Indianapolis airport expects 117K travelers for spring break: Tips to make your flight

Cheryl V. Jackson, Indianapolis Star
·2 min read

PreCheck might be the way to go.

Nearly 117,000 passengers are expected to travel through the Indianapolis International Airport over the next week with the continuation of spring break travel for Indiana college students,  according to the Indianapolis Airport Authority.

About 17,000 passengers per day will move through the airport's security checkpoints, according to Transportation Security Administration officials.

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The busiest days this week will be Thursday through Saturday with more than 18,000 passengers anticipated on Friday and nearly 19,000 on Saturday.

An air traveler carrying food and drink passes by a temporary wall, with accompanying local artwork by Boxx the Artist, that separates patrons Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, from the construction of a new Ben's Soft Pretzels location inside Indianapolis International Airport. The Goshen-based business serves handcrafted, fresh Amish-inspired jumbo soft pretzels.

Early morning flights, those taking off between 4-7 a.m., are the most likely to be impacted by the increase in traffic and airport officials are encouraging travelers flying out during that time to arrive at least two hours ahead of departure time to get checked in through security and to the gate in plenty of time before boarding call.

Travelers also should be aware of construction projects that can delay their movement. The Indy airport is installing new advanced screening technology in TSA security checkpoints and expanding the Terminal Garage.

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Among other tips for those flying out of Indianapolis International Airport during the spring break travel surge:

  • Airline ticket counters opening times vary, but generally they open two hours before flight departure.

  • TSA checkpoint A opens at 4 a.m. and checkpoint B opens at 3:30 a.m. Travelers can process through either TSA checkpoint and proceed to their gate.

  • TSA PreCheck is only available on checkpoint A.

  • Sign up for TSA PreCheck at tsa.gov/precheck for a smoother screening process, which eliminates the need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops or light jackets.

  • Parking options include valet service and electric vehicle charging.  For more information, visit ind.com/parking.

  • Those picking up friends or family should use the Cell Phone Lot to wait, then proceed to the drive for pick-up or park in hourly parking and meet their guests inside.

  • New restaurants are open at the airport. Dining options can be found at 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.

Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on Twitter:@cherylvjackson.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis airport: Tips for a smooth spring break trip