Arrive two hours before all flights at Austin’s
airport

AUSTIN — This holiday season Austin-Bergstrom International
Airport expects heavier than average passenger traffic and longer
than normal lines at security checkpoints. Travelers should plan to
arrive two hours before their departure time for all flights (first
checkpoint opens at 4 a.m.). Holiday fun at the airport includes
free photos with Santa and special live musical shows. Both are
held past security checkpoints available to ticketed passengers
only.

Holiday passenger traffic is expected to increase on Sunday,
Dec. 18, 2011 and remain strong through Saturday, Dec. 24.
Passenger traffic is up 6 percent year-to-date compared to last
year and the airport has seen 22 consecutive months of passenger
growth.

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Festivities

Through December 24, ticketed passengers traveling can get their
picture taken with Santa or in front of a holiday themed background
at Southwest Airlines’ Gate 9. Passengers will be able to print a
free copy of their “Holiday Photos on the Fly” before their
flight.

Four special live holiday performances on the stage across from
Gate 10 (11 a.m.-noon) are joining the regular live music schedule:
December 19 Greater Calvary Children’s Christmas Ensemble; December
20, the holiday costumed Judy Lee Dancers; December 21, Austin Jazz
Workshop; and December 22, The Austin Square and Round Dancers.

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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 no longer
offer free parking.

More On-Airport Parking is available this holiday. A new remote
overflow parking area by cargo facilities provides 764 additional
spaces. 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
capabilities and streamlining the checkpoint screening process. For
more information about AIT, visit www.tsa.gov/ait

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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 orange
“Real-time flight status at Austin” link.

Arrive at least two hours before departure time. Security waits
alone can be as long as 60 minutes. Passenger screening checkpoints
open at 4 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.

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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. Laptops must be
removed from cases to go through x-ray machines.

Do not wrap gifts as they may have to be opened during security
inspections.

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.

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. or call 1-866-289-9673.

For airport information 24 hours a day, call 512-530-ABIA (2242) or
visit www.abia.org.