Okay, so I gotta tell you about this mess I got into at the Austin airport the other day. It was a total headache, all because of some messed up baggage belts. I was flying out, had an early flight, and figured I’d get there with plenty of time to spare. I usually aim to get to the airport about 2.5 hours before a domestic flight, just to be safe.
I got to the airport and the first thing I noticed were these crazy long lines. I mean, they were snaking all over the place. Everyone looked just as confused and annoyed as I was. Then I got this text from Southwest, saying, “This is Southwest. Due to bag belt issues at AUS…” and my heart just sank. I knew it was gonna be one of those days.
I had a bag to check, so I got in line for the baggage check-in counter. The line moved at a snail’s pace. I overheard some people talking, and apparently, the baggage belt system was acting up. They say that the bags are normally placed on conveyor belts in some secure area, and then the belts deliver the bags into the terminal from an opening in the wall. I guess the system was not working correctly, leading to a massive slowdown.
I finally made it to the counter, checked my bag, and headed towards security. I made sure my carry-on was the right size – you know, no bigger than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high, including the handles and wheels. My personal item was also within the limits, nothing over 18 inches long.
Security was another long wait, but thankfully, it wasn’t as bad as the baggage check-in. I got through, grabbed a coffee, and finally made it to my gate. It was a rough start to the trip, all thanks to those darn baggage belts. I guess these things happen, but man, it was a hassle I could’ve done without. At least, I finally made it to the gate, and hopefully, the rest of my trip went smoother.
Here are some tips from my experience that might be helpful:
- Check-in Times: Always arrive at least 2.5 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. This gives you a buffer for unexpected issues like this one.
- Carry-on Size: Make sure your carry-on isn’t bigger than 22x14x9 inches.
- Personal Item Size: Your personal item should not be more than 18 inches long.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on messages from your airline. They might have important updates about delays or issues at the airport.
So yeah, that’s my story about the baggage belt mess at the Austin airport. Hope it doesn’t happen to you, but if it does, at least you’ll be a bit more prepared than I was!