A technical issue that led to ticketing problems at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) left passengers waiting in long lines on Friday. The setback, which contributed to several delays, prompted Dallas-based low-cost airline Southwest Airlines to apologize to those affected.
Southwest, which has a major presence at AUS, said the incident was a “minor” challenge, but lines reportedly wrapped across the terminal and prolonged outside the constructing. The technical issue also affected the airport’s baggage system, which made it difficult to ascertain bags.
Long lines & delays
Passengers attempting to ascertain in for his or her flight were met with a chaotic scene. In a social media post, AUS warned travelers headed to the airport.
“AUS continues to see long lines at security checkpoints this morning attributable to an earlier issue w/ an airline ticket counter. If you’ve got a flight this morning, please arrive early to get through security. We sincerely apologize and hope to get everyone through as soon as possible.”
The airport didn’t mention whether the difficulty was related to Southwest, but said delays were shifting from the ticket counters to security checkpoints.
the airport explained in an update.
One traveler posted a photograph on Twitter showing a protracted line outside the terminal.
Apologizing for the inconvenience
Operations returned to normal at 9:56 CDT, in line with AUS. Southwest confirmed the incident In an announcement to Easy Flying.
“Our Austin operations are back to normal after our Ground Operations Team worked through some minor challenges which affected Customers checking on this morning. Moreover, a technical issue affected the airport’s bag belt system and our Team’s ability to help Customers in quickly checking their bags. We apologize to Customers for the inconvenience and appreciate their patience as we worked to get them to their destinations as quickly as possible.”
Photo: stock_photo_world/Shutterstock
The airline also noted that there have been multiple issues that affected travelers, not only exclusive to the carrier. In response to data from FlightAware, 221 flights were delayed at AUS on Friday with no cancelations.
A brand new bag system
In response to the Austin American-Statesman, an AUS spokesperson said a portion of the airport’s baggage system was temporarily offline on Friday, which created a ripple effect on the TSA checkpoint lines.
A brand new baggage handling system (BHS) shall be constructed as a part of the airport’s multi-year expansion, development, and improvement program, Journey With AUS. When complete, the system will improve the airport’s strategy of transporting luggage from airline check-in counters, through security, and to the aircraft.
the airport said.
The initial a part of the brand new system is predicted to be in operation at the top of 2024.