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Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Categories: Hotels & Travel Airports Automotive Parking Airports, Parking [Edit]
3600 Presidential BlvdAustin, TX 78719
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
344 reviews for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
344 reviews in English
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Review from Daniel B.
5/21/2012
AUS:
Austin has a nice, small airport. Only 25 gates in its single terminal, so it's very easy to navigate. The famous Salt Lick BBQ restaurant (35 minutes southwest of Austin in Driftwood) has an outfit in the terminal as does Austin-based Amy's Ice Creams. The terminal feels modern, open, and airy and it's not overly crowded. Interior is generally artful and colorful, appropriately designed to match the hip and vibrant city. There was live music playing when I arrived. Austin is the "Live Music Capital of the World" after all.
Giant decorated guitars are on display downstairs at baggage claim. The folks at the information desk were incredibly helpful. I needed to get from the airport to the Marriott Residence Inn on 4th St. downtown so I asked one of the staff what I should do. The friendly British employee told me all of my options and ultimately recommended the $1 city bus (#100), which I hopped on immediately and took downtown without any problems. Thank you, sir.
Leaving Austin, there was no wait at the Delta kiosks. I printed my boarding pass and headed immediately to security where the wait was minimal. 5-10 minutes max. Two TSA employees complimented me on my #21 Tim Duncan Spurs t-shirt. "Go Spurs!" they said.
Overall, I found Austin-Bergstrom to be a clean, comfortable, and relaxed airport.Listed in: AUS - Austin, Texas, Airports
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Review from Cody K.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Why is Yelp asking me to review an airport? It's a freaking AIRPORT, but...okay.
No free wi-fi. This is 2012. WTF?
Unless you opt-out and have the goons at security call you out on it, there's now no way to avoid the naked cancer scanners -- they've installed them at every checkpoint. So your choice is much like SFO: naked cancer scan, or molestation. Bend over, but don't bring any lube, or it'll get confiscated!
Speaking of security lines...the "lines" themselves are a complete joke. It's like they didn't expect to have this number of people in a fucking AIRPORT or something, so they just kinda haphazardly shove people through those stupid belt-pull things, and the line often extends into the middle of the pre-gate walkways, making you have to say "excuse me" to get through to the check-in counter. Stay classy, AUS.
One extra star for the restaurant selection. Word to the wise: the good places are between the two security theater areas. If you choose the one to the right, walk to the left to get tacos or BBQ. Otherwise, you're stuck with Lefty's down near gate 19, which is total crap. -
Review from Jacob H.
5/17/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Pretty small airport and getting in might take a while if you're in a rush. I had about 5 hours to kill so I took my time to enjoy this little airport. I looked through all of their souvenir stores and food places. This place definitely have good selections of food.
The best was the live music that kept my 5 hours entertaining. Too bad free internet was only good for 30 mins or else it could've got 5 stars.
Every gate I went to there were those big comfy sofa seats with outlets to charge phones. Not a lot of airports have these that are vacant so that was a plus. I guess the only other airport that is entertaining would be vegas where I could play slots while waiting.. -
Review from Nancy P.
5/17/2012
Alright, so I am biased when it comes to my hometown airport. It is clean and airy. I love that it seems to be the only airport that sells local food, Most of it good too.
It could be my imagination but the people in the Austin airport are more laidback and friendly. So if you are lost, just ask anybody. We are more than happy to tell you where to go. -
Review from JMandkaye Z.
Geneva, IL
5/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
They say that everything in Texas is big. But the Austin airport is small. Great airport to fly in and out quickly. Only took me about 30 minutes on a Friday to get through the security checkpoint and to the terminal.
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Review from Keyla R.
5/9/2012 5 Check-ins Here
This is a nice little airport and even better than most because their food options are pretty darned good for airport food.
The parking could be better since it is not convenient to the terminal and it is not a parking garage so your car is baking in the sun while you are gone.
Every time I have been through this airport the security line has been slow and ridiculously long. I can honestly get through a couple of book chapters as I kick my carry-on bag along. Also, the TSA people at this airport are not nice or friendly at all. For Austin that is kind of weird. When TSA at Midway is nicer than you, you know you have a problem.
The airport does, however, offer places to plug in your electronic devices once you get through the crabby TSA people. But these spots do tend to fill up fast. So you may need to plug in at a gate that is not your own. Just be sure you keep track of time so you don't miss your plane.
