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Checking Baggage - how early for a 5 AM flight?

Brandyvas
Explorer C

We fly out at 5 AM. I've never flown that early. I'm wondering if I will be able to check bags. If So what time does the ticketing counter open in Austin? 

2 REPLIES 2

Re: Checking Baggage - how early for a 5 AM flight?

TheMiddleSeat
Aviator A
Solution

Check in counter at AUS opens 2 hours before first flight departure. Your flight may or may not be first departure, but safe to say counter will be open at least 2 hours before your flight.

https://mobile.southwest.com/airport-info/AUS

 

It would be interesting if ticket counters didn't open until 6am or so and the super early flights didn't allow checked bags. And before someone else asks, TSA in AUS opens at 3:30am.

https://www.austintexas.gov/department/check-security

 

--TheMiddleSeat

Re: Checking Baggage - how early for a 5 AM flight?

bec102896
Aviator A

The ticket counter opens 2 hours before the 1st flight although you should be fine if you arrive 1 hour 20min before a domestic flight. I have flown from AUS at 5am several times and I get to the airport about 3:45am check bag go through security and to the gate in 12min on average as southwest has the self service kiosks making things quick for checking in. 

 

Tip: AUS now has a Starbucks for your morning cup of joe by gate 14.