiest travel times of the year, saw an unusual year, Dubee said it's too soon to see whether this represents a long-term trend. And especially as the omicron COVID variant sends the world into a frenzy, the winter holidays may not see the fervor of Thanksgiving travel—the holiday season rarely makes a dent on ABIA's high-traffic fall events.
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The airport is expecting to break its busiest Thanksgiving travel-related day record. (Austin-Bergstrom International Airport/Facebook)
It's the great holiday wait, Charlie Brown!
If you're planning on traveling this holiday season, you might want to pack now because the next few days at the Austin Bergstrom-International Airport are going to be hectic—Sunday was already the second-busiest in the history of the airport.
ABIA's public information officer Bryce Dubee told Austonia that the busiest days of the year are typically reserved for Formula 1 and both weekends of ACL Festival. The Monday following this year's F1 race saw 35,298 passengers, the busiest day ever, but the airport said it's gearing up for several days of 30,000 or more passengers over the next week.
Sunday saw 32,175 flyers screened through TSA, making runner-up for busiest day.
Travel is seeing a healthy resurgence since the pandemic shut it down in 2020—bookings for Thanksgiving are up about 3.2% from 2019's pre-pandemic holiday nationwide, according to Dubee, who expects that pattern to reach Austin.
Ahead of the surge, ABIA is releasing tips to keep hangry holiday goers out of long lines and into their desired destinations. The Transportation Security Administration is advising that travelers arrive at least three hours before their flight, even with TSA PreCheck or Clear.
Thanksgiving week is here & it's one of the busiest times of the year at AUS.
:clock1130: Arrive at least 3 hours early for all flights
:luggage: Only pack allowed items in your carry-on
:car: Check real-time parking info at https://t.co/SAqCjWXHwL
:point_right:For more tips: https://t.co/DhXxOVK8Eg pic.twitter.com/SqCQ9dRTS5
— Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) (@AUStinAirport) November 22, 2021
And with Austin travelers reporting bustling lines as early as 7 a.m.—TSA opens as early as 3:30 a.m. at the airport—it's easy to see why.
This is Austin International Airport at 7am. This is one line for security. pic.twitter.com/BiLPsUj5nQ
— Jake (@frostedjakess) November 21, 2021
The Sunday near-record indicates full pandemic recovery for the airport: the previous busiest Thanksgiving-related travel day was the Sunday before the holiday in 2019, when 29,697 passengers trudged through ABIA security. And though Sunday was already tabbed to be one of the busiest days this week, Dubee said the airport predicts that Wednesday and the weekend after Thanksgiving will also be packed as travelers come and go from their holiday destination. Dubee said the week could easily become the busiest Thanksgiving on record.
With Formula One's numbers as a good "stress test" for the airports' crew, Dubee said he feels confident that most of the week should be smooth sailing. But with TSA reporting an "alarming trend" of travelers bringing guns and other illegal items in record numbers and the rise of hostile passengers, including a woman who "snatched cookies" from someone on-flight, the airport continues to remind passengers of what they should and shouldn't do ahead of the holiday weekend.
In addition to arriving three hours early, Dubee also recommended reserving parking through abiaparking.com, checking in in advance online, and using mobile boarding passes to streamline the airport process.
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Colleen's Kitchen and more Austin restaurants are offering meals to-go to make your Thanksgiving easier. (Colleen's Kitchen/Instagram)
There's never been a better time to live among Austin's endless restaurants as the holidays are finally here.
This year, indulge in that casserole or pie you didn't dare think of until November without making a mess of the kitchen. Here are 15 Austin restaurants providing decadent to-go meals for Thanksgiving.
Abby Jane Bakeshop, 16604 Fitzhugh Rd
Looking for sweets? Abby Jane Bakeshop in Dripping Springs has some holiday deals for you. They are offering desserts such as apple cranberry galette, sorghum chocolate pecan pie, sourdough stuffing and buttermilk grits pie. Prices range from $12-$45 and you can order online here. Pickups available Nov. 23 and 24.
Deadline to order: Nov. 20
Aviary Wine & Kitchen, 2110 South Lamar Blvd.
You can never have too much wine on Thanksgiving. This holiday season, Aviary Wine & Kitchen is offering six-packs of its Cave des Vignerons de Mancey Crémant de Bourgogne Brut, Rouge-Bleu 'Méditerranée Dentelle' Blanc Magnum and Redolent Wine Co 'Brother from Another Mother' Pinot Noir + Nebbiolo Blend at $156. You can order online here or in person.
Deadline to order: Nov. 23
Bistro Vonish, 701 East 53rd St.
Maybe you want to put all your energy into cooking the turkey this year, Bistro Vonish will help supply the tasty sides if you're in a pinch. Sides include grilled green beans ($6.25) and roasted baby carrots ($5). Food is available for pick up on Nov. 24 from 3-9 p.m. You can order online here. Pickups available on Nov. 24.