The bathrooms are hard to find, but they are clean once you do.
And the best part here is the food. There are many, many options so you are sure to fin something you can eat.
Lastly, I will say that for a small airport, this airport seems to have a lot of traffic coming through it. -
Review from Shea S.
5/11/2012 2 Check-ins Here
ABIA is the only airport I plan on going to hungry. I mean, it has a freaking Salt Lick in it! Which, btw, has the best deal in the airport for breakfast. Get the eggs, sausage, biscuits & gravy, and homefries - it's cheap for all the food and delicious. Salt Lick aside, there are some other great options as well, most of them local. What better way to say hello/goodbye to visitors than to put forward local institutions in the airport? Plus ABIA is visually appealing as well.
But, there are some faults. The security lines have become epic over the past few years. Seriously, the lines can be frustratingly long for an airport this size. The airport is beautifully designed, but the security areas are so small that they become a major choke point. This is especially true if flying out early on a Monday.
The other beef I have is with the auto circulation. Even during time periods where there are no major events going on, vehicles get piled up. It makes for a very frustrating experience for the person picking you up, plus is stressful and frantic for you. And if you happen to be flying in/out during UT graduation, SXSW, or ACL? Hahaha...I recommend having a drink at the bar before getting picked up. But seriously, be prepared to have your patience tested.
If it weren't for those two issues, ABIA would easily be 4-stars, maybe 5. It's a love-hate relationship that's unfortunate. That said, I always love flying in and out of Austin for a visit. -
Review from Matt V.
San Francisco, CA
5/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Live music in an airport?!
BBQ in an airport?!
what more could I want!
oh I know...a beautiful open airy building....check!
Love this place...what a great way to welcome people to your city -
Review from Jessica M.
Austin, TX
4/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Best. Airport. Ever.
First of all, everything inside is Austin. Austin food chains, Austin music, Austin Austin Austin.
Oh and it's small. I fly a lot. Big airports are annoying. The security line here is never long. Thanksgiving? Christmas? BARELY A LINE. And everyone is super nice.
Parking, picking some one up? A cinch. It's a circle. Duh. But still there usually isn't a long wait. I usually come out of BWI which is a freakin nightmare, ABIA is always a pleasant experience. -
Review from Christian S.
Nashville, TN
4/23/2012 2 Check-ins Here
The Austin airport has a very easy layout and it's aesthetically pleasing (i.e. it doesn't feel like a corporate box).
Inside the terminal, there are several local Austin food offerings.
For a small-medium sized airport, it can take a bit to get through TSA, so plan accordingly. -
Review from Nevets B.
Cedar Park, TX
5/16/2012 2 Check-ins Here
As far as airports go, this one is one of the best...
1. Has live music
2. Has great food - including several local options -and a wide variety - behind security. Salt lick for tacos, Ruta Maya for coffee. Amy's for ice cream. Plus a ton of other options if you disagree with my recommendations (which you shouldn't, but whatever...)
3. Never seems overcrowded
4. Doesn't look like it was hit with an ugly stick
5. Generally decent bathrooms
6. Reasonably available power outlets
7. Variety of parking options. As for the criticism of there not being covered parking, there are a variety of off site places that have great shuttle services.
Yep. Pretty much the best place to fly into or out of. -
Review from Jack M.
Updated - 3/19/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Hate to do it, but I had to knock ABIA down a couple of notches after my horrible experience with the TSA there this weekend.
Previously, the TSA staff here were as friendly and efficient as the TSA ever is. That's changed. Now we have the pornoscanners, and the wait times have increased 100%. It used to be that you could breeze through security in under 30 minutes even on bad days, but now a random Thursday is going to take an hour.
When I opted out of the "private nude photo booth", I was treated extremely harshly by the TSA staff. As retributive punishment, my luggage was allowed to continue down the x-ray machine and out of my sight. I was yelled at for trying to keep it in sight. A guy tried to lift my MacBook Pro while it was unattended, but luckily, my girlfriend was able to stop him. I shudder to think what might have happened had she not been there.
The supervisor's reaction? "Deal with it."
Sorry, ABIA, we had a nice little love affair going, but it's not me, it's you. Replace the TSA and we'll talk about picking up where we left off.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/20/2010
I have to wonder if the people dinging Austin's airport have ever flown out of an airport before,… Read more »
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Review from Sherri S.
