Long lines at AUS post-eclipse; airport expects to break a top record
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Many people were stuck in long lines at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Wednesday, which prompted people to post to social media to vent their frustrations or reach out to local media for answers.
AUS said in a statement it was “experiencing a high volume of departing passenger traffic, resulting in unusually long ticket counter lines that are extending onto the terminal curbside.”
Some passengers reached out to KXAN saying passengers from Southwest flights were stuck in the long lines. According to a statement from the airline, the bag belt at the airport temporarily went down, which, plus the high post-eclipse traffic, led to longer lines.
“Passengers, especially those who are checking a bag, should anticipate a longer wait time. We strongly advise passengers to arrive at the airport at least 2.5 hours prior to domestic flights and 3 hours prior to international flights,” AUS said.
Regarding travelers on Wednesday, the airport said it was expecting to break the record for one of its top busiest days.
“The airport is projecting a record number of departing passengers – over 38,000 – and predicts an increase in the number of checked bags as eclipse tourists continue to use the airport to travel home,” AUS said.
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