Austin Airport

I went to university in Austin and have fond memories of the old Mueller Airport. Nothing special but had a good vibe. Also cuz it had a rather short runway will never forget the pilots having to stomp on the brakes which always made for good fun for this aviation enthusiast (especially when AA used to fly their DC10's into the airport) The new Austin-Bergstrom is outstanding in every way! In the US it really is the only airport that captures the local flavor - in food music design elements etc. It is also extremely spacious and user friendly. Why can't they replicate similar local esign elements in other US cities?! This airport really stands out in the US.

The only municipal project the City of Austin has gotten right in 15 years. The terminal is spacious open and intuitive. The security checkpoints are manageable. The baggage claim is usually efficient. But what makes this airport special is the local flair. The standard airport fare -- McDonald's Taco Bell Pizza Hut -- have been replaced with local vendors such as Schlotzky's Matt's El Rancho the Salt Lick and Amy's Ice Cream. The music over the sound system is from Austin musicians and there is a performance stage in the center of the terminal. There is a gallery featuring the works of Austin artists. It is probably the only place where you can get a sense of the city just from being in its airport.

Austin's Bergstrom Int'l may not be one of the biggest airports in the U.S. (25 gates total) but the entire project was treated with world class taste. It is a simple yet beautiful airport with all the amenities one could want.

Great new terminal is a big improvement over the old AUS airport. Very spacious and attractive. Moving in and out of the terminal is a snap. Above-average food service is available inside the terminal. I much prefer to make a connection in Austin than in HOU IAH or DFW. This is now one of the best airports in the country.