Why Did Tons Of Texas Travelers Ditch Their Rental Cars At Austin’s Airport?

Yesterday (Monday, March 28), hundreds of travelers at Austin Bergstrom Airport had to do whatever they needed to do to catch their flights, even if it meant just leaving their rental cars at the curb!

What Happened?

Because of multiple events happening in Austin over the weekend, including The Texas Relays, NASCAR races at the Circuit Of The Americas and the World Championships of Golf, lines were extremely long at the airport.

According to The Austin American Statesman, a statement from the airport says one car stalled out in the return line, which started a domino effect leading to the delay of rental car returns. That delay led to hundreds of people just abandoning their cars and attempting to get to their terminals.

But a long rental return line was not the only factor by a longshot.

Shortage of fuel too

It was a day of hell at the popular airport because according to officials, that was a fuel shortage too!

While there was no immediate impact on flights the airport had to ask incoming flights to have extra fuel when they landed in Austin.

But once getting to the airport terminals they were met with another issue.

Long TSA Check lines.

Very Long TSA lines At Austin Bergstrom Airport

According to NBC San Antonio, more than 8000 customers came through their security lines before 8 AM with long line issues continuing into the afternoon.

I suggest TSA Pre-Check

I travel to Austin's airport frequently, and after waiting in long check-in lines, I decided to get TSA Pre-check.

It's less than $100 for 3 years, and it's a worthwhile investment, especially if you are always running late on the way to the airport.

It's always a short, quick line, you don't have to take your shoes off, and you are at your gate sooner than you can say "This Line Is Long".

Imagine how many people would have had made their flights Monday had they gotten TSA Precheck.

Thank me later!