Long line expected at ABIA following F-1 weekend

The Formula One U.S. Grand Prix wrapped up Sunday and thousands of visitors are getting ready to return home, but the Austin airport is warning travelers to plan for a busy morning tomorrow.

Last year a record number of travelers boarded planes at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport following the F-1 race.

“The Monday after the 2015 F-1 race was the single busiest day for departures in airport history. We had over 23,100 passengers go out that day,” said ABIA spokesman Jim Halbrook. 

On a typical busy Monday, ABIA sees about 19,000 passengers, but this year airlines are prepared.

“There are airlines that have increased their plane size, some that have added some flights and I know we have a few charters on Monday as well,” Halbrook said. 

As Austin grows as a destination city, the airport has had to keep up. Attractions like F-1, SXSW and the Austin City Limits music festival have made the Capital City attractive to more airlines, but that also means more passengers and longer lines.

“Monday, all day, we're advising people to be here two hours before their departure time due to how busy we expect it to be,” said Halbrook. 

Airport officials also want to remind people who have a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 that that model cellphone is not allowed on any airline. Passengers carrying them will not be allowed through the security line.