Topic: Austin Airport

30 chapters across the catalog

Zombie Town
Episode 1564 2:53:08 - 3:03:14

1564: Zombie Town

Global Producer Support, Taiwan and TSA Complaints

The hosts read donations from Allison in Taiwan, who is returning to the U.S. after eight years, and Lorcan Burn in Dublin. A retired law enforcement officer, Joseph Weish, offers advice on handling TSA inspections of podcast equipment, which Adam Curry dismisses based on his negative experiences with "dick" agents at the Austin airport.

Si Senor
Episode 1487 2:03 - 2:46

1487: Si Senor

San Antonio Airport Security and TSA Efficiency

A report on recent travel through San Antonio International Airport highlights the efficiency and relaxed nature of TSA agents compared to the stricter environment at Austin's airport. The facility is described as small and manageable, featuring only about eight gates.

Trusted Flaggers
Episode 1445 4:36 - 9:19

1445: Trusted Flaggers

Airline Industry Failures, Austin Airport Delays, Pete Buttigieg

A 12-hour travel delay between Austin and New York prompts a discussion on the deteriorating state of the U.S. aviation system and mechanical failures. Criticism is directed at Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg regarding the projected shortage of 60,000 pilots by 2023 and his focus on infrastructure projects over transportation logistics.

Yak Facts
Episode 1441 8:13 - 11:13

1441: Yak Facts

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport TSA Staffing Crisis

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport faced unprecedented passenger volume and a severe shortage of TSA agents, leading to wall-to-wall crowds. Reports indicate 15 federal agents were deployed to assist the existing 50-person staff, alongside a 15% retention bonus for screening officers. Travelers utilized Southwest Airlines Business Select tickets to access priority lanes and bypass two-hour wait times.

Hunt the Wumpus
Episode 1204 2:26:31 - 2:28:23

1204: Hunt the Wumpus

Measles Alert, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Health authorities in Travis County issued an alert after a traveler infected with measles passed through Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Media reports labeled Austin as an "epicenter" of the anti-vaccine movement, though local residents noted a lack of public panic. The incident prompted renewed calls from medical experts for universal vaccination.

Invidious Phobias
Episode 1202 6:46 - 9:52

1202: Invidious Phobias

TSA Security Experiences and Canine Screening at JFK

A travel report details recent experiences at Austin and JFK airports, specifically noting the use of pre-check lanes and a unique "gerbil line" canine screening process. Observations suggest that metal detectors have been detuned to allow passengers to keep shoes and belts on to speed up holiday lines.

Clinton Kildepstein
Episode 1196 0:00 - 2:25

1196: Clinton Kildepstein

Amsterdam Airport Travel Report and TSA Security Experience

A host reports on a recent trip from Austin to Amsterdam, noting an unusually smooth experience with TSA security despite carrying a full studio equipment bag. The flight arrived early due to tailwinds, though KLM is criticized for a lack of functional Wi-Fi on the aircraft.

Clinton Kildepstein
Episode 1196 2:26 - 5:08

1196: Clinton Kildepstein

Airport Coffee Machine Data Tracking and Targeted Advertising

An automated coffee machine at the Austin airport is criticized for tracking personal data after a host received a targeted Lyft advertisement via text message following a credit card swipe. The incident is attributed to the Square payment network sharing user details without explicit consent.

Predeceased
Episode 1187 6:32 - 8:35

1187: Predeceased

Airport Hotel Logistics and Austin Wedding Anecdote

The benefits of staying at airport hotels include soundproofing and avoiding morning traffic risks for early flights. A past anecdote recalls staying at an Austin airport hotel during a wedding, despite the venue being only eight minutes from the host's residence.

Couple of Reds
Episode 1149 8:29 - 10:09

1149: Couple of Reds

Austin Bergstrom Airport, International Terminal, Baggage System Failures

Austin Bergstrom International Airport experienced significant baggage handling failures following the arrival of several international flights. Adam Curry describes a "nightmare" scenario where luggage became clogged in a system not yet ready for high-volume international traffic. The city council has reportedly earmarked two million dollars for a new baggage handling system to address these recurring infrastructure issues.

Demonation
Episode 1078 1:50:02 - 1:55:07

1078: Demonation

Amazon HQ2 Search and Fort Worth Speculation

As Amazon continues its search for a second headquarters (HQ2), Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth remain top contenders. Austin's rising cost of living is noted as a potential drawback, while new infrastructure developments at Fort Worth's Meacham Airport suggest the city is positioning itself for major corporate investment. Speculation centers on the involvement of investment groups linked to Ross Perot.

Furternity
Episode 1063 0:47 - 6:21

1063: Furternity

Chicago Travel Report and Austin Airport Commercialization

A travel report details a recent trip to Chicago for a Ronald McDonald House Global Conference. Observations include significant delays with Southwest Airlines in Austin and the perceived decline of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport due to over-commercialization. The narrative contrasts independent local businesses like Book People with their "souvenir shop" versions found in airport terminals.

Bong Rip
Episode 1016 1:30:25 - 1:33:36

1016: Bong Rip

International Travel, Global Entry and PreCheck

The hosts share recent experiences with international travel and the Global Entry system. They question the necessity of the $100 fee and interview process, noting that the system often seems redundant or inconsistent with TSA PreCheck. Observations are made regarding the new international terminal construction at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Fruit Machine
Episode 986 7:04 - 8:32

986: Fruit Machine

Norwegian Airlines and Gatwick Express Logistics

Travel logistics between the United States and London are discussed, highlighting Norwegian Airlines' influence on the market. British Airways has reportedly copied Norwegian's direct routes to cities like Austin and Oakland. The hosts praise the Gatwick Express train service for its affordability when booked in advance for groups but criticize the distance of the airport from central London.

House of Trolls
Episode 978 6:11 - 8:36

978: House of Trolls

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Expansion and Global Entry Kiosks

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is adding nine new gates to its international terminal to accommodate increased traffic, such as the British Airways flight from London. The facility has implemented new automated passport kiosks and Global Entry machines to streamline the customs process. Travelers report a lack of drug-sniffing dogs compared to major hubs like JFK or Newark.

Nice Fabric
Episode 724 9:56 - 11:33

724: Nice Fabric

Uber Airport Restrictions, Personal Driver Workarounds

Uber drivers are currently blocked from receiving ride requests at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport due to a dispute over airport fees. To circumvent this geofence, some passengers maintain direct contact with specific drivers, such as a former Miss Nicaragua contestant. By calling the driver directly and requesting the ride through the app only after entering the vehicle, users bypass the system's location restrictions.

Scrub In!
Episode 706 14:33 - 18:32

706: Scrub In!

Uber Airport Fees, Sharing Economy Business Strategy

Uber reached a temporary agreement to operate at the Austin airport by paying $2,500 per day, following a dispute over licensing and fees similar to those paid by Lyft. The discussion suggests that Uber's long-term strategy involves moving away from the "sharing economy" model toward owning entire transportation sectors, including taxis and delivery services. There is a prediction that the company will eventually favor professional, licensed drivers over amateur contractors.