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Brownsville S-Padre Island Airport BRO Airport Traveler Guide

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iFly.comBROBrownsville S-Padre Island Airport

BRO Airport Insights & Guide

Key BRO Airport Topics:

Getting to Know BRO Airport

Discover the charm of Brownsville Airport, your direct link to the stunning South Padre Island, Texas. Known for its easy navigation and serene travel atmosphere, BRO caters to both vacationers and business visitors alike.

This guide simplifies your journey through BRO, covering everything from live flight updates to dining and parking. Let us enhance your travel with our insights. Dive deeper into airport insights with our Comprehensive Airport Guide at iFly.

iFly Tip: Our Flying Info and Tips page offers quick links to essential air travel information.

Brownsville S-Padre Island Airport has a single terminal building with two levels. The terminal is divided into two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A has six gates numbered A1 to A6, while Concourse B has four gates numbered B1 to B4.

Major airlines that operate from BRO airport include American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. American Airlines and United Airlines operate from Concourse A, while Southwest Airlines operates from Concourse B.

Passengers can easily navigate the airport terminals as they are located in a single building. The airport provides various facilities and services to passengers such as restaurants, cafes, shops, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

Brownsville Airport has a single terminal building that houses all airport facilities and services. Passengers arriving at the airport can easily navigate their way through the terminal to access baggage claim, ground transportation, and other airport amenities. The terminal is conveniently located close to the parking lot, making it easy for passengers to access their vehicles upon arrival.

If you need to transfer between flights at BRO, you can do so easily within the terminal building. There are no separate terminals at this airport, so you won't need to worry about navigating your way through different buildings or taking a shuttle bus. The airport is small and easy to navigate, so you can quickly make your way to your connecting flight without any hassle.

Tips from BRO Frequent Flyers

To help make your experience at Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from BRO-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:

Navigating the Terminals

"If you're flying American or United, you'll be in Concourse A, which is super easy to navigate because all gates are in one building. Make sure to use the interactive map to plan your route to the gate, especially during peak hours." — Juan C., Brownsville, TX, January 2024

"Concourse B is a breeze if you're with Southwest. It's less crowded, and the signage is clear. Grab a coffee at Dunkin' Donuts before heading to security; it’s a nice spot to relax." — Maria G., Los Fresnos, TX, March 2024

Getting to/from the City

"The Brownsville Metro bus is a budget-friendly option to get into town. It's reliable, and you can get tickets directly on the bus. Perfect for those who want to save on transportation costs." — Carlos R., Harlingen, TX, February 2024

"If you're headed to South Padre Island, I recommend booking a shuttle in advance. It’s more convenient and lets you enjoy the scenic drive without worrying about parking." — Linda M., Olmito, TX, May 2024

Parking

"For long trips, the long-term parking is just a short shuttle ride away. It's affordable and secure, so you don't have to worry about your car while you're away." — Roberto S., Rancho Viejo, TX, April 2024

"The cell phone waiting area is great when picking someone up. You can wait there for free until your passenger is ready, which helps avoid the crowded curbside." — Ana L., Port Isabel, TX, June 2024

Inside the Airport

"Don’t miss the Airport Cafe if you have time before your flight. Their Tex-Mex dishes are a must-try, and it's a cozy spot to relax before boarding." — Elena T., San Benito, TX, July 2024

"If you need any travel essentials, Hudson News is the place to go. They have everything from snacks to last-minute travel accessories." — Miguel P., Laguna Vista, TX, August 2024

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"Always check the flight status using the airport's FIDS displays. They’re updated in real-time and can save you from unnecessary stress if there are any changes." — Sofia N., Los Indios, TX, September 2024

"Download your airline's app for instant updates on your flight. It's super helpful for getting alerts on gate changes or delays, especially if you're busy shopping or dining." — Jose A., Rio Hondo, TX, October 2024

iFly Tip: Travel with confidence by reading our guide for overweight travelers.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

When it comes to picking up and dropping off passengers at Brownsville S-Padre Island Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, curbside parking is strictly prohibited. This means that you cannot park your car at the curb outside the terminal while you wait for your passenger to arrive or depart. If you need to wait for your passenger, you can use the cell-phone waiting area, which is located just a short distance from the terminal.

The cell-phone waiting area is a designated parking lot where drivers can wait in their cars for their passengers to arrive. Once your passenger has arrived and collected their luggage, they can call you to let you know that they are ready to be picked up. You can then drive to the terminal to pick them up. This system helps to keep traffic flowing smoothly and ensures that the curb outside the terminal is clear for other vehicles to use.

Parking Facilities & Options

Brownsville Airport offers several parking options for travelers. The airport has a short-term parking lot located directly across from the terminal building, making it convenient for those who need to park for a few hours or less. For those who need to park for an extended period, the airport offers a long-term parking lot located just a short shuttle ride away from the terminal.

In addition to the on-airport parking options, the airport also has a cell phone waiting area for those who are picking up passengers. This area is located just outside the terminal building and provides a convenient place to wait until your party has arrived and is ready to be picked up.

For travelers with disabilities, the airport provides designated handicapped parking spaces in both the short-term and long-term parking lots. These spaces are located close to the terminal building and shuttle stops for easy access.

For those looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking lots are available near the airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport and can be a great way to save money on parking fees.

