Austin Airport: Why do we have to sacrifise covenience for LOCAL? (Dallas: construction, price)

[Dr.Mom]

Ok, what about Flip Happy Crepes with little bistro tables? That would be very "Austin" and would have quick, portable food that's perfect for travelers.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by Dr.Mom

Ok, what about Flip Happy Crepes with little bistro tables? That would be very "Austin" and would have quick, portable food that's perfect for travelers.

Great idea!!! Except for that 'open only every third Thursday in months with an r' schedule they keep!

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by 10scoachrick

Indeedy, as of Wed. the 10th, a pass was required to get through security to meet 13y/o first time passengers and only ONE pass was allowed...I dutifully waited outside the restricted area while DW met the nephews at the gate. It was never suggested that I could get through security w/o a pass or ticket.

Having people in the terminal who have gone through screening is not a danger. They go through the same screening as passengers. If you don't trust the screening process then it's ALL dangerous.

I think that there is no official policy to let non-boarding pass holders past security. However, since they are not asking for boarding passes you certainly could walk right through. This is definitely happening nationwide. Was through AUS and SLC yesterday and no boarding pass requests.

[Dr.Mom]

Originally Posted by 10scoachrick

Great idea!!! Except for that 'open only every third Thursday in months with an r' schedule they keep!

Yes, but now that they have been featured on Food Network, they have an opportunity to expand their business with an airport location as well. Crepes seem perfect because they could be for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a snack. Now if only they could be talked into doing it!

[iceshots]

Originally Posted by mlassoff

I think that there is no official policy to let non-boarding pass holders past security. However, since they are not asking for boarding passes you certainly could walk right through. This is definitely happening nationwide. Was through AUS and SLC yesterday and no boarding pass requests.

Very strange. I have never seen anyone let through security without a pass. I have always been asked to show the boarding pass both by the luggage screener, and the person at the metal detector. The person that does the initial check for valid photo ID normally initials the boarding pass as well.

I will admit that getting a "visitor" pass at ABIA is very easy. We do it whenever our daughter is travelling alone.

As someone who has extensive experience with ABIA as an incoming traveler for over 2 years, I have always loved the airport. It is clean, bright and not too crowded. The baggage handling has been a little slow lately, but check in has always went well.

Food choices could be better, especially for out of town travelers who are not familiar with the local choices and simply want to grab something quick. The only breakfast I have every been able to get were a breakfast taco at one of the restaurant/bar combos, or a bagel at the convenience stores.

Arriving late can be a major pain since most often airport is shut down. The only time I rented through Dollar our flight did not arrive until 11:45pm. The rental counter was closed an everyone had gone home. Thankfully Hertz was still open and I just went with them. No more trying to save a dollar at Dollar.

Now that I am an Austin resident, and all my trips to the airport are to pick people up, I agree that a Starbucks or similar in the baggage area would probably do a good business.

I also like the first free 1/2 parking ABIA offers. If you time it right you don't have to pay to pick someone up and you do not have to circle. Even if you go over the 1/2 hour, the cost is not too bad. I was used to the Toronto airport where you were paying close to $10 just to pick someone up!

Traffic in an out of the airport has never been a problem for me. Overall I give ABIA very high marks. You just "Can't get there from here!"

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by iceshots

Very strange. I have never seen anyone let through security without a pass.

What's strange? I fly multiple times weekly. This is what is happening not a strange figment of my imagination.

[mimimomx3]

Just got back from dropping off our kid at the airport. She's a teenager, and I thought for sure they'd let us escort her to the gate, even though we (mom and dad) aren't travelling. NO WAY. We tried two ticket agents, nope. We tried two security check points, nope. So....unless we look really criminal, they will NOT let you through without a boarding pass.

Also...did you know that with a first class ticket or 'premium pass' membership, you can bypass security altoghether? If I were a terrorist, I would sure kick in for first class! That's some hard core security they have going, right?

[capcat]

Originally Posted by mimimomx3

Just got back from dropping off our kid at the airport. She's a teenager, and I thought for sure they'd let us escort her to the gate, even though we (mom and dad) aren't travelling. NO WAY. We tried two ticket agents, nope. We tried two security check points, nope. So....unless we look really criminal, they will NOT let you through without a boarding pass.

Also...did you know that with a first class ticket or 'premium pass' membership, you can bypass security altoghether? If I were a terrorist, I would sure kick in for first class! That's some hard core security they have going, right?

My teenager flew out of ABIA two weeks ago, and my husband was allowed to escort her to the gate as a visitor with no problems at all.

[mimimomx3]

Originally Posted by capcat

My teenager flew out of ABIA two weeks ago, and my husband was allowed to escort her to the gate as a visitor with no problems at all.

That's odd. Seriously, we asked several people and got the same response. How old a teenager? Closer to 13 or 19?

[capcat]

Originally Posted by mimimomx3

That's odd. Seriously, we asked several people and got the same response. How old a teenager? Closer to 13 or 19?

Right in the middle.