Severe weather causing delays for travelers at ABIA

Wednesday is expected to be one of the busiest travel days for the Christmas holiday season, and despite Austin’s warm temperatures, some severe weather across the US is causing trouble for those flying.

In other areas of the country, it's foggy, raining, and snowing. Wilhelmina Nicholson was one of the passengers traveling through Austin Bergstrom International Airport Wednesday. She said she is going to visit her daughter in Las Vegas. According to AAA, a new record could be set with more than 100-million people traveling this holiday season. Nicholson said she thinks it has to do with the economy, “Airlines are giving better deals, and gas is cheaper. That's basically it. A lot of people are traveling by car or air.”

Many arriving at ABIA like the hot temperatures, “It feels like spring break, its spring break time. That's what I am thinking, T-Shirt and shorts. Winter I don't believe it happens here, I’m starting to sweat a little bit,” said Frederick Brown who arrived from Houston.

Severe weather across the country is causing delays, even at ABIA.
               
According to flightaware.com as of Wednesday evening there were more than 9,000 flight delays, and nearly 1000 cancelations. At ABIA, there were 55 delays, and one cancelation.

The areas most affected were Chicago, Newark, New York, Denver and Atlanta, which are also connecting airports. Jim Halbrook is a spokesman for ABIA “Check it all the way through. Make sure if you have a connection that the flight coming from the other airport is going to be there in time, just so you can be prepared.” Halbrook also said passengers need to arrive 90 minutes before their flights. Especially during peak hours, which are 5am to 8 am, 11am to 1pm and 3:00pm to 530 pm. “At those times you can expect to see lines, they could be long, they could be up to 45 minutes,” Halbrook said.

Halbrook said parking is still available at ABIA. But you should call the airport at 512-530-3300 ahead of time to check.
               
Another good idea for those traveling is to have a care bag ready.  Something that fits under the seat in front of you so it stays with you. Make sure you have what you need for a few days to take care of you and if you're traveling with a pet if you do get stuck.

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