Chances are you’ve seen the dread-inducing headlines about security lines pouring out past the entry doors at ABIA.
It practically starts next to the line at Franklin BBQ. With the advised time you should arrive at the airport getting longer and longer, you basically need to come the day before to be safe. Having to panic while you pack goes against the laid back culture that brought everyone to Austin in the first place. Here's our guide on how to get out of town like a pro.
Contributed by Deven Wilson
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BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT
The majority of what you can do to prevent your own personal performance of panic at the terminal can be done before your flights are booked. From choosing the right flight times to finally committing to getting TSA PreCheck, we have advice to make sure all your future flights are a breeze.
Skip the TSA lines, forever.
This advice is more of a moot point if your flight is tomorrow, but you should absolutely consider making the line switch to TSA PreCheck in the future. Offering expedited security with wait times way less than the normal lines, it’s worth it to look into ditching the crowd for good. It's only $78 for 5 years or free with certain credit cards. If you travel abroad frequently, look into Global Entry, which gives you the same perks as PreCheck as well as expedited entry back into the US. The process is a little more rigorous, but worth it for $100 for a 5-year membership.
How to get TSA PreCheck
There are three simple steps to getting TSA PreCheck. First, fill out their application online here, then go to a TSA interview (which usually takes less than 10 minutes), and finally get your new Known Traveller Number and say goodbye to taking off your shoes in public.
Keep your ID in your pocket.
You will still have to take your shoes off but you can jump ahead in line by signing up for Clear. By utilizing Biometric authentication, your ID can stay in your wallet as you breeze past everyone waiting to show off their least favorite photos. If you’re also enrolled in PreCheck, you are crowned the king/queen of security by the TSA agents.
Sleep in.
Book your departure after the morning rush.
We know you’re looking at your flight price more than the departure times, but it is absolutely worth seeing if you can avoid the swarm of sweatpants and sleepy-eyed morning flyers. Aim for times around noon to see the crowd shrink and roll up to your gate without wasting hours in line.
Also, try to get out before 7 pm, as that’s when most of the food stalls close up shop for the day, leaving late-night travelers with few options to eat before their flight.
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WHEN YOU ARRIVE
If you weren't able to get the better departure times and are coming in at peak times, don’t worry, we still have you covered.
Arrive early.
Don't test the Airport Theory for yourself, trust us, especially at AUS. If you’re stuck on that 6 am boarding time with no TSA PreCheck to save you, make peace with your alarm clock and set it for an even earlier wake-up call than you normally would. Security doesn't open up until 3:30 am so don’t go wild, but if you’re not willing to spend hours just waiting to take your shoes off, go ahead and arrive as early as you can.
If your flight is domestic (within the U.S and its territories) try to arrive at least 2.5 hours before boarding. If your flight is international (need your passport) bump that arrival to 3 hours before boarding to be safe.
Drop off at arrivals.
Yes, it’s finally allowed. During peak times, the airport is letting passengers be dropped off at the Arrivals pick-up spot. Simply ask your driver or very caring friend to drive down to arrivals. Once you’re inside, you only need to take the escalator or elevators up to Departures.
Curb check your bag.
This is not a scam. We promise. Your airline likely offers a bag check before you go inside, which might sound more like a step down depending on the heat outside, but it is a major time saver compared to going into the AC. Skip the long check-in lines and get rid of your (physical) baggage before you step inside. Or just travel like a pro and only bring a carry-on.
Join the kiosk cult.
You’ve seen them, they might even intimidate you, but those futuristic screens are your travel friend, not foe. Practically everything you wait hours to do at the check in counters, the kiosks can do in seconds. Check-in, change your flights, upgrade your seats, and even check your bags. The kiosks do it all and with a far shorter wait time.
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AFTER SECURITY
If you followed our advice, you’re now past security with time to spare before you’re cattle called at your gate. Now what? Forget the days of stuffing your mouth at a Chili's To-Go and remember you're in Austin. The love for local breezes past security every day, with local offerings dotting the entire terminal from east to west. So pick your favorite and finally try something iconic that’s only found this side of TSA like Hut's Hamburgers.
Photo via Facebook
Gate 15 & 16
Most airports have taught you to settle for “express” versions of fast-casual food chains. Not the ABIA, baby. You can still have dining dignity even if you’ll shamelessly eat the leftover salt from those tiny pretzel bags on your flight. Sip a real cocktail, eat something you’d actually go downtown to enjoy, and forget that next door is a Southwest flight to Sacramento. Take your time, breathe, and feast without shame at Second Bar and Kitchen.
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Photo via Facebook
Gate 14
No, you’re not seeing a ghost, that really is Hut’s Hamburgers. The legendary burger joint may have left its art deco haven on West 6th, but you can still get your fix once past security. Fast food at an airport isn’t groundbreaking, but getting to taste an Austin staple is a truly cheesy experience.
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Photo credit: Deven Wilson
Gate 19
Right behind the Jo’s Coffee stand is plenty of actual seating, a stage, and a freaking food truck. No space in the terminal feels more alive than this. Find a seat, order a cold airport beer from Saxon Pub (arguably the best beer experience), grab a Taco from Earl Cambell’s Taco Truck, and forget the fact you’re stuck with the middle seat this time.
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Photo via Facebook
Food Courts
Gate 16-17, 21
Nothing can kill time like eating, and there is no better way to have an impromptu feast quite like a food hall. With two locations in the terminal, there is a never-ending selection of amazing local choices to keep your spirit up that Spirit won’t cancel this time. With choices like Peached Tortilla, East Side Pies, Hippies & Hops, and Flyrite Chicken Sandwiches, you’ll be beyond full before your flight.
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Photo via Facebook
Gate 11
If you think the candy selection at an airport is lackluster, brace yourself for the technicolor delight of a candy/toy store found at Gate 10. Voted one of the top ten toy stores in the world by USA Today, you can get lost exploring the variety of toys and get a sugar-high preflight at Toy Joy/Yummi Joy. Also, it's a great place to grab that last-minute gift when you remember your sister has three kids and not two.
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Near Gates 15
Those strange airport benches aren’t doing much for your bad back, and you know that the economy seat is getting ready to wreck your lumbar for the next 3 hours. Break the cycle of flight pain, and choose between a massage, a facial, or even some chiropractic work. It’s too late to upgrade, so let someone downgrade your stress.
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Delta Sky Club | Photo via Facebook
Airline Lounges
If you think this airport privilege is only for the one percent flying first class, you’re wrong! Depending on which airline you’re flying, what credit card you carry, or if you’ve served the country, you can literally be above the chaos in style. Filled with luxuries fit for a traveler, you’ll find plush seats, a plethora of outlets, exclusive wifi, and unlimited snacks. Access does vary for each lounge, but if you really just need some peace and outlets, it’s worth looking into.
American Admirals Club (Upstairs, Gate 22)
United Club (Upstairs, Gate 22)
Delta Sky Club (Upstairs, Gate 4)
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MISSED YOUR FLIGHT?
So, it all fell apart huh? You tried your best, but you missed your flight.
If your rebooked flight isn’t for an impossible amount of time, or you’re now stuck in Austin, you’re legally entitled to grab a drink. Thankfully, there is a brewery right by the airport called Live Oak Brewing. Hop over to sip some hops, play a round of disk golf, and de-stress as you try to figure out if you can use points to get home tomorrow. You'll be more prepared next time.
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How do you survive the airport, aside from a giant craft beer?
Give us the deets.