Transportation Options

BRO offers a variety of ground transportation options to visitors:

  • Car Rentals: Major car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz have facilities located at the airport. Visitors can easily rent a car upon arrival and explore the surrounding area at their own pace. Booking in advance is recommended to ensure availability, especially during peak travel times.
  • Taxis: Taxi services are available at the airport. Taxis can be found outside the baggage claim area, and drop-off areas are located near the main terminal entrance. Fares vary depending on the destination, but visitors can expect to pay around $20-$30 for a ride to the nearby South Padre Island. It's advisable to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
  • Ride-Share Services: Shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available at the airport. Pickup areas are located outside the baggage claim area, and fares are based on distance and time. It's important to note that these services may have restrictions on the number of passengers and luggage allowed, so plan accordingly.
  • Airport Shuttles: Airport shuttles provide transportation to and from the airport and nearby hotels. Pickup areas are located outside the baggage claim area, and fares vary depending on the destination. Booking your shuttle in advance is recommended to ensure availability, especially during busy periods.
  • Public Transportation: The Brownsville Metro bus system provides service to the airport with several routes available. This is an affordable option for those looking to save money while exploring the area. Bus schedules and routes can be found at the airport or on the Brownsville Metro website. Tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver or at designated kiosks.

iFly Tip: Learn about TSA PreCheck and how it makes security screening easier.

Airport Hotels

Are you planning a trip and looking for a convenient place to stay near the airport? We've got you covered! Our comprehensive list of airport hotels ranges from cozy inns to spacious vacation rentals, all located just a short drive from the airport. Whether you're a business traveler needing easy airport access, a leisure traveler looking for nearby attractions, or simply seeking a comfortable place to rest after a long flight, you'll find a hotel that fits your needs. Many of these accommodations offer amenities such as outdoor pools, complimentary breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. Discover the best hotel options with our Brownsville South Padre Island Airport Hotels guide.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

If you're looking for a bite to eat or some last-minute shopping before your flight at BRO Airport, you're in luck! The airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options to suit any taste or budget. For a quick snack or coffee, stop by Dunkin' Donuts or Starbucks, both located in the main terminal. If you're looking for a sit-down meal, head to the Airport Cafe, which offers a range of American classics and Tex-Mex dishes.

For those looking to do some shopping, there are several stores to choose from. In the main terminal, you'll find Hudson News, which offers a variety of books, magazines, snacks, and travel essentials. If you're looking for something more specific, head to the Sunglass Hut or Tech on the Go, both of which offer a range of electronics and accessories.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at the airport can be found using iFly's interactive map.

Passenger Services

  • Free Wi-Fi: BRO Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, ensuring travelers can stay connected during their time at the airport.
  • Lost and Found: If you misplace an item during your journey, the lost and found desk is located in the terminal building for your convenience.
  • Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, BRO Airport features a designated children's play area.
  • Special-Needs Services: The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and other services for passengers with special needs. It’s recommended to notify your airline in advance if you require any assistance.
  • ATM: An ATM is available in the terminal building, providing access to banking services while you’re at the airport.
  • First Aid Station: In case of a medical emergency, a first aid station with trained medical staff is available to assist you.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's essential to stay updated on the status of your flight departure to avoid any inconvenience or delays. Fortunately, there are several ways to check the flight status at the airport.

One of the most convenient ways to get flight status updates is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays provide real-time information on flight departures, delays, and gate information. You can easily locate the FIDS by looking for the screens mounted on the walls throughout the airport.

Another way to stay updated on your flight status is by using the airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have dedicated apps that allow passengers to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via text, email, or push notifications. You can download the app for your airline and sign up for alerts to receive updates on your flight status.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at Brownsville S-Padre Island Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Airport Facts & Stats

  • Location: Brownsville S-Padre Island International Airport (BRO) is located in Brownsville, Texas, United States.
  • Terminal: The airport has one terminal building that houses all its operations.
  • Airlines Served: Major airlines serving the airport include American Airlines and United Airlines. For a complete list of airlines, visit the BRO Airlines Served page.
  • Passenger Traffic: The airport handles approximately 2,500 passengers daily.
  • Daily Flights: Brownsville Airport operates around 30 daily flights.
  • Top Destinations: The most popular destinations from BRO are Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Mexico City, Cancun, and San Antonio.
  • Hub Status: The airport is a hub for United Airlines, offering numerous connecting flights across the United States and beyond.

Airport History

BRO Airport, located in Brownsville, Texas, has a rich history dating back to the 1920s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • In 1928, the Brownsville Municipal Airport opened for business, making it one of the first airports in the Rio Grande Valley.
  • During World War II, the airport was used as a training facility for the United States Army Air Forces.
  • In 1952, the airport was renamed Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport.
  • In 1974, a new terminal building was constructed to accommodate the growing number of passengers.
  • In 1992, the airport was renamed Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport.
  • In 2010, a new air traffic control tower was built to replace the old one, which was deemed too short to meet Federal Aviation Administration standards.
  • In 2015, the airport underwent a major renovation project, which included the expansion of the terminal building and the addition of new restaurants and retail shops.

Today, the airport continues to serve the Rio Grande Valley, providing travelers with convenient access to South Padre Island and the surrounding areas.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: BRO
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 956-542-4373
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport, 700 Amelia Earhart Dr, Brownsville, TX 78521, United States

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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Brownsville S-Padre Island Airport Q&A

The airport has two concourses: Concourse A with gates A1 to A6, and Concourse B with gates B1 to B4.
American Airlines and United Airlines operate from Concourse A, while Southwest Airlines operates from Concourse B.
You can use the interactive map on the iFly website to locate food, services, and airline departure gates at the airport.
You can take a shuttle, which is cost-effective and allows you to enjoy the scenery without the hassle of traffic.
Use the cell phone waiting area, which is free and helps keep terminal traffic moving smoothly.
Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks, and the Airport Cafe, which offers American classics and Tex-Mex dishes, are available.
Yes, the airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal.
You can check flight status using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) or through your airline's mobile app.
The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and other services. Notify your airline in advance if you need assistance.
Options include car rentals, taxis, ride-share services, airport shuttles, and public transportation via the Brownsville Metro bus system.