AUSTIN, Texas — After Monday's solar eclipse, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) officials have been preparing for one of their busiest days yet.
The eclipse brought thousands worldwide to Central Texas to see totality through the clouds. With an enhanced risk of severe weather on Tuesday and an anticipated record-breaking number of rental car returns, travelers should be prepared for delays.
The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport expects to see moderate wait times throughout Tuesday and Wednesday as more than 36,000 passengers are expected to depart.
Traveling out of AUS? What to expect this week
Any day with more than 35,000 passengers leaving the airport is considered busy. So Austin airport officials said those returning vehicles should arrive even earlier than those not returning one.
Usually, the airport asks travelers to arrive up to three hours early, but officials stress arriving even earlier to ensure enough time to complete the rental car return process.
While staff are prepared to accommodate the surge, passengers should expect lines and to wait for help.
Travelers cannot leave their rental cars unattended on the roadways regardless of time, and airport officials state that unattended vehicles can disrupt the airport's entire operations.
Those looking for face-to-face support should contact the Department of Aviation staff by calling 512-530-2242. The airport will also provide real-time updates on social media and its website.
