REDMOND, OR -- Sunday’s winter storm dropped a lot of snow on northern Deschutes County, but the Redmond Airport remained open. "Whenever you get almost, I think, 10" of snow over about an eight-hour period, it causes some strain on our operations to keep our airport open," Airport Director Zach Bass told KBND News on Monday, "Our people have done a great job."

He says a few flights were canceled the night before the storm hit, in anticipation of the conditions, despite runways remaining clear and open, "Sometimes, of course the airlines look at their own weather reporting and make decisions even prior to what actually might be the situation on the ground. So, we did see some cancellations. We have a few delays, but this storm is also kind of hitting a lot of the west coast."

This latest dose of weather is a good reminder to give yourself extra time if you’re flying through the Redmond Airport, this time of year. Bass suggests accounting for road conditions and try to arrive two hours before your flight. "Very busy time of the year, there could be lines. So, the more time you give yourself - I realize that’s tough when you have to get up at maybe 3:30 in the morning and sometimes you get through without a problem and you think, ‘oh, why did I get up so early?’ But there’s a lot of other times where that’s not the case and that extra time really does help you make sure you’re on your aircraft." 

He suggests checking your airline’s website or mobile app before you arrive for any changes to your specific flight, and do your part to move through security quickly, "Be aware of what kind of shoes you’re wearing, if you have to take them off; make sure your laptop is at the top of your bag so you can take it out easier. And if you’re traveling with a big family, it’s hard. I have quite a few kids and when we travel, it’s tough. But we try to think ahead about what needs to come out, where’s the easiest way to put it, and kind of be mindful of everyone behind us." You'll find more holiday travel tips on the TSA's website. If you plan to park at the airport, check FlyRDM.com to see how many spots are available. Capacity is updated every 30 minutes in the orange banner across the top of the page.