3/20/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Love the guitar art display in the baggage claim area. It is actually a beautiful facility.
There is also good food in the terminal.
The taco place up by the bar is FAN TAS TIC!!
Must try the green chili pork tacos. So good!
Easy to get around.
Cute little stores with great Austin memorabilia! Keeping Austin Weird... -
Review from Alek Z.
4/2/2012
This single greatest thing about this airport is its size. Just big enough that you can get flights on planes with actual legroom, but small enough that you can get through security and to your gate in not long at all.
The restaurants are all pretty decent, for airport food. There's plenty of the necessary gift shops and such, plus places to buy local music. Speaking of which, every now and then they'll have live music in the main concourse (well, there's only one lol).
In short, a pretty decent airport. At the rate Austin's growing, they might have to make an extension in the near future, but as for the time being, it serves its purpose very well. -
Review from Chris C.
Austin, TX
5/7/2012
I give them a one-star for implementing the full body scanners.
When you get groped by TSA, remember they hire pedophiles.
Google "Allen Whipple Austin" and see for yourself. He was employed by the TSA as a body groper until his recent arrest.
THAT is who they have groping your children -
Review from Brian D.
5/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
A very good airport, as far as airports are concerned. They have a variety of local Austin food on offer, which is much better than the standard food court fare you experience at other airports around the country. There is a Book People so you can purchase reading material for the plane. And they have live music on many afternoons. Not too shabby. It's small, so there's little chance of having to dash across the concourse. Of course, that means that there are really limited options as far as where you can fly. And, as a consequence of the relative smallness of the airport, it seems to me that you end up flying on the REALLY small planes to many locations. But, whatever. It's here. It's easy to get in and to get out. And there's good food.
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Review from Sean K.
Marina, CA
5/1/2012
One of the nicer airports in the country, with good food stands and a convenient layout. 4 stars, but -2 for the Boingo wifi. First, the free 30 minutes is hogwash. Either join us in the 21st century and make it free, or don't. And even though I was willing to pay, it didn't work anyway (I could connect to the network, but was never redirected to Boingo's sign-up page).
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Review from Erin B.
Los Angeles, CA
3/21/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I LOVE THIS AIRPORT.
It always takes under 10 minutes to pass through security and its a small enough airport that i can get to my gate in just a few minutes. The food is always great here because they have local restaurants only. I think this is great! (with the exception that i do wish there was a starbucks) -
Review from D M.
Austin, TX
3/18/2012 11 Check-ins Here
A very efficient airport, that is clean, has pretty decent food (especially for a city not know for great food) I enjoyed flying in and of out here even before we moved here, and would rate it in my top 5 for airports I've been to domestically.
my 2 pennies -
Review from Steven R.
4/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Clean airport, always easy to get around, and wait times at security are usually not bad. It's so easy to return home here. It took me an hour to get out of DFW and get situated when I lived in Dallas, so it's nice here to just walk over to my car (even the parking lots are close) and be gone.
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Review from Rachel G.
okay ABIA, since you got your new shiny digs down there in far southeast austin, we've had a bit of a love-hate relationship. you take me places i've always dreamed of going, but while i'm there, you don't take care of my food needs and you flush before i'm ready. also, a cab costs more than when you were over there in mueller.
if you're flying early and you're vegan, i think there is only one place you can get breakfast and even then you have to special order and it's not tasty. but, it's been a while since i had breakfast there, so i'm hoping they have improved that situation. the food choices in general are lacking. yes, it's airport food, but i've been to a lot of airports and seen that more options are possible.
i know they have to be wasting water because every time i use the bathroom, i have to jump up in the middle of my business when the toilet self-flushes. even if i'm on there for 30 seconds, 9 times out of 10, it will self-flush. i make a concerted effort to not move and to gather the toilet paper very carefully. the sensors need to be checked. this has been going on for years.
everything else rocks. local music from the speakers, giant painted guitars at baggage claim, easy long-term parking, and nice folks. -
Review from J D.
Phoenix, AZ
2/20/2012
Cool little airport. It's an easy in/out.
Lots of local food choices here. Too bad I didn't save my appetite. I normally don't eat in airports unless I'm in a rush or get there too early. I love the artwork in the public area.
