Brownsville/South Padre Island International | Brownsville, TX | Updated April 2026
Brownsville/South Padre Island International (BRO) is a smaller regional airport in Brownsville, TX. TSA security is generally fast — typically under 10 minutes — but staffing can be limited, so a small bump in passenger volume noticeably affects wait times.
Brownsville/South Padre Island International is served by: American, United. Terminal assignments are seasonal at most regional airports — confirm gate and terminal with your airline before heading to security.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | BRO |
| Location | Brownsville, TX |
| Primary Carriers | American, United |
| Annual Passengers | ~0.2 million |
BRO has a single TSA checkpoint serving all gates. PreCheck and standard lanes share the same checkpoint area; PreCheck is open during posted commercial flight windows.
As of May 7, 2025, all TSA checkpoints — including BRO — require a Real ID-compliant license, passport, or other accepted federal ID for domestic flights. If you arrive without one, expect additional screening or denied boarding. See our Real ID guide for accepted alternatives.
Q: How early should I arrive at BRO?
A: For domestic flights, arrive 1 hours early. International flights require an additional 30–60 minutes.
Q: Does BRO have TSA PreCheck?
A: PreCheck availability at BRO typically lines up with scheduled commercial flights. Outside of those windows, the standard lane handles all passengers.
Q: What is the average wait time at BRO?
A: Averages run around 9 minutes, with peak periods stretching to 18 minutes.
Q: Can I bring liquids through BRO security?
A: Yes — TSA's 3-1-1 rule applies (3.4 oz containers, one quart-sized bag, one bag per passenger). See our liquid rules guide.
Q: Is CLEAR available at BRO?
A: CLEAR is rolling out across U.S. airports — check the CLEAR website for current BRO availability before flying.