Posted in Local

Labor Day weekend travel expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels

 September 1, 2023

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Airport Authority is urging Hoosiers flying out of the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) starting today to arrive a full two hours early – particularly those passengers flying out on early morning flights.

Indianapolis TSA officials anticipate an influx of passengers traveling for Labor Day weekend to begin today and extend through Sept. 2. Officials expect more than 17,000 passengers will go through screening on Sept. 1. More than 25 percent of Friday’s travelers will head out before 6 a.m.

Airport officials say early morning flights (4 a.m. – 7 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 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 the Labor Day Travel Weekend

With Labor Day weekend 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 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 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 updates
  • 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

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
Looking for local stories prior to 2019? Click here