Airport celebrates opening of new taxi waiting area Airport celebrates opening of new taxi waiting area

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) News

For immediate release

November 14, 2011

New services, processes for Thanksgiving travelers; arrive 2 hours before flights due to increasing passenger traffic at Austin’s airport

AUSTIN, TEXAS – Arrive two hours early when flying through Austin-Bergstrom International Airport this holiday season. Austin-Bergstrom expects Thanksgiving to attract more passengers to the airport which has seen traffic increasing over the past 21 months. This could lead to longer than normal lines at security checkpoints. Among the new services and processes airport visitors may encounter are: a cell phone waiting area, more parking spaces, Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines at passenger screening, and more live music.

Travel is expected to be heavier than usual as flights are full. The Air Transport Association predicts the busiest days to be Friday, November 18, Sunday, November 27 and Monday, November 28. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport traffic is expected to increase on Friday, November 18 and remain steady leading up to Thanksgiving Day. Traffic at Austin’s airport is expected to become heavy again as travelers return from the holiday, starting Sunday, November 27.

Arrive Early
Passenger traffic is up 6% year-to-date compared to last year and the airport has seen 21 consecutive months of passenger growth. Travelers are advised to arrive in the airport terminal at least two hours prior to departure times before 8 a.m., and are advised that passenger screening checkpoints open at 4 a.m. During this time, travelers could encounter security line waits alone as long as 60 minutes. Passengers departing after 8 a.m. should be in the terminal at least 90 minutes before their flight as security waits can be as long as 45 minutes.

New at ABIA
A free cell phone waiting area for passenger pickup is located on 2801-A Spirit of Texas Drive. An Austin City Council initiative, the cell phone waiting area is designed to allow those picking up travelers to drive to and wait, free of charge, until their passenger arrives and calls to be picked up. Real-time flight information monitors on site give arrival status. In line with the City Council’s sustainability efforts, the cell phone waiting area eliminates the need to circle airport roads in one’s vehicle. This reduces fuel use and emissions. To get to the cell phone waiting area, take the “Airport Cargo” exit off TX 71. With the opening of the free cell phone waiting area, the garage and Lot A will no longer offer free parking. Airport passenger traffic is up 6% creating more demand by travelers for parking.

More On-Airport Parking is available than ever before. A new parking area by cargo facilities provides 764 additional spaces this holiday. This area will open only after all On-Airport Economy Parking has filled. The new lot is accessed off Spirit of Texas Dr.

Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines for passenger screening are in place at Austin’s airport. The AITs deployed at Austin’s airport are the latest millimeter wave machines with new automated target recognition software. It is designed to enhance privacy by eliminating passenger-specific images while improving throughput capabilities and streamlining the checkpoint screening process. For more information about AIT, visit www.tsa.gov/ait

Two more live music performances have been added by airport concessionaire Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services (DNC). This brings the total of live music performances to 15 a week, spread out through five venues at the airport. The recently added shows include Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m. at the Saxon Pub and Fridays, 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Earl Campbell’s Sports Bar.

Travel Tips
Getting through the airport is smoother for travelers who come prepared. The following is recommended:

While packing, check luggage to ensure no prohibited items are in the bag or its pockets.
Before leaving for the airport, check flight status with airline or the airport’s Web site, www.abia.org, and click on the “flight status, real-time” icon.
Arrive at least two hours before departure times at 8 a.m. or earlier. Passenger screening checkpoints open at 4 a.m.
Passengers should arrive at least 90 minutes early for flights departing after 8 a.m.
Allow ample time to get to the airport. Traffic and weather conditions could add to commute time.
Be prepared to present a government ID.
Real time ABIA On-Airport Parking information is available by calling 512-530-3300. Park easy by using the credit card express lanes. Just swipe a credit card on the way in and swipe the same card on the way out.

Security
Be prepared for security screening, dress smart and pack smart:

Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines for passenger screening are in place at Austin’s airport.
Metal detectors and x-ray for carry on items are also in place for passenger screening.
Carry-on luggage is restricted to one bag and one personal item such as a laptop, purse, backpack, or briefcase. A laptop must be removed from its case to go through x-ray machines.
Avoid wearing jewelry and accessories that contain metal. Consider wearing shoes that can be easily removed as they must pass through x-ray machines.
Coats, jackets, hats and other such garments must be put through x-ray screening.
Do not wrap gifts as they may have to be opened during security inspections.
Remember 3-1-1 for liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on luggage. Three ounces per container, in a clear, one-quart bag, one per passenger. These bags should be placed in bins going through x-ray like other personal belongings such as keys. This will speed up the process as TSA will not have to search through carry-ons for liquids.
Printer and toner cartridges that are 16oz or greater are prohibited in checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
Knives, scissors with pointed tips, pepper spray and other such items are prohibited as carry-on items. For a comprehensive list of banned and permitted items in carry-on baggage, visit the TSA's Web site at www.tsa.gov.

For airport information 24 hours a day, call (512) 530-ABIA (2242) or visit www.abia.org. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has nonstop service to 36 destinations in the U.S. Austin-Bergstrom served 8.7 million passengers in 2010. A complete listing of all nonstop flight destinations from Austin and the airlines that serve them is available on www.abia.org, click on 'airlines & flights.’ Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is among the top airports in North America, ranked third for customer service by the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality Survey.

Source: City of Austin