Return Factor - 100% Next time I'm out for SXSW... -
Review from Lindsey H.
Redondo Beach, CA
3/13/2012 6 Check-ins Here
For US airports, this is about as nice as it gets for domestic connections. Decent food selection, super new facilities, and a general clean, fresh, stylish appearance.
The downside... one of the worst, most intrusive TSA checkpoints I've ever experienced. Definitely a good place to connect or land, just not a great place to start a trip. They don't use metal detectors at all anymore so the lines move super slow through the awful body scanners. Opting for a pat down gets you a lecture about how the scanners "Don't use radiation"... which is false... and when challenged, the TSA agents admit they do use radiation, "just not the bad kind"... also false. I get that ruining my day is your job, just don't try to lie to me while you do it. -
Review from Daniel L.
2/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
As far as airports go: it is definitely an airport. I am not sure how much to distinguish this from others of its breed. People drive like jerks around the airport, so be ready to honk your horn and/or make other lewd gestures as you see fit. Good luck getting across more than one lane of traffic. Hug your children and tell them you love them and hope you will see them again before you leave the house.
If you want a profound take on the architecture of the building Javier D.'s review below. Otherwise: go wait in line and deal with TSA.Listed in: the cinnamon challenge., "austin-tatious" a list by…
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Review from Javier D.
2/27/2012 6 Check-ins Here
Austin-Bergstrom International is a good airport. Whether you're a local and you're approaching the drive to scoop up a visitor through it's insanely efficient circular drive that keeps the traffic flowing without the need for parking, or if you're visiting and you are spit straight out of the exit from the car rental or taking a taxi to sight see and or business trip it in Austin, you won't be disappointed with the easy-in easy-out attitude that was at the forefront of the designers' minds of this fairly new, and certainly modern airport.
They have ample parking and shuttle service that you don't have to wait for very long and you're dropped at the terminal within 10 minutes of parking. Relatively painless, just write down your parking lot info because, I don't know about you but I tend to forget no matter how good my intentions. Additionally, taxis and buses are kept in check in their own lanes separated from drop-offs and pick-ups by your friends or family; you will appreciate this, I certainly do. I don't want to rant, but taxi drivers drive me up a friggin wall with there relatively non-concern for pedestrian safety.
ABIA has a lot of good things going for it. I would start at the beginning, logically and say that check-ins are not without the occassional delay and with some airlines, you can expect that it will take longer than normal lines, especially if you are going economy with Southwest. They are good for their low prices, but their check-in agents can get snippy.
The entry is everything Austin and it makes me proud to see a quick primer for visitors. Our laid back city was thoughtfully represented by the designer in a collection of murals, sculpture, and of course the gift shops. Typical, and maybe I'm biased, but I do tend to see people wanting to sport the Keep Austin Weird logo all over the country. Generally, security check-ins are located close to the entrances as soon as you walk into the building (second floor).
ABIA is not large, but it tends to handle our traffic pretty well. It's thoughtfully laid out; read: impossible to get lost. The floor to ceiling height windows give you a view of the tarmac that I don't get tired of seeing. I don't know if it's the windows or the ceiling height but I could never feel claustrophobic in this airport.
The best part for me about this airport is the design of the building. Mostly because I was in Lawrence Speck's History of Architecture course sometime after he designed it so I got to hear all about its vernacular design. If you'll notice, the materiality ascends from heavy to light, locally quarried limestone to metal to glass in such a way that it anchors the building to the earth as well as narrates the sense of purpose with it's growing scale that opens toward the tarmac with big window bays looking into our big Texas sky. Various winglike elements are scattered around the property and some extend from the main body of the building like great wings. It all tells a story if one listens closely. It's no Eero Saarinan Dulles or Kennedy terminal, but it is Texas and a nice addition to our cityscape.
I have seen my share of airports good and bad, and I can say with resounding emphasis, this is one of the good ones. That is not to say that TSA doesn't have its problems, but I like to try to look past that creation of our government, independently of the buildings it has invaded, and once you're done being felt-up, you can travel in peace. -
Review from Liz P.
1/29/2012
TSA agents are always the biggest a-holes. That is, until I came to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport!
The agents SMILE here! WTF?! Texas, I love you.
SHOUT OUT to the agents at LAX, at PDX, at ORD, SNA, and more... Put a smile on your face!! You have a f*cking job, thanks to the people you are scathing.
