Get All Access for $5/mo

Too Much Swag! SXSW Freebies Delaying Air Travel Screening bags packed with festival freebies is slowing down departing flights from the Austin festival.

By Linda Lacina

Some SXSW Interactive attendees got an unwelcome surprise when they reached the airport to depart for home.

Several flights have experienced unexpected delays at Austin Bergstrom International Airport due to swag, or promotional items, in checked suitcases setting off alarms. It's not been confirmed how many flights have been affected.

SXSW is a haven for marketers, and attendees leave with bags packed with everything from bulky electronics, like speakers and cameras, to basics like T-shirts and tote bags.

Initially, the ABIA reported that inks on certain magazines were registering as bombs. However, officials later determined that Transportation Security Administration agents aren't able to determine what's in some densely-packed bags going through screenings. In those cases, security agents are forced to go through those bags by hand, item by item.

The ABIA recommends that airline passengers leaving SXSW pack promotional items in their carry-ons to get through security more quickly.

Linda Lacina

Entrepreneur Staff

Linda Lacina is the former managing editor at Entrepreneur.com. Her work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Smart Money, Dow Jones MarketWatch and Family Circle. Email her at llacina@entrepreneur.com. Follow her at @lindalacina on Twitter. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business News

New Southwest Airlines Major Investor Wants to Force Out CEO, Slams Company's 'Stubborn Unwillingness to Evolve'

Elliot Investment Management announced a $1.9 billion stake in the Dallas-based Southwest Airlines on Monday and is urging shareholders to vote for new leadership.

Science & Technology

Why We Shouldn't Fear AI in Education (and How to Use It Effectively)

Facing resistance to new technologies in the educational process is nothing new, and AI is no exception. Yet, this powerful tool is set to overcome these challenges and revolutionize education, preparing students and professionals for a future of unparalleled efficiency and personalized learning.

Business News

Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Employees from Using Apple Products, Says Will Lock Devices in 'Cages'

The Tesla founder sounded off on X following Apple's 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday.

Business News

Apple's AI Has a Catch — And It Could Help Boost Sales

Not every iPhone owner will get to use the new Apple Intelligence.

Business News

Y Combinator Helped Launch Reddit, Airbnb and Dropbox. Here's What I Learned From Its Free Startup School.

The famed startup accelerator offers a free course on building a business — and answers five pressing questions for founders.