Indy Airport: Heavy Travel Weekend Ahead, Arrive Two Hours Early

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 1, 2021) – Indianapolis Airport Authority officials say heavy air travel is expected out of the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) this weekend ahead of the Labor Day holiday and is reminding Hoosiers to arrive the full two hours before their departure time.

An uptick in summer air travel is creating longer lines through security at peak travel times throughout the day, and this can affect travelers’ ability to arrive at their gate on time. Early morning flights (5 a.m. – 7 a.m.) are the most impacted and the Indy airport encourages travelers flying out during this timeframe to arrive at least two hours early.

TSA checkpoint A opens at 3:30 a.m. and checkpoint B opens at 4:15 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.

Travelers are strongly encouraged 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 – no need to remove shoes, belts, 3-11 liquids, laptops, or light jackets.

BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE AIRPORT

• Always check flight status with your airline prior to arriving at the airport
• Arrive a full two hours ahead of the departure time to get checked in, get through security, and to the gate in plenty of time before boarding call.
• Download your airline’s mobile app for all pertinent travel update
• Use a mobile boarding pass or print your boarding pass ahead of time
• Pack smart – check for prohibited items and follow the 3-11 liquids rule. Learn more at: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/refresh-your-memory-liquid-rules
• Bring/wear a face mask – Complimentary face masks are available at Guest Services in the terminal
• Learn more about COVID-19 health and safety measures at www.ind.com/covid19
• If needed, COVID-19 testing is available at IND. To learn more, visit: www.ind.com/covid19testing

PLAN AHEAD FOR PARKING

• For help determining parking options at IND, visit https://www.ind.com/parking
• Valet parking is back and offers the closest proximity to the pedestrian walkway to the terminal. To learn more, visit https://www.ind.com/parking/valet
• Grab a free water bottle on your way in from the Terminal Garage or bring your own reusable water bottle and fill up at the numerous water bottle filling stations located throughout the terminal.

• For a contactless parking experience at IND, register for the free parkIND plus program https://www.ind.com/parking/parkind-plus-program

AT THE TERMINAL

• Be mindful that many of IND’s shops and restaurants have adjusted operating hours
• Concourse Connector allows you to explore available options in both concourses, no matter which one you are flying out of
• Most food (excluding liquids) can be brought through TSA screening https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/food

• Wear a mask (per federal mandate) -- Complimentary face masks are available at the Guest Services desk.
• Practice social distancing, whenever possible and feasible
• For more COVID-19 health and safety measures, visit www.ind.com/covid19
• Explore new artwork throughout the terminal with murals from local artists, a nature photography exhibition, and the new KIND Gallery space. Learn more at: https://www.ind.com/community/arts-program
• 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