Expect the unexpected at AUS

Plan ahead, get there early and expect the unexpected. That’s the guidance from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which is anticipating the upcoming Labor Day weekend to be a boom-time for air travel. Starting today through Monday, Sept. 5, passengers should check their flight status online ahead of time, “as impacts to flight schedules can occur due to changes in airline operations.” Those who don’t have TSA PreCheck or Clear are advised to arrive “at least two and a half hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours before departure for international flights, regardless of the day of week or time of day their flight is scheduled,” says a news release from AUS. While things have improved at the airport since earlier this summer when security screening lines stretched out the door, “unplanned staffing shortages and other unforeseen operational challenges can occur.” Budget some additional time and then add some more time on top of that and you should be fine.