Take that out of the equation - and you have a well-maintained, navigational, & speedy-serviced airport to please its travelers. :D -
Review from Steven R.
4/16/2012 2 Check-ins Here
As far as airports go, this is one of the best. I would give it five stars, except they now zap your gonads and probably give you cancer with the huge x-ray machine. And they still had to pat my paunch after all of that. Next time I'll go for the full grope and skip the sterilization machine.
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Review from Jelena Z.
I think it was Rihanna that sang 'please don't stop the music' and at the Austin airport, they don't - it's only appropriate that the 'Live Music Capital of the World' boasts live music from local musicians at the airport. So whether you're coming or going, an earful of the most pleasant noise known to mankind is yours for the taking.
Now that the important stuff is out of the way, what else is there? Oh that - useful tidbits about the airport. It's small enough to make your way around quickly but large enough to offer nonstop flights to almost 40 cities daily. And, in my two experiences, security moved relatively quickly. Granted, I came through mid-afternoon on a Tuesday and Wednesday (non-peak times) but I had so much extra time on my hands that I was able to peruse a bookshop and get a sandwich.
Speaking of - said sandwich from Thundercloud Subs was surprisingly good. As in, terrific. If only the bread had been better it would've probably fared as a 5-star sandwich (but I'll save that for another review). I did notice that this airport is light on the chains and is local business liberal. Just how I like it.
An all-around smooove experience!Listed in: Music and Lyrics., Airports.
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Review from Joshua M.
1/23/2012 1 photo
Just... Wow.
Gate 22... I'm sitting here minding my own business and a cute little baby bat comes scurrying across the floor. I informed the gate agent. She called someone. A few minutes later, a lady came over with a net. I thought she was going to catch it. Instead, she killed it and put the body in a plastic bag.
0 stars for the illegal killing of endangered species. -
Review from Joseph R.
San Marcos, TX
4/22/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Go to the bar and drink with all of the pilots. I Love this airport because I know when I get here, I'm in the heart of Texas... HOME
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Review from Jeremy T.
2/27/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Way cool airport. It seems really busy on the Southwest end, but I also think that's due to the size of the airport and the foot traffic it sees.
It has a neat design with solar panels and lots of glass on all sides. The shops and food are well-thought out, although the lines can get a little long.
Great place to fly into or out of. You should look forward to it. -
Review from Gary O.
Round Rock, TX
4/19/2012 7 Check-ins Here
This is a great airport with decent, local food. However, it took a turn for the (far) worse when TSA and ABIA installed the peep show irradiating scanners. Security, once a breeze, is now the same nightmare as most other domestic airports. Early morning flights on Monday can now take an hour or more for the security line. I will say that the TSA staff here are more pleasant than most as they invade your privacy. Parking is pretty cheap. Easy to get around once through the gauntlet. If you see a shorter or faster moving security line, go for it. Its not a big airport and all security lines lead to the same terminal. Southwest's gate areas are particularly nice with leather seats and lots of outlets.
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Review from Julie P.
2/24/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I love flying, and I love Austin, so it's fitting that this is one of my favorite aeropuertos! I've flown in and out of this airport twenty times or so for SXSW and other events, and I've never had a bad experience. The folks are friendly, especially if you're flying Southwest. Security moves quickly, and once you get past, you've plenty of options in the walkable, compact, efficient little airport.
For food, Salt Lick is, as per the usual, reliably delicious. I also like Wok & Roll for lighter fare. But just like the city, my very favorite thing about this airport is the live music.
Austin didn't become the Live Music Capitol of the World by just declaring they were. The city supports their musicians in ways large and small. But an airport must certainly present it's own set of challenges, not the least of which is moving artists through security. I think a lot of cities would have just declared it too difficult or not worth the trouble. My hat is off to whatever government agency or city department decided to figure this one out and make it happen.
The airport, again is just like the city; I'm always happy to arrive and sad to leave. -
Review from Helen A.
Cary, NC
4/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
TSA is rude. Not one of my favorite place....
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Review from Steve M.
Austin, TX
1/26/2012 9 Check-ins Here
Austin's airport is relatively small which makes it a very easy airport to navigate. There are 3 separate security checkpoint entrances which is nice since there can be times where one is completely backed up and another is empty. If you are running late and experience a back-up make sure you take a look down the hall...you might get lucky. It would be nice if the airport posted wait times at each so the travelers could help balance the flow at each.
