Let’s go for this little weekend in Austin which also marks our first getaway since moving to the US.
As a reminder, here is the itinerary followed:
Check-In and ground experience
24 hours before departure, we checked in on the Delta app, and downloaded our boarding passes on Apple Passbook. The process is simple.
We arrived at the airport by Uber about 2 hours before our flight to Austin. The driver dropped us off in front of the SkyPriority entrance and we went directly to the automated check-in kiosks. I printed my luggage tag, put it on my suitcase and headed to the drop-off counter… Which is non-existent, since the line merges with the regular SkyPriority check-in line.
The whole thing is very slow and with only 2 agents for the whole SkyPriority line, it’s not enough.
Then come the TSA checks. My wife being TSA Pre, she clears security instanty, while I try to join the SkyPriority line but the dragon manning it will send me back to the normal line… I cut it discreetly.
After 10 minutes of waiting, I am airside and can join my wife in the lounge.
Location and welcome
The lounge is located on the mezzanine of the terminal, on the left just after the security checkpoint. Be careful, its entrance is hidden by the end of the security devices, so you have to look carefully for its entrance.
It can be accessed by stairs or by elevator.
The welcome is very warm and after scanning my boarding pass and checking my American Express Platinum card, I am allowed into the lounge.
Lounge design
It’s been 12 years since I last visited this lounge… It’s still the same! Nothing has changed, except that most of the alcoholic drinks are now chargeable…
The lounge is quite small: there are plenty of lounging spaces with different decoration styles.
There are also small work spaces available, as well as a few tables for dining.
Catering
The buffet is very small but quite good for a North American lounge.
I’ll have a bowl of clam chowder, a local specialty that I sprinkled with croutons.
Then I ordered a whisky at the bar (Jack Daniels is now considered a premium drink and therefore has to be paid for).
I will also take a banana for the road.
Bottom line
A dated lounge, which deserves a complete renovation. The catering is still acceptable though.
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