Deadline to order: Nov. 21
Buenos Aires Cafe, multiple locations
This Argentinian restaurant has got you covered this Thanksgiving with their feasts, which come in small (feeds 2-3 people for $90) or large (feeding 4-6 for $150). These meals can include honey-glazed porchetta, roasted brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic reduction, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, arugula, black garlic vinaigrette topped with parmesan cheese, cauliflower and turmeric mash, 10" pumpkin pie, and house-made brioche. Food is available for pick up from Nov. 22-27 (excluding Thanksgiving Day).
Deadline to order: Not mentioned
Capital City Bakery, 2211 East Cesar Chavez St.
This bakery has loads of baked goods for you this holiday season, which includes pumpkin pie, maple pecan pie, chocolate cream pie and some gluten-free or vegan goodies. Prices range from $6.50-$90 depending on what you get. Pickup is only available on Nov. 23 and 24. You can order online here.
Deadline to order: Nov. 21
Chez Zee, 5406 Balcones Dr.
This American bistro is offering some holiday deals including salads and bread, quiche, pies and desserts, cakes, sides and sauces. Their sides typically serve 4-5 people, and prices can range from $9-$55, depending on what you get. You must pick up your food by 5 p.m. on Nov. 24. You can order by phone at 512-454-2666, in person or online here.
Deadline to order: 5 p.m. Nov. 22
Colleen’s Kitchen, 1911 Aldrich St.
Colleen's Kitchen has two options: a Thanksgiving farmhouse feast, which serves 6-8 people ($220) and includes an herb-buttered bone-in turkey breast along with all the Thanksgiving sides, or a Thanksgiving trimmings package ($145), which only includes the sides. Sides include scratch turkey gravy, orange cranberry sauce, cornbread stuffing, green bean casserole, roasted garlic mashed potatoes and roasted sweet potato casserole. Pickups are available on Nov. 24, and you can order online here.
Deadline to order: Not mentioned
District Kitchen, multiple locations
District Kitchen + Cocktails is offering a Thanksgiving meal, which consists of either half or whole turkey, cheddar mashed potatoes, pomegranate glazed brussels sprouts, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce. Diners can choose either a meal that serves 2-4 ($69.99) or 6-8 ($139.99) and can also add on a pumpkin pie, cider or spiked cider, or siduri pinot noir. Pickups are available on Nov. 23 only. You can order here.
Deadline to order: Nov. 20
Easy Tiger, 6406 N. I-35 Frontage Rd.
Easy Tiger is pulling out all the stops to make sure you have what you need this Thanksgiving. You can choose between or mix and match their turkey feast ($225), charcuterie boards (ranging from $125-$150), pies ($40) or pull-apart rolls ($14).
Preorder here to pickup at the Easy Tiger North location (other locations not available for pickup) or get delivery from Nov. 23-26.
Deadline to order: Nov. 21
Launderette, 2115 Holly St.
Launderette will make you feel like a chef with Thanksgiving goodies like the delicata squash ($25) or the apple streusel tart ($40) coming with reheat instructions. Customers can pick up their food on Nov. 24 from 12-5 p.m. You can pre-order online here or by phone at 512-382-1599.
Deadline to order: Nov. 22
Old Thousand, multiple locations
This ATX Chinese restaurant will be offering lucky family Thanksgiving meals this holiday season. Both locations will offer classics like General Tso's chicken, Xiao Mian, beef and broccoli, green beans and egg rolls. This meal feeds four people, and vegetarian options are available as well. You can order by calling 737-222-6637. Pickups are available Nov. 24.
Deadline to order: Nov. 23
Swedish Hill, 1120 West 6th St.
This Thanksgiving, Swedish Hill Bakery, Deli & Café has got you covered when it comes to meals. From turkey that's brined and roasted with lemons and herbs ($155) to pumpkin pie ($40), you can enjoy a classic Thanksgiving dinner. Pickups are available on Nov. 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can order here.
Deadline to order: 5 p.m. Nov. 19
Tacodeli, multiple locations
Tacodeli is back this holiday season with their signature mole to-go, which is available to be served with tamales or turkey. The traditional Mexican meal will be served in 16 oz containers for $12.99 and can be picked up Nov. 23-24. You can pre-order online here.
Deadline to order: No deadline but limited availability
TLC Austin, 1100 South Lamar Boulevard Suite #1150
TLC is offering holiday family meals this Thanksgiving, which include honey-sage basted turkey, Nueske's Applewood smoked bone-in ham, andouille cornbread stuffing, rosemary-garlic mashed potatoes, country-style green beans, giblet gravy, citrus vanilla cranberry sauce, white chocolate-peppermint bark and Texas pecan pie. Both meal packs cost $299 and feed 8-10 people. You can pre-order online here. Pickups available on Nov. 24.
Deadline to order: Nov. 23
Walton’s Fancy & Staple, 609 West 6th St.
This holiday season, you can grab a Thanksgiving meal from Walton's Fancy & Staple, which includes thyme-rubbed airline turkey, white cheddar and gruyere mac and cheese, balsamic brussels sprouts with crispy prosciutto and handmade pies. These meals can be served as individual or family-style portions. You can order by calling 512-391-9961 or email catering@waltonsfancyandstaple.com.
Deadline to order: Nov. 21
Happy feasting!
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