In 2004 we arrived at AUS about 1:15 before an AUS-DTW-FCO trip on NW. There were 4 of us in paid J. The NW agent was not going to check us in because we had missed the 90 minute cutoff for an "international" checkin. Fortunately common sense prevailed, but she made it clear she was doing us a favor.

Then again, it's a typical NW ticketing agent story. AUS is now staffed by contractors, who are more friendly and efficient than the NW employee agents were.