INDIANAPOLIS- The Indianapolis Airport Authority is urging fans flying out of the city on Feb. 18 and 19, after NBA All-Star Game, to expect to see some of the heaviest passenger traffic in the Indianapolis International Airport’s (IND) history.
Indianapolis TSA officials expect nearly 18,000 passengers to undergo security screening at the Indy airport on Sunday, and the biggest day of air travel out of the city on Monday – with more than 19,000 passengers anticipated through security. The biggest bulk of passenger travel will occur before 6 a.m. on both days.
Airport officials say early morning flights (5 a.m. – 6 a.m.) are the most impacted by the surge in travel and encourage travelers flying out during this timeframe to arrive at the terminal two hours before their departure time.
In addition to anticipated increased passenger traffic, travelers should be prepared for enhanced screening technology.
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. This technology allows passengers to leave 3-1-1 compliant liquids, laptops, and other electronic devices inside their carry-on bags.
The IAA reminds passengers of the following travel tips.
PREPARING FOR TRAVEL AFTER THE GAME
With Feb. 18 – 19 travel to be at record levels, it’s important for travelers to be prepared before arriving at the airport. Plan ahead, pack smart, and get to the airport early.
To accommodate the anticipated influx of passengers, TSA checkpoints A and B will open at 3 a.m. Passengers can process through either TSA checkpoint and proceed to their gate. TSA PreCheck is only available at 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/precheckfor a smoother screening process.
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
- 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
