If you're hitting up Austin for its legendary live music, know that the party starts as soon as your plane touches down. This isn't your run-of-the-mill layover; this is the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), where music and merch are just part of the boarding process. As reported by austintexas.gov, from March 10th to March 17th, AUS is hosting a lineup of local talent like something out of the city's famed festivals. Picture strutting to your gate with a live soundtrack courtesy of Suzanna Choffel or toe-tapping while you wait for your flight as The Tiarras do their genre-defying thing.
But don't limit your haul to memories and melodies. AUS is rolling out the SXSW pop-up shops starting March 7th, selling merch that's as Austin as it gets. Whether you're digging through picks at Austin Chronicle and Austin Mercantile or exploring treasures at Book People, Austin Vibes, and Jet Set, festival gear is yours for the taking. And for those lost in the terminals sans the convenience of a smartphone, the friendly faces at Guest Services are there to point you toward your next must-have keepsake.
In true Austin fashion, the airport experience is digital-map-ready at airportmaps.flyaustin.com for the tech-savvy traveler. If you've ever fantasized about seamlessly navigating an airport without the usual stress, AUS might just be your jam. And when you're done sashaying to your destination with your new Austin swag in hand, an AUS social media tag is all the rage—or so they'd love to see. Just remember to dance to the rhythm of punctuality, too; getting to AUS 2.5 hours pre-flight is the move,
They don't want you falling for the wacky trends that clutter your social media feeds; instead, take part in the cool scene that is Austin's airport during festival season. It's a taste of the city's essence before you even hit downtown. So go ahead, take that pic with the musicians, flaunt that funky t-shirt, and if anyone asks where you got it, just tell 'em, "At AUS, where the vibe is as live as the music." Happy travels, y'all!
