Tired of being stuck in security lanes, waiting for the guy in front of you to shed shoes, coat, laptop, and big shiny belt buckle? If you’re headed out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport the lines should flow faster soon.
That’s good, because the airport says heretofore wait times could run as much as an hour during the 4:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. window. That’s when flyers flock to grab early flights.
AUS is adding a pair of new Transportation Security Administration www.tsa.gov security screening lanes, a move airport officials contend will cut wait time by more than 20 percent – a full fifth.
The move adds a lane at checkpoint used by discount airline Southwest, and the one employed by American Airlines’ passengers. Before, Austin had nine screening lanes dispersed among a trip of checkpoints. As the dust settles, there will be 11.
As the airport constructs more security lanes a major U.S. airline is poised to launch a nonstop transborder foray. Continental Airlines intends to begin Austin to Cancun flights February 19. The Saturday-only 737-700 departs AUS at 8:25 a.m. and arrives at the epicenter of the Mexican Riviera at 11:00 a.m., in plenty of time to check in your hotel room, change clothes and head for the beach.
The return Cancun to Austin flight stays on the ground for less than an hour. It leaves Cancun at 11:55 a.m. and arrives Austin at 2:40 p.m.
Currently, OAG indicates there is no competition on the Austin to Cancun run.
Story by Jerry Chandler