There are plenty of areas to dine in the airport and most of them have an Austin flair to them which is cool.
My biggest disappointment with the airport is their Wi-Fi. Austin touts itself as the wireless city, but only offers 30 minutes of free, sub-standard wireless in the airport. I will say that this is better than nothing, which only a few months ago was the case.
As you might imagine, Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings can be very busy so plan ahead, both for parking and security. -
Review from Rich D.
1/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Wow, what a great airport! This was my first visit to Austin, and what a nice introduction to this great city. The architecture and design is attractive, it's a nice size and very easy to navigate. The food choices are excellent, and the focus on local restaurants is a great change of pace from what seems like the almost universal placement of chains in most every other airport in the U.S. The live music performances are incredibly cool, and just what you'd expect from such a great music town.
Baggage claim speed was average for other airports, and rental cars are easy to get to....just check in the rental counter in the baggage area and walk across the street to the top floor of the parking lot and quickly pick up the car. The access roads in and out were also easy to navigate/
Overall, this airport is perfectly sized for my tastes, and the quick security checks are the icing on the cake. -
Review from Chris R.
Las Vegas, NV
2/21/2012
Did you fly in for a huge convention or simply to discover the city of Austin at large? This airport is your most likely hub for air travel for both large and small regional jets. I visited many times and found it easy to navigate and get things done, like at the Sacramento, California airport. I needed to visit an agent at the baggage claim to request tracking for my bags. The agent was super helpful and even offered to call me directly. Unfortunately, she wasn't scheduled to work the next day, but she had left a note for another agent, so when I called in, he knew of my situation. My bags were recovered in 48 hours.
Finding a hotel room and transportation is similar to what you would expect at other midsized airports. There is a large board to pick a hotel or motel from by engaging a phone and pressing the corresponding number. During big conventions in the city of Austin, finding a hotel room via this method is near impossible. Conversely, finding transportation from the airport is much easier.
I was able to book and board a shared van service from the airport to a hotel, closer to Austin, for a relatively good price. Boarding the van was just outside of baggage claim.
My biggest suggestion is to book a hotel room months ahead for any large convention over 5,000 people. Renting a car didn't make sense during my visit to Austin, as parking in or around the city can cost you an additional 30 to 50 percent on top of your rental fee. You should be aware that transportation around the inner part of Austin, lacks bus service after about 9 pm. I found the rickshaws to be more expensive than the bus and less capable of taking me to a destination outside of the city proper. Some of the conventions sell access to a shared van service to certain zones of the city, with service to and from the airport when arriving and leaving. Go with this to save time and money.
When leaving Austin, the airport has some cool artwork to enjoy, so please stop and smell the BBQ sauce. -
Review from Lauren J.
San Francisco, CA
2/22/2012
Nice airport. New and not too big to get around.
I never get through this airport without having a barbecue stuffed baked potato at the Salt Lick. My mouth is watering thinking about it. -
Review from Anne A.
Encino, CA
3/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have no issues here. It's a small and manageable place and don't mind waiting here. Airports are airports. You can find The Salt Lick for some okay and mediocre barbecue, but it sure beats any McDonald's for airport food. No complaints here.
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Review from Nicole P.
2/7/2012
The only time I have ever had a TSA agent give me crap about exercising my right not to go through the scanner was this weekend, at ABIA. It was 5am, and I had just woken up. Thus, I wasn't in the best of moods to start with (5am is more normally a bedtime for me) and when he told me that the scanners use radio waves and not X-rays and thus are not dangerous, rather than saying, "Yes, sir, I'm aware of this, and I still object to their use and would prefer to have a pat-down," I made a noise that I thought was "uh-huh," and he took as a lack of understanding, and told me to "Google it."
Last I checked, the TSA's job was not to raise awareness this way, and certainly not by telling me to Google anything. It came off as seriously rude and condescending.
The other thing that makes me kind of ambivalent about this airport is that despite the fact that there is a nice amount of tasty food for me to choose from on my way through the terminal, none of it is ever available to me. Is it so much to ask that at least one of the coffee and breakfast shops be open early in the morning?
ABIA gets points for being small and super easy to navigate, though. It's nice to be able to arrive less than an hour before takeoff and have time to get through security and everything else.
