Whether it’s your first flight with a baby or you’re traveling with seasoned little flyers, this guide is for you. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport isn’t perfect (what airport is?), but it’s surprisingly family-friendly, with a clean layout and plenty of kid-approved options.
ABIA continues to grow and evolve; you can definitely expect construction zones, but also new services, family perks, and a few major upgrades. With recently added nonstop routes to London and TSA’s new “shoes-on” policy, travel days just got a little easier.
Read on for our full guide to flying ABIA with kids.
Where to Eat
Kid-friendly favorites like East Side Pies, Amy’s Ice Creams, and 24 Diner offer casual, familiar fare, and yes, we fully support pizza for breakfast. Other standout options include Tacodeli, Jo’s Coffee, and The Peached Tortilla. You also won’t want to sleep on Salt Lick BBQ — it was recently ranked as one of the best airport restaurants in the world by Bloomberg. (Brisket before boarding? Always yes.)
Pro tip: Many spots close early at ABIA, so if you’re flying out late—or super early—plan to eat beforehand or grab something as soon as you’re through security.
Lounges
Got a long layover, an early flight, or just want a little peace before takeoff? Austin-Bergstrom has several lounges that can help ease the chaos, especially when you’re flying with kids. Here’s what’s currently available:
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Delta Sky Club (Mezzanine, Gate 4)
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American Airlines Admirals Club (Mezzanine, Gate 22)
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United Club (Mezzanine, Gate 22)
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Chase Sapphire Terrace (Mezzanine, near Gate 1)
Family Restrooms, Lactation Areas, and More
You’ll find Mother’s Lounges and lactation suites near Gate 11, as well as family restrooms throughout the terminal (check the map at info kiosks). There’s also a pet relief station inside the terminal, which makes life easier if you’re traveling with furry companions. Check the AIBA map here.
Security
Security
As of July 2025, travelers at ABIA (and across the U.S.) can now keep their shoes on thanks to upgraded TSA tech. At checkpoints with new 3D scanners, you can also leave laptops, tablets, and your 3‑1‑1 liquids bag in your carry-on, unless you’re routed to an older lane. Look for signs marked CT/CAT.
For an even faster experience—and with some advance planning—you can enroll in TSA PreCheck (which lets you keep shoes, belts, laptops, and liquids in your bag) or Clear, which speeds up the ID check process. Both are available at ABIA and can make a big difference on busy travel days, especially with kids in tow. Just note: Clear isn’t always staffed at every checkpoint during slower hours, so it’s not a guaranteed shortcut every time.
How to Entertain the Kids
Snack time is anytime on travel days. Grab something delicious from JuiceLand, and then pop into Toy Joy, BookPeople, or one of the other gift shops for coloring books, games, or new travel buddies. There’s no dedicated kids’ play area at AIBA (yet), but the open layout makes it easy to stretch your legs between flights.
If you’re picking someone up or have time to spare before your flight, make a stop at the aviation-themed playground located in the cell phone waiting lot near the airport. It’s a well-loved spot for families, with climbing structures shaped like planes and runways—perfect for letting little ones burn off energy while you wait.
Final Take
Austin-Bergstrom is still growing, but it has a lot going for it, especially for families. Easy navigation, good food, solid security upgrades, and now more direct flights make this airport a win. Just prep for early closures at restaurants and budget for parking (or take the MetroRail downtown for a bonus adventure).
You can also check out this guide for ABIA by our friends at Do512
