News for Austin-Bergstrom and other Texas airports

Hurricane Harvey affects air travel

Hurricane Harvey has caused immeasurable damage and heartbreak in coastal Texas. Even if you don’t live in that part of the country, the winds and rain could affect your travel plans. More than 1,500 flights to and from Houston were canceled Monday, and weather will continue to be a factor in airport closures and flight cancellations. If your flight is canceled or delayed, talk to the airline.

Houston Intercontinental Airport is a hub for United, so many of the affected flights were on that airline, including those where Houston was just a layover stop. Flights will not resume until at least noon Thursday, according to airport spokesman. United has generously offered to waive any change fees and differences in fares for new flights that had been scheduled to fly to, from or through Austin, Brownsville, College Station, Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Houston, McAllen, or San Antonio in Texas or the Louisiana cities of Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, New Orleans, or Shreveport between August 25 and September 5.  Check for details at www.united.com/CMS/en-US/travel/news/Pages/travelnotices.aspx  

Southwest, the low-cost Dallas-based airline, is another major airline serving the affected part of Texas. It has suspended all flights to and from Houston Hobby Airport through at least Thursday. Flexibility for flight changes to Houston, Austin, Corpus Christi and San Antonio is in effect through Friday, September 1. Find updates at www.southwest.com

As of Monday afternoon, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Austin airports were offering regular service and might be options if you absolutely must travel to that part of Texas. Plan to arrive early at any of these airports—up to two hours for a domestic flight—so the airlines can work with you to find the best options. As always, be sure to check your flight status before leaving home.

Southwest adds nonstop destinations from ABIA

Starting April 8, 2018, Southwest Airline will add nonstop service to San Francisco and Sacramento, California. Service will be provided once daily each way for each destination city. On the same day, Southwest will also begin Sunday-only nonstops to Indianapolis. Nonstop flights are always good news for Austin travelers who can match their travel schedules to the offered flight times. Check www.abia.org  for details.