Spring Break Travel Continues, Early Morning Flights Busiest Time

By The Times of Noblesville | April 1, 2023

The Indianapolis Airport Authority anticipates more than 110,000 passengers will travel through the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) over the next week as spring break travel continues for Indiana schools and universities.

According to TSA officials, approximately 18,000 passengers per day are anticipated to move through the Indy airport security checkpoints. Wednesday through Saturday are the busiest days this week with more than 18,000 passengers anticipated on Friday and nearly 19,000 on Thursday.

Airport officials say early morning flights (4 a.m. – 7 a.m.) are the most impacted by the surge in travel and encourages travelers flying out during this timeframe to arrive at least two hours early.

The Indy airport is also going through various upgrades to improve the passenger experience with new advanced Computed Tomography (CT) technology being installed in TSA security checkpoints and construction taking place for an expansion to the Terminal Garage. While these upgrades will improve the airport’s world-class customer experience in the near future, they may cause some delays in getting into the airport and through checkpoints this spring break season.

The IAA reminds passengers of the following tips as they head to the Indy airport this week to fly out to their destinations.

PREPARING FOR SPRING BREAK TRAVEL

With Spring Break travel expected to exceed 2019 pre-pandemic levels, it’s important for travelers to be prepared before arriving at the airport. Plan ahead, pack smart, and get to the airport early.

TSA checkpoint A opens at 4:00 a.m. and checkpoint B opens at 3:30 a.m. Hoosiers can process through either TSA checkpoint and proceed to their gate. TSA PreCheck is only available on checkpoint A. Airline ticket counters opening time varies, but generally they open two hours before flight departure.

The Indy airport also strongly encouraged travelers to consider the following travel tips below, and to sign up for TSA PreCheck at https://www.tsa.gov/precheck for a smoother screening process, which eliminates the need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops or light jackets.

Before leaving for the airport

  • Always check flight status with the airline prior to arriving at the airport
  • Arrive a full two hours ahead of the departure time to get checked in, through security, and to the gate in plenty of time before boarding call
  • Download the airline’s mobile app for all pertinent travel update
  • Use a mobile boarding pass or print boarding passes ahead of time
  • Download the MyTSA app for 24/7 access to the most frequently requested airport security information, including helpful tips for preparing for security, including a searchable database of items that can and can’t go in checked or carry-on bags
  • Pack smart – check for prohibited items and follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Learn more at: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/refresh-your-memory-liquid-rules

Plan ahead for parking

  • IND is currently undergoing construction for a Terminal Garage expansion and parking in this location is anticipated to go full during Spring Break
  • Consider alternative forms of transportation, such as Uber & Lyft or having a loved one drop-off and pick-up at the airport
  • For help determining parking options at IND, visit https://www.ind.com/parking
  • The Economy Lot is a convenient and cost-effective option for travelers https://www.ind.com/parking/economy-lot
  • For a contactless parking experience at IND, register for the free parkIND plus program https://www.ind.com/parking/parkind-plus-program
  • Valet parking offers the closest proximity to the pedestrian walkway to the terminal. To learn more, visit https://www.ind.com/parking/valet

At the terminal

  • Bring your own reusable water bottle and fill up at the numerous water bottle filling stations located throughout the terminal
  • New restaurants are now open at IND offering a local flavor, see all available dining options and their operating hours at https://www.ind.com/dining-shopping-services/dining
  • Use the Concourse Connector to explore available dining options in both concourses, no matter which one you are flying out of
  • Explore new artwork throughout the terminal from local artists, and the new KIND Gallery space. Learn more at: https://www.ind.com/publicart
  • When picking up friends or family, use the Cell Phone Lot to wait then proceed to the drive for pick-up or park in hourly parking and meet your guest inside
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