Austin Airport Implements Safeguards Amid Coronavirus

AUSTIN, TX — Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has implemented new measures aimed at protecting travelers amid the coronavirus pandemic, officials said this week.

The move comes amid a gradual increase in passenger traffic over the last few weeks as coronavirus cases continue to rise in Texas. Passenger traffic is still significantly lower than is typical for this time of year, airport officials noted.

“Our staff is busy working with our partners and across divisions to ensure a safe and healthy passenger experience for customers,” Jacqueline Yaft, chief executive officer of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, said in a prepared statement.

The airport already has enhanced cleaning practices while installing signage to promote adherence to public health guidance, officials said. Other changes passengers will notice include:

• New stanchion signage throughout the terminal to encourage physical distancing.
• New digital signage in gate areas and visitors’ center to encourage physical distancing, face coverings, and good hygiene.
• Additional hand sanitizing stations.
• Visual aids for physical distancing in the terminal, garages and other facilities.
• Overhead announcements promoting adherence to public health best practices, such as wearing a face covering, physical distancing and other CDC-recommended protocols.
• Protective Plexiglass barriers in common areas including ticket counters and gate counters.
• Additional cleaning throughout the terminal, including TSA security checkpoints, the Customs & Border Protection Federal Inspection Services (FIS) area, and hold room areas. Restrooms will be cleaned every 90 minutes and deep-cleaned overnight.
• An on-call disinfectant team for decontamination, deep cleaning and other protocols when necessary.
• Temporary closure of the Economy Lot to mitigate the crowded nature of parking shuttles. Parking rates in the Blue and Red Garages have been discounted so passengers can safely park near the Barbara Jordan Terminal and walk a short distance to it. More information and parking updates can be found abiaparking.com.

While the airport is taking many precautions to ensure the health and safety of passengers, officials said it’s imperative that those who choose to travel come to the airport prepared. Here are a few things travelers can do to protect themselves, fellow passengers and airport employees while at the airport:

• When making decisions about whether or not to travel, check guidance from the CDC, public health authorities and arrival destinations.
• Passengers must wear a face covering when traveling through AUS. Limited face coverings can be purchased at several locations pre- and post-security.
• Passengers are encouraged to utilize mobile boarding passes and to check in from home when possible, helping to limit touchpoints.
• Those picking up or dropping off passengers should not enter the Barbara Jordan Terminal; instead, they should wait in the Cell Phone Lot and stay in their vehicles unless they are assisting unaccompanied minors, passengers with disabilities, or others who need assistance.
• Everyone inside airport facilities should continue to maintain a safe physical distance, wash their hands frequently and cover coughs and sneezes.

The airport is prepared to adjust its safeguards if and when necessary, officials noted. Passengers wishing to stay up to date on the latest changes being made to help keep the airport safe and clean, can follow on Twitter and check its website regularly.

Airline requirments

Most Austin-Bergstrom airline partners now require passengers to wear face coverings during their flight, officials said, and some airlines have also implemented temperature screening prior to boarding. Masks are available for sale in several locations both pre- and post-security at the airport. A full list of those locations can be found by clicking here.

Passengers should check with their airline about any unique requirements or processes prior to arriving at the airport, officials advised.