Skip to Content
About > Media > Media Releases > Indy Airport Expects Record Air Travel During Thanksgiving Holiday

Indy Airport Expects Record Air Travel During Thanksgiving Holiday

TSA anticipates Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving as busiest days

11/21/23

INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 21, 2023) — The Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is preparing for a busy Thanksgiving travel week. The Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving are expected to be the busiest holiday travel days with about 17 percent more traffic than last year on the same days.

“Nine out of the top 10 travel days in IND history have occurred in 2023,” said Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. “And we’re anticipating more record-setting days with Thanksgiving holiday travel. Our employees are ready to welcome visitors to the Indy airport and ensure they have an outstanding customer experience before and after their Thanksgiving holiday.”

Airport officials say early morning flights (5 a.m. – 8 a.m.) account for nearly one third of passenger traffic for the day and encourage travelers flying out during this timeframe to arrive at the terminal two hours before their departure time.

In Indy airport history, this is the largest outbound capacity (available seats) for Thanksgiving week. Since 2004, this will be the most Wednesday-before-Thanksgiving capacity. Second-highest Sunday-after-Thanksgiving capacity. For the entire week of Thanksgiving, airlines have the highest seats per departure in IND’s history.

“Along with the airport, TSA is prepared to welcome holiday travelers coming through the checkpoint and want to ensure that they have a smooth experience,” said TSA’s Indiana Federal Security Director Aaron Batt. “Arriving to the airport with extra time and knowing what can and can’t be packed in carry-on and checked bags, as well as having a little patience for our officers and your fellow passengers, will result in a better screening experience for everyone.”

In addition to anticipated increased passenger traffic, travelers should be prepared for new screening technology.

New advanced Computed Tomography (CT) technology is installed at all 14 lanes of IND’s TSA security checkpoints. These upgrades aim to improve the airport’s world-class customer experience, and passengers can minimize delays by keeping prohibited items out of their carry-on bags and having a valid ID ready to present at the checkpoint.

The IAA reminds passengers of the following travel tips.

PREPARING FOR THANKSGIVING 2023 HOLIDAY TRAVEL
With Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving expected to be busy travel days, it’s important for travelers to be prepared before arriving at the airport. Plan ahead, pack smart, and get to the airport early.

Hoosiers can process through either TSA checkpoint and proceed to their gate in either concourse using the concourse connector. 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 encourages 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 theMyTSA 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

At the terminal