ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Austin Straubel International Airport is preparing for the holidays.
If you’re taking off from Austin Straubel airport this holiday season like traveler Priscilla Patterson, “I’m planning for it, trying to get back home and book it at least two weeks in advance. ” You can expect it look different.
For starters, “it’s a lot quieter than it used to be,” said Airport Director Marty Piette.
The number of air travelers at Austin Straubel is way down. Meaning revenue is down too, 60% compared to last year, according to Piette.
He tells FOX 11 the airport is expecting an increase in travelers around the holidays.
“Air fares are really good right now and its really that’s who’s driving it right now, people visiting friends and family.”
And Piette says there’s a way to prepare for the changes, being made throughout the airport.
“A lot of planes are not as full as they used to be. We’re also telling people to kind of prepare for layovers at other airports. You may not see the same concessions open like restaurants and gift stores.”
Before checking in for your flight, Piette also recommends checking with airlines to see what has changed since before the pandemic.
“Check with the TSA too, and understand you’re allowed to bring some additional things through screening that you weren’t before, additional quantities of hand sanitizer so just prepare ahead of time.”
However, Brown County Public Health Strategist Claire Popcki is warning travelers to assess their risks before boarding a flight.
“If you’re feeling sick, feeling symptoms, or you know you’ve been in close contact, unfortunately canceling plans or altering plans this year and looking forward to next year.”
And when your plane touches down, “I just encourage people to follow the CDC protocols from the airport and home, to keep themselves safe,” said Piette.
It’s also recommended to book flights sooner rather than later. That’s so airlines can accommodate to the demand of passengers during the holiday